The Times
Chelsea survive despite dodgy defenceSouthend 1 Chelsea 4
Oliver Kay, Football Correspondent
For half an hour in the inelegant surroundings of Roots Hall last night, it was as much as Luiz Felipe Scolari could do to look skywards, seemingly in the hope of being engulfed by fog.
His Chelsea team were facing the humiliating prospect of an FA Cup third-round replay defeat by Southend United and, given that rolling mist had caused this match to be postponed briefly, before lifting in time for a rethink an hour before kick-off, it seemed like it might be his best bet.
It did not turn out that way, of course, with Chelsea running out comfortable winners in what would, by the end, go down as a muchimproved performance, but, before the goals from Michael Ballack, on the stroke of half-time, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard, Scolari was indebted not to the fog but to what might be termed a Mark Robins moment.
That is shorthand for a turning point for a troubled manager — Robins, now in charge of Rotherham United, having saved a pre-knighted Alex Ferguson from the sack with a goal for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup third-round tie 19 years ago.
While this occasion did not seem to carry quite the same historical significance, Scolari will hope to be able to look back on Petr Cech’s save from Alex Revell, which prevented Southend going 2-0 up in the 38th minute, as the moment when impending disaster was averted in his troublesome first season at Stamford Bridge.
Ultimately, this was an uplifting evening for them, but it still seems a little too early to say whether this trip to the seaside will have the restorative effect that Scolari is looking for after an immensely difficult few weeks.
John Terry, the captain, suggested that Scolari’s public criticism of the team on Tuesday had given him and his colleagues a much-needed kick up the backside, but, even in victory, there were causes for concern, not least another goal conceded from a set-piece, another injury to Joe Cole, who will be assessed today, and the continuing travails of Didier Drogba, whose future appears uncertain. He was left out of the 18-man squad after a dreadful performance in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Drogba will have to show a drastic improvement in attitude on the training ground over the coming days if he is to return to the squad against Stoke City on Saturday, but Scolari’s immediate priority will be to sort out the defence, particularly when it comes to set-pieces.
Remarkably, Adam Barrett’s header in the sixteenth minute, which put Southend ahead, meant that five of the past seven goals that Chelsea have conceded have come from dead-ball situations.
Scolari had attempted to rectify that situation beforehand by announcing that he was to move away from man-to-man marking to a zonal system, such as that favoured by Liverpool, but the ease with which Barrett headed home a corner by Junior Stanislas suggested that there remains an awful lot of work to do.
As Steve Tilson, the Southend manager, put it: “If your delivery is good and they are zonal-marking, you end up getting a run on them. It was the first time they had tried it and, no doubt about it, they didn’t look comfortable from set-pieces.”
Ray Wilkins, the assistant first-team coach, seemed unsure afterwards whether zonal or man-to-man marking would be the way forward for Chelsea, but, at this point in the game, with their team 1-0 down, it was as much as the visiting supporters could do to indulge in gallows humour. “It’s so foggy, call it off”, they chanted, and, as their defence continued to wobble, Scolari seemed to spend a lot of time looking to the heavens.
If it was divine intervention, it came seven minutes from half-time, when Cech produced a brilliant save from Revell’s header. Then, in the final minute of the half, Ballack equalised, capitalising on Steve Mildenhall’s weak punch — although the goalkeeper was impeded by Peter Clarke, his own defender — to slam the ball into the roof of the net. It was Ballack’s first goal since scoring for Germany against Portugal in a European Championship quarter-final in Basle on June 19. Scolari seemed to be rather more welcoming of this effort.
The view among the locals at half-time was that Southend had had their fun and that order would soon be restored, but Tilson’s players continued to enjoy themselves. For Clarke and Barrett, who were outstanding for an hour, that meant throwing themselves in the way of just about everything that Chelsea could produce, but they could not deny the Barclays Premier League team indefinitely. Finally, on the hour, Cole threaded a pass through the inside-right channel to Kalou, who struck a low right-foot shot across Mildenhall and into the far corner.
Kalou and Anelka had been disappointing to that point, but they were to enjoy the closing stages, combining well for the latter to put the issue beyond any doubt with the third goal before Lampard struck a fourth in stoppage time.
That was the cue for Terry and several of his team-mates to celebrate at the final whistle by chucking their shirts into the crowd, as they once famously did on an equally cold night at Ewood Park back in the José Mourinho era. This did not seem to be anything like so much of a coming-of-age moment for a seemingly stagnating team, but that seaside air could end up doing some good.
