It was a bizarre game. But jibes on their keeper on the Cahill goal and Torres being off side need to be taken as part of a view on the whole game. Look at a bit more than a keeper being able to do more with a 30 yard Cahill shot, even if it’s to question wtf Cech was doing for the free kick that he easily saved but let the ball bounce off his chest and spin in to the goal.
Anyway, as I said, it was a bizarre game. The first 20 minutes was probably the best exhibition of football you’d see outside the nou camp. It honestly was excellent. The only negative was Ramires not passing square to Torres, 5 metres out from the goal, when Torres was obviously in a position to bury it. Ramires checked back, leaving two defenders sliding on, yet instaed of just sliding the ball sideways for a goal by Torres on 8 minutes he did a tame shot that was easily saved. But that first 20 minutes was excellent. Then we slowed, but were still the team controlling the game. Hazard got tripped and Lamps did the honours again – same pen, same place, same force as the wigan pen on sunday. Then we continued to just play. I mean, just play. They broke down the right and with the first ‘attack’, whipped a ball in and Terry was beaten in the air from the quick cross and the glancing header went in the corner. An excellent counter-attack goal, although 4 out of 5 of those headers wouldn’t normally be on target. But that’s by the by – it was a decent goal, albeit completely against the run of play.
Then we started to panic a little. Maybe not panic – but we were shocked. They hadn’t had a kick yet – but now it was 1-1. Then they broke again and Terry slid in from behind on 20 yards out and a free kick was given. Terry was booked, I think, too. Silly. The Guthrie free kick wasn’t speacial. Quite low when it got to Cech but he had it covered. He was behind the ball and it hit his chest but he didn’t catch it properly – the ball spun to his right and into the emoty goal. wtf is going on?
They could’ve made it 1-3 just before half time with a free header from a free kick. I was at the bar at that point, but saw it on the tv, including two replays. The defense let two of their men go. Diabolical. It went wide, when it should’ve been a goal. Off the hook. 1-2 at half time. And a pint at the bar.
The second half was all Chelsea. All Chelsea. Reading defended in numbers, as expected, but it was obvious it was a matter of time before we’d score.
Finally, with all the pressure, Cole was free to whack one in but played a soft nudge pass to Torres to tap in. Apparently if you see it 3 or 4 times Torres may have been half a yard offside. But Cole should’ve banged it as he’d have scored from there, anyway. Reports on talksport on way home said Sturridge didn’t even go over to congratulate him after the goal. I am beginning to wonder if Sturridge is trying to get sold? Really. He should’ve passed to Torres when Torres had just one man to beat for an easyish goal and he chose to take yet another wild shot from 25 yards at a angle. He is winding me up. Again. He’ll get chances to score – but look around you selfish knt.
On we go. Still all Chelsea, but please don’t make a mistake, guys. Last 5 minutes saw some pressure and we just couldn’t keep the ball. Injury time of 5 minutes (from somewhere), but 4 minutes in we broke away from their corner and Hazard slid one across for Branislav to slot a 4th goal home on 94mins. 4-2.
I’ll take that, but worries are there. Terry is a weakness in defense. Cahill is settling in, but obviously doesn’t like being behind side show bob in pecking order. And Ashley Cole hasn’t started this season at his best, imo.
We have the Newcastle front line storming at us on Saturday – so let’s hope we can try and keep a clean sheet for a change.
And I hope the M25 isn’t closed again, too. Tried to come off the A3 onto the M25 at J10 only to find it closed. Big detour and an extra 30 more minutes as I go back on the A3 and mess around thru’ Ripley and other Surrey villages.
Food for thought… first goal – a penalty again. 2nd goal – 30 yard shot from a ‘defender’. 3rd goal, the ‘defender’ Cole should’ve belted it in from 7 yards out, but slid to Torres to tap in. 4th goal – Hazard breaking away dowh the right and passes across for the ‘defender’, Ivanovich, to pass the ball home. What’s happened to all these attacking midfielders? They need to score some!! And don’t forget Torres – feed him – he’ll score, get more confident, and score more. Then more. Sturridge – pass to him, ffs. And get your head out of your arse. Or Torres will start sulking – pass the ball!
Up the Chels’.