Southend United (4-4-2): S Mildenhall — O Sankofa, P Clarke, A Barrett, J Herd — A Grant (sub: S Francis, 81min), J-F Christophe, F Moussa, J Stanislas — A Revell (sub: K Betsy, 86), L Barnard (sub: D Freedman, 73). Substitutes not used: I Joyce, S O’Keefe, J Walker.
Chelsea (4-1-4-1): P Cech — J Bosingwa, Alex, J Terry, A Cole — J O Mikel (sub: J Belletti, 46) — J Cole (sub: F Di Santo, 77), M Ballack, F Lampard, S Kalou — N Anelka. Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, B Ivanovic, R Carvalho, M Mancienne, M Stoch. Booked: Mikel.
Referee: C Foy.
New system, old habits
Chelsea’s frailties in the air, whether employing man-to-man or zonal marking, were exposed again last night when Adam Barrett nodded in a sixteenth-minute corner from Junior Stanislas. However, as their recent record in the Barclays Premier League proves, that is nothing new.
The past five league goals they have conceded have emanated from crosses — two scored by Clint Dempsey in the 2-2 draw with Fulham and the goals from Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in the 3-0 mauling against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph:
Chelsea give Luiz Felipe Scolari breathing spaceSouthend United (1) 1 Chelsea (1) 4 By Henry Winter at Roots Hall Luiz Felipe Scolari has lifted the World Cup with Brazil in Yokohama, and guided Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 in Lisbon, but he can rarely have celebrated with the gusto as after this FA Cup third-round replay success in deepest Essex. For a Brazilian, Scolari’s jig of joy was hardly Strictly Come Samba but his creaky-kneed dance of glee was utterly understandable.
Fog briefly put this tie in doubt, just as clouds of uncertainty had clung to Scolari’s reign. First the fog, then the clouds around Scolari were dispelled, leaving Chelsea’s manager, and his board, breathing more easily. But Scolari will never forget his visit to Southend, his emotions put through the wringer as Roots Hall screamed itself hoarse. When Adam Barrett, Southend’s outstanding captain, gave Steve Tilson’s gutsy side the lead, the pressure mounted on Scolari.
With his team trailing, and seemingly all of Essex baying for his blood, here was a real test for Scolari. "You’re getting sacked in the morning," chanted the locals. This was noisy nonsense. Even if Chelsea had faltered, the word from Chelsea’s powerbrokers remained the same: they would continue to back their coach because, unlike Avram Grant last season, Scolari owns a CV that earns him respect and time.
To the relief of watching Chelsea dignitaries like Peter Kenyon and Bruce Buck, Scolari’s players responded to adversity, pouring forward time after time, pinning Southend deep in their own half, and hitting back with Michael Ballack’s magnificent equaliser before the break. Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard struck in the second period to set up a fourth-round date with Ipswich Town.
Scolari had sought "answers" from his players after all the questions raised by their frailties in recent days, most notably in Sunday’s humiliation at Old Trafford. Answers were provided here: this starting 11 played for their manager, played for the shirt.
No Didier Drogba, no problem. Left behind in London, the Ivory Coast international was known to feel victimised by his demotion by Scolari, apparently resenting the perception that he was responsible for Sunday’s humiliation.
Chelsea have let Drogba know that if he really wants a move, he will need to start putting on more assertive displays than his widely-derided contribution at Old Trafford. Drogba will not be allowed to leave cheaply either. Along with Drogba, Deco was also held accountable for Sunday’s embarrassment, his lack of mobility exploited by Manchester United and now punished by Scolari. Neither player was missed.
But before John Terry, Lampard and Ballack could show their mettle, they were ambushed. After the fog had lifted, Scolari and his side had swiftly seen the shape of the challenge at Roots Hall. Southend fans, all singing, all flag-waving, screamed at every Chelsea touch, particularly when the ball was in the possession of Ashley Cole, that embodiment of Premier League arrogance. When Chelsea’s other full-back, Jose Bosingwa, slid into the hoardings, the Portuguese international received some choice Essex invective.
Fuelled by the fire of their supporters, Southend players snapped into tackles, giving their illustrious guests no space to breathe, let alone create an opening for 44 minutes. Their tactics frustrated Chelsea for most of the half, Alex Revell and Lee Barnard taking it in turns to drop off the front line and stiffen midfield.
The determination etched on Revell’s face as he hunted down Ashley Cole said everything for Southend’s commitment levels. They sensed an upset. They had read all the stories of trouble at the Bridge, had seen how Chelsea waved the white flag at Old Trafford. Tilson’s players craved this chance of writing them names in FA folklore. Chelsea had other ideas.
But they need more ideas at defending set-plays. Junior Stanislas, a livewire presence, whipped in a 15th-minute corner that caused carnage, allowing the unmarked Barrett to head in. Chelsea’s defence seems trapped in a recurring nightmare: seven of their last eight goals conceded have emanated from freezing at set-pieces.
The heat was on for Scolari. Emerging from the dug-out, he barked a few instructions to his wide players to hug the flanks more, so stretching Southend’s packed midfield, anything to create some space so Lampard and Ballack could pierce the armour-plated centre.
So the great revival began. Lampard, tireless in midfield, was denied by Southend’s keeper, Steve Mildenhall. Ballack shot over, then wide. Still Chelsea attacked. Still Southend breathed defiance, Barrett proving the rock on which Chelsea foundered. Lampard, embodying the visitors’ hunger and attacking intentions, swerved in a corner that Terry headed over.
So committed to attack, Chelsea were vulnerable to the counter. After Chris Foy had played an inspired advantage when John Obi Mikel took out Anthony Grant, Stanislas raced down the right, his acceleration catching out Ashley Cole. Stanislas’ cross was perfection, weighted to reach the stooping Revell at the far-post. Cech kept Chelsea in the Cup with a stunning, whites-of-the-eyes save.
Reprieved, Chelsea stormed back the other end, equalising just before the interval. When Mildenhall and Barrett collided, the ball fell to Ballack, whose response was sensational. The German international has deserved his criticism this season, a heavyweight performer punching far below his weight, but he merits huge praise here. He had no time to think, no split-second to waste. Meeting the loose ball first-time, Ballack swept it into the net from 15 yards.
Joe Cole began to make an impression for Chelsea, thwarted by Mildenhall, but then sweeping a magnificent pass from left to right. Kalou darted on, driving into the box before shooting low past Mildenhall.
The tie was wrapped up when Lampard and Kalou combined to set up Anelka, who struck from 10 yards. Lampard, with a late shot, completely blew away the fog draped like a dark veil over Chelsea. But with Stoke City up next, Scolari has more work to do on that zonal marking.
---------------------------------------------------------
Mail:
Southend 1 Chelsea 4: Blues boss Scolari is safe but only after a shaky start
They threw their shirts towards Chelsea's supporters at the final whistle of this on-off tie, relieved to survive a scare and secure their place in the fourth round.This time, the 2,000 fans behind Steve Mildenhall's goal at Roots Hall resisted the temptation to throw them back at their bare-chested, tub-thumping Chelsea heroes.It was a close call all the same. Luiz Felipe Scolari was facing the sack when Adam Barrett put Southend in front after 15 minutes, but Chelsea's boss is safe. For now.Barett's goal justified the decision of referee Chris Foy to change his mind and allow this game to go ahead.
At 6.53pm he broke the hearts of Southend's supporters, deeming the game unplayable because of the fog. Seven minutes later the mist disappeared and Foy changed his mind. A good call.For Chelsea, this result papered over the cracks, once again highlighting their weaknesses when they fell behind to another set-piece as Barrett met Junior Stanislas's corner.Zonal marking, man-to-man marking, it really makes no difference. Chelsea should not be conceding set-pieces at Southend. Not to a team 14th in League One.The pressure will be back on Scolari by the time he faces Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with an anxious board of directors demanding a return to winning ways in the Premier League.He claimed he would take the blame if his players failed to respond to his public rebuke, saying he would accept full responsibility if the team conceded from another dead-ball situation.They did just that when Alex and Nicolas Anelka allowed Southend captain Barrett a free run on goal to power his side in front with a well-timed header.Ultimately the local fans were left disappointed as Chelsea finally recovered, equalising when Michael Ballack's volley beat Mildenhall in the 45th minute after a mix-up between the goalkeeper and his defenders.It was a response, of sorts, following Scolari's remarkable outburst on Tuesday.The team were shot to bits after they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester United on Sunday and gunned down by their manager on the eve of this third-round replay.There are only so many team meetings, clear-the-air talks and tactical switches that Scolari can make before Roman Abramovich runs out of patience with a manager who should have a bit more about him.
Tuesday's tirade broke the unwritten code that exists between managers and players.The training ground is the inner sanctum, the area to air grievances, but Scolari stepped outside the box with his public condemnation of his squad.Scolari had accused some members of his team of only playing at '50 per cent of their potential', others at only '35-40'.After the win at Roots Hall, skipper John Terry said: 'A lot of the criticism we've had has been fair. We have not been fighting enough.
'The manager was right to say what he did the other day. But we showed spirit.'Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins said: 'I don't know about 35 to 40 per cent or even 50 per cent. Tonight's performance was 100 per cent commitment from the players.'Contrary to popular belief there are no problems in the dressing-room. We are a very, very happy club.'
Scolari called in the replacements, relying on second half strikes from Salomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka - substitutes at Old Trafford - along with Frank Lampard's effort in added time to secure a fourth-round tie against Ipswich a week on Saturday.Kalou's solo run had put this game beyond Southend in the 60th minute, drilling the ball neatly beyond Mildenhall before Anelka, in the team at the expense of disgraced striker Didier Drogba, added the third.
Southend were finished when Kalou provided a measured touch for Lampard to add Chelsea's fourth and put the smile back on the face of their supporters. Not to mention the manager.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian:
Chelsea intact but Southend expose familiar sores
Southend 1 Barrett 16 Chelsea 4 Ballack 45, Kalou 60, Anelka 78, Lampard 90
Kevin McCarra at Roots Hall
Chelsea took a tortuous route to a misleadingly simple result. They had lagged in this game and the goals from Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard came late in this FA Cup replay. The victors still celebrated lustily, throwing their jerseys to the visiting fans. That might have seemed disproportionate but this was just the second win for Chelsea in seven matches.
They came, too, from a drubbing at Old Trafford on Sunday. The damage done there was in plain view here. Competence in basic situations was lacking again. Indeed, they might have succumbed entirely had Petr Cech not pulled off a wonderful save from Alex Revell eight minutes before half-time when Southend could have snatched a 2-0 lead.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's decision to switch to zonal marking was far from an immediate success. When Southend claimed the opener, it was the ninth goal in the last 12 that Chelsea had conceded from a set piece. A new procedure was never likely to be flawless and Scolari can take a modicum of satisfaction from the game.
He showed a boldness that fans had craved. Didier Drogba, following an intolerably bad outing at Old Trafford, was cut from the squad entirely. Nicolas Anelka, an eventual scorer, showed himself a satisfactory alternative. The dash of angst for Chelsea lay in the knee injury to Joe Cole, who had been busy and alert.
The most encouraging contribution must have come from Salomon Kalou, a footballer whose efforts in Premier League games have often been peripheral. Having been preferred to Deco, he was involved in the build-up for those Anelka and Lampard goals. By then he had already notched one on his own account.
The result, Chelsea's second win in seven games, was a minor relief after Southend opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Alex, preferred to Ricardo Carvalho, paved the way for it by putting a pass-back behind from just inside the half-way line.
The visitors dealt with that corner but only by letting Southend have another. Junior Stanislas struck it deep and the marking malfunctioned instantly. The captain Adam Barrett headed home with ease after getting between Alex and Anelka. An equaliser was not notched until the last minute of the first half.
Southend's goalkeeper collided with Peter Clarke, who had levelled the scores in the closing minutes at Stamford Bridge, and Michael Ballack recorded his first goal of the season with a beautiful finish. It did little more, at that juncture, than ease frustrations.
A waning Chelsea would have wished this tie to vanish from the fixture list. It nearly did drop from sight when mist descended in the early evening. The referee, Chris Foy, called the match off but soon changed his mind when visibility was perfect again just before 7pm. By the middle of the first half the visiting fans were chanting, "It's so foggy, call it off."
Despite the miseries endured, Chelsea passed smoothly and Joe Cole was incisive. Ultimately no echoes were tolerated of 2006, when Manchester United were knocked out of the League Cup at Roots Hall. The Southend squad has been almost entirely rebuilt since then, with Clarke among the few survivors, but the newcomers have their own ambitions.
Anthony Grant, for instance, used to be on Chelsea's books and his single outing for them came unforgettably during a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in 2005. He can only have been yearning here to remind former employers of his existence.
Steve Tilson's entire squad acted as if they had precisely the same motivation but the Premier League team, inevitably, was more at peace when the arts of the game were the key. Ashley Cole called for a good save from Steve Mildenhall with a shot that flew through a crowded goalmouth. Chelsea's real opponents was their own apprehension. If the visitors could have relaxed the match might have pleased them sooner.
Scolari was worried enough to remove John Obi Mikel at half-time and introduce Juliano Belletti. His side were still not sure of themselves, there was agitation at each dead ball and, especially, when a corner from Stanislas in the 58th minute was sent over the bar by Jean-François Christophe.
Two minutes later Chelsea produced a piece of distinction to go into the lead. Joe Cole served up a shrewd pass to Kalou on the right and he measured a shot into the corner of the net. The victors have earned a day or two of normality but there is still a lot to be done before Scolari's future with Chelsea is secure.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent:
Kalou provides relief for Scolari's back trouble
Southend United 1 Chelsea 4
By Sam Wallace
It will not just be Southend's sea mists and its unnerving sense of isolation that will make Luiz Felipe Scolari shiver when in years to come he is reminded of his one day out on the Essex coast. Not many World Cup-winning coaches have come close to being humiliated at Roots Hall but at one goal down, Scolari might have wondered whether he was about to be an unlikely first.
The Chelsea players tossed their shirts triumphantly into the crowd at the end, strutting off the pitch as if he they had just slayed a major Champions League opponent, rather than won an FA Cup replay against League One strugglers. Chelsea proved themselves still to be a complete shambles when it comes to defending set-pieces but fortunately for them they were up against the Shrimpers last night rather than one of the bigger fish.
The drama began when Didier Drogba was left at home, thrown out by Scolari as punishment for his risible performance against Manchester United. It continued when the referee Chris Foy then called the game off more than an hour before kick-off because of the fog before changing his decision when it disappeared. The mist may have lifted but the confusion remained at the heart of Chelsea's defence.
In the end it was Michael Ballack, his first goal since he scored against Scolari's Portugal at Euro 2008, who hit the equaliser before half-time. Salomon Kalou calmed things further with a goal on the hour and then Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard made things safe. Chelsea now face Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Southend turn their minds to Stockport County away. But they do so knowing that they have wreaked havoc from set-pieces against Chelsea just as efficiently as United did on Sunday. For Chelsea there is a serious issue around Joe Cole's fitness now, the midfielder was struggling to walk after twisting his knee.
With Scolari ducking the post-match press conference following his broadside against his players on Tuesday it fell to John Terry to explain what effect the last few days had on the team. "We have under-performed recently and the manager was right to criticise us for not fighting enough," Terry said. "This was an opportunity for us and we showed great spirit. It was not the best of starts but after 30 minutes we upped the tempo and fully deserved to win. It [conceding from set-pieces] is one of those things. You go through spells like it in a season."
It has been quite some spell from Chelsea, this was the fifth out of seven goals they have conceded in their last four games to come from a set-piece. Scolari's new zonal marking system lasted all of 15 minutes and just one Southend corner – and that was taken short – before it buckled. Adam Barrett got between the unimposing Alex Da Costa and Anelka to head in at the back post.
Had it not been for Petr Cech's point blank save from Alex Revell on 38 minutes, then who knows what might have befallen Chelsea, still one goal down at the time. It barely needs saying that Roman Abramovich was not in town last night but his boardroom lieutenant Eugene Tenenbaum was there in person to watch alongside chief executive Peter Kenyon. They could not have been sure the equaliser was coming.
In the build-up to Ballack's goal Johnny Herd cleared off the line from Joe Cole, and Southend ranged 11 men behind the ball. Barrett and Peter Clarke were excellent in the centre. Just before half-time Clarke, the scorer at Stamford Bridge collided with goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall and, when the ball broke free, Ballack volleyed home.
The goal may have steadied Chelsea's nerves but it did nothing for their poise at corners. They came close to conceding yet again when Jean-Francois Christophe was first to a Junior Stanislas corner and headed over the bar before the hour. Eventually the breakthrough came when Joe Cole hit a cross-field ball that Kalou ran on to down the right wing and beat Mildenhall at his far post.
Scolari substituted the unimpressive John Obi Mikel at half-time and brought on Juliano Belletti. Anelka scored the third after Lampard and Kalou combined to play him in. Kalou returned the favour to Lampard, cutting the ball back to him for the fourth goal after Franco Di Santo had done well to win possession in midfield. Chelsea face Stoke City on Saturday, and they know a thing or two about scoring from set-pieces.
Southend United (4-5-1): Mildenhall; Sankofa, Clarke, Barrett, Herd; Revell (Betsy, 85), Grant (Francis, 80), Moussa, Christophe, Stanislas; Barnard (Freedman, 73). Substitutes not used: Walker, Joyce (gk), O'Keefe.
Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Mikel (Belletti, h-t); J Cole (Di Santo, 76), Ballack, Lampard, Kalou; Anelka. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Ivanovic, Carvalho, Mancienne, Stoch.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun:
Southend 1 Chelsea 4
From IAN McGARRY at Roots Hall
PHIL SCOLARI took one of the biggest gambles of his career when he slaughtered his own players this week. So often a loser in recent games, last night it was Big Phil who came out on top against the plucky Shrimpers.
Chelsea’s victory saw them safely escape the Southend fog but their season is not out of the woods yet.
Just as they recorded their first win since Boxing Day, Manchester United were jumping ahead of them into second in the Prem title race with a win over Wigan.
Goals from Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard set up an FA Cup fourth round match with Championship side Ipswich.
The score suggests a walk in the Essex park — but the result does not tell the whole story.
Boss Scolari changed his side’s defensive strategy after Sunday’s 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford.
Instead of marking men, Scolari said his team would now apply zonal marking — and if it went wrong, then he was to blame.
He also accused some of his players of giving only 35 per cent effort during their recent run of one win in five matches. Again, a brave and honest accusation but one which can give some players the hump.
For Scolari, it was a huge risk ahead of an FA Cup tie which could have cost him his job.
After a false abandonment because of fog at Roots Hall, Scolari must have been praying for an act of God to stop the game after 16 minutes.
Junior Stanislaus caused havoc on the flanks and Alex’s poor backpass gave away a corner.
With all eyes on how Chelsea would cope with the 16th-minute set-piece, no one would be disappointed.
Well, except Scolari that is.
After Petr Cech swept away the first cross, Adam Barrett had a free header from the second to open the scoring.
It was a sweet moment for the defender who was injured for Southend’s famous 1-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United two years ago.
It was the fifth goal from the last seven Chelsea have conceded that had come from a cross into the area.
And it could have been worse for Scolari when Osei Sankofa broke free on the right and set up Alex Revell.
The Shrimpers striker was just three yards out but somehow, some way, Cech managed to anticipate his movement and dived low to his right to make a remarkable stop.
Chelsea piled forward but needed a stroke of luck to grab the leveller in added time.
Peter Clarke collided with keeper Steve Mildenhall, in the box and the ball fell to Ballack, who slammed in from 18 yards.
Boss Steve Tilson’s Southend came out fighting after the break but Salomon Kalou responded to his recall with Chelsea’s second.
On the hour Joe Cole picked out the winger and he calmly rolled into the net from the right of the area. There was more relief than celebration in the Chelsea dug out.
Anelka slid home after 78 minutes to the put the contest beyond doubt. Only then did the carnival cool.
Frank Lampard knocked in a well worked fourth in added time. But the home support had one last taunt in their armoury.
“Stand up, if you’ve beat Man U,” they shouted at the visitors.
And like the result, it was fair and well delivered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mirror:
FA Cup third round replay: Southend 1-4 Chelsea By Martin Lipton 14/01/2009
They celebrated as if they'd won the title, not done what they were supposed to do and avoid humiliation.
Yet as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack threw their shirts into the travelling fans at Roots Hall to mark the win that hauled Luiz Felipe Scolari back from the abyss, the extent of Chelsea's decline and fall was on full public display.
In Jose Mourinho's first season, those triumphant scenes marked a brutal victory at Blackburn that made Chelsea believe the title was theirs to claim.
Last night, it signposted the sheer desperation and fear of failure that threatens to derail the entire campaign and send the Brazilian back to Rio with his reputation in tatters.
Three goals in the last half-hour from Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Lampard proved that spirit still exists in the heart of Scolari's dressing room, even if the Brazilian has done his best to fracture it completely.
But after another display of defensive chaos for which Scolari took responsibility 24 hours before kick-off, it still looked a case of the cracks being papered over, rather than fixed.
Yes, Chelsea dominated, creating chance after chance and failing to take them until it started to get close to crisis point as Southend defended with real guts.
Yet so they should, taking on a side standing 14th in League One, a team which never should have stood a prayer of completing one of the all-time great FA Cup upsets.
The fact that Kalou's strike on the hour was greeted with such relief by his team-mates and Scolari says everything you need to know.
Once all-conquering, Chelsea now look horribly vulnerable and if there was any remaining doubts over that, they were ended after 16 minutes on the Essex coast.
Scolari had staked a huge amount of his remaining credibility in sorting out the catastrophic defending that had seen his men leak four out of six goals since Christmas from set-pieces.
And much of that surely disappeared as the folly of forcing an unwanted zonal system on players who thrive in man to man contact was brought home to the sheer joy of Roots Hall.
Alex, who was absolutely shocking all match after replacing the dumped Ricardo Carvalho, started it by mis-hitting a needless back-pass from half-way to concede a corner.
And while Petr Cech flapped the first Junior Stanislaus flag-kick behind, he was left utterly exposed as home skipper Adam Barrett steamed between Alex and Anelka to thump home.
Shocking and unacceptable, a symptom of the mess Scolari seems to be creating with every passing week, the rift which left Didier Drogba at home rather than travelling with his team-mates part of the bigger picture.
More worryingly, Chelsea did not learn and while they conspired to miss a catalogue of openings - including Joe Cole firing at Steve Mildenhall and Frank Lampard thrashing into the keeper's chest - only Cech's reflexes spared them true humiliation seven minutes before the break.
Alex Revell arrived perfectly to meet Osei Sankofa's cross as Chelsea stood ball-watching but with his side's season on the line Cech pulled off a truly stunning stop.
Its value was brought home on the stroke of half-time. Mildenhall had done everything right until that point but got in a fearful muddle with centre-half Peter Clarke with Jose Bosingwa sent in a hopeful ball.
Even then, he might have got away with it, punching to the edge of the box, but Ballack - far more impressive than at Old Trafford - hit it instinctively on the half-volley and into the top corner.
The goal changed the mood, although Chelsea were only a set-piece away from imploding again.
Indeed, just two minutes before Kalou brought order amid the chaos, the new system left Jean-Francois Christophe completely unmarked from another Stanislaus corner, only for him to head too high.
Better organised teams - like Stoke, for instance? - will be licking their lips and even if Southend's legs gave up after Kalou took advantage of Cole's vision to beat Johnny Herd and find the far corner. Sadly for the England midfielder, a nasty-looking knee injury threatens to keep him on the sidelines again just as he was finding his form, although Chelsea finally took advantage of the extra spaces with two in the last 11 minutes.
Both were simple, Anelka - finally showing something after hardly justifying his selection ahead of the dumped Didier Drogba - side-footing home from Kalou, who then teed up Lampard for the bit of glitter.
Star dust, though, is in short supply at the Bridge. Crisis averted for Scolari. But for how long?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelsea survive despite dodgy defenceSouthend 1 Chelsea 4
Oliver Kay, Football Correspondent
For half an hour in the inelegant surroundings of Roots Hall last night, it was as much as Luiz Felipe Scolari could do to look skywards, seemingly in the hope of being engulfed by fog.
His Chelsea team were facing the humiliating prospect of an FA Cup third-round replay defeat by Southend United and, given that rolling mist had caused this match to be postponed briefly, before lifting in time for a rethink an hour before kick-off, it seemed like it might be his best bet.
It did not turn out that way, of course, with Chelsea running out comfortable winners in what would, by the end, go down as a muchimproved performance, but, before the goals from Michael Ballack, on the stroke of half-time, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard, Scolari was indebted not to the fog but to what might be termed a Mark Robins moment.
That is shorthand for a turning point for a troubled manager — Robins, now in charge of Rotherham United, having saved a pre-knighted Alex Ferguson from the sack with a goal for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup third-round tie 19 years ago.
While this occasion did not seem to carry quite the same historical significance, Scolari will hope to be able to look back on Petr Cech’s save from Alex Revell, which prevented Southend going 2-0 up in the 38th minute, as the moment when impending disaster was averted in his troublesome first season at Stamford Bridge.
Ultimately, this was an uplifting evening for them, but it still seems a little too early to say whether this trip to the seaside will have the restorative effect that Scolari is looking for after an immensely difficult few weeks.
John Terry, the captain, suggested that Scolari’s public criticism of the team on Tuesday had given him and his colleagues a much-needed kick up the backside, but, even in victory, there were causes for concern, not least another goal conceded from a set-piece, another injury to Joe Cole, who will be assessed today, and the continuing travails of Didier Drogba, whose future appears uncertain. He was left out of the 18-man squad after a dreadful performance in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Drogba will have to show a drastic improvement in attitude on the training ground over the coming days if he is to return to the squad against Stoke City on Saturday, but Scolari’s immediate priority will be to sort out the defence, particularly when it comes to set-pieces.
Remarkably, Adam Barrett’s header in the sixteenth minute, which put Southend ahead, meant that five of the past seven goals that Chelsea have conceded have come from dead-ball situations.
Scolari had attempted to rectify that situation beforehand by announcing that he was to move away from man-to-man marking to a zonal system, such as that favoured by Liverpool, but the ease with which Barrett headed home a corner by Junior Stanislas suggested that there remains an awful lot of work to do.
As Steve Tilson, the Southend manager, put it: “If your delivery is good and they are zonal-marking, you end up getting a run on them. It was the first time they had tried it and, no doubt about it, they didn’t look comfortable from set-pieces.”
Ray Wilkins, the assistant first-team coach, seemed unsure afterwards whether zonal or man-to-man marking would be the way forward for Chelsea, but, at this point in the game, with their team 1-0 down, it was as much as the visiting supporters could do to indulge in gallows humour. “It’s so foggy, call it off”, they chanted, and, as their defence continued to wobble, Scolari seemed to spend a lot of time looking to the heavens.
If it was divine intervention, it came seven minutes from half-time, when Cech produced a brilliant save from Revell’s header. Then, in the final minute of the half, Ballack equalised, capitalising on Steve Mildenhall’s weak punch — although the goalkeeper was impeded by Peter Clarke, his own defender — to slam the ball into the roof of the net. It was Ballack’s first goal since scoring for Germany against Portugal in a European Championship quarter-final in Basle on June 19. Scolari seemed to be rather more welcoming of this effort.
The view among the locals at half-time was that Southend had had their fun and that order would soon be restored, but Tilson’s players continued to enjoy themselves. For Clarke and Barrett, who were outstanding for an hour, that meant throwing themselves in the way of just about everything that Chelsea could produce, but they could not deny the Barclays Premier League team indefinitely. Finally, on the hour, Cole threaded a pass through the inside-right channel to Kalou, who struck a low right-foot shot across Mildenhall and into the far corner.
Kalou and Anelka had been disappointing to that point, but they were to enjoy the closing stages, combining well for the latter to put the issue beyond any doubt with the third goal before Lampard struck a fourth in stoppage time.
That was the cue for Terry and several of his team-mates to celebrate at the final whistle by chucking their shirts into the crowd, as they once famously did on an equally cold night at Ewood Park back in the José Mourinho era. This did not seem to be anything like so much of a coming-of-age moment for a seemingly stagnating team, but that seaside air could end up doing some good.
Southend United (4-4-2): S Mildenhall — O Sankofa, P Clarke, A Barrett, J Herd — A Grant (sub: S Francis, 81min), J-F Christophe, F Moussa, J Stanislas — A Revell (sub: K Betsy, 86), L Barnard (sub: D Freedman, 73). Substitutes not used: I Joyce, S O’Keefe, J Walker.
Chelsea (4-1-4-1): P Cech — J Bosingwa, Alex, J Terry, A Cole — J O Mikel (sub: J Belletti, 46) — J Cole (sub: F Di Santo, 77), M Ballack, F Lampard, S Kalou — N Anelka. Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, B Ivanovic, R Carvalho, M Mancienne, M Stoch. Booked: Mikel.
Referee: C Foy.
New system, old habits
Chelsea’s frailties in the air, whether employing man-to-man or zonal marking, were exposed again last night when Adam Barrett nodded in a sixteenth-minute corner from Junior Stanislas. However, as their recent record in the Barclays Premier League proves, that is nothing new.
The past five league goals they have conceded have emanated from crosses — two scored by Clint Dempsey in the 2-2 draw with Fulham and the goals from Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in the 3-0 mauling against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph:
Chelsea give Luiz Felipe Scolari breathing spaceSouthend United (1) 1 Chelsea (1) 4 By Henry Winter at Roots Hall Luiz Felipe Scolari has lifted the World Cup with Brazil in Yokohama, and guided Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 in Lisbon, but he can rarely have celebrated with the gusto as after this FA Cup third-round replay success in deepest Essex. For a Brazilian, Scolari’s jig of joy was hardly Strictly Come Samba but his creaky-kneed dance of glee was utterly understandable.
Fog briefly put this tie in doubt, just as clouds of uncertainty had clung to Scolari’s reign. First the fog, then the clouds around Scolari were dispelled, leaving Chelsea’s manager, and his board, breathing more easily. But Scolari will never forget his visit to Southend, his emotions put through the wringer as Roots Hall screamed itself hoarse. When Adam Barrett, Southend’s outstanding captain, gave Steve Tilson’s gutsy side the lead, the pressure mounted on Scolari.
With his team trailing, and seemingly all of Essex baying for his blood, here was a real test for Scolari. "You’re getting sacked in the morning," chanted the locals. This was noisy nonsense. Even if Chelsea had faltered, the word from Chelsea’s powerbrokers remained the same: they would continue to back their coach because, unlike Avram Grant last season, Scolari owns a CV that earns him respect and time.
To the relief of watching Chelsea dignitaries like Peter Kenyon and Bruce Buck, Scolari’s players responded to adversity, pouring forward time after time, pinning Southend deep in their own half, and hitting back with Michael Ballack’s magnificent equaliser before the break. Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard struck in the second period to set up a fourth-round date with Ipswich Town.
Scolari had sought "answers" from his players after all the questions raised by their frailties in recent days, most notably in Sunday’s humiliation at Old Trafford. Answers were provided here: this starting 11 played for their manager, played for the shirt.
No Didier Drogba, no problem. Left behind in London, the Ivory Coast international was known to feel victimised by his demotion by Scolari, apparently resenting the perception that he was responsible for Sunday’s humiliation.
Chelsea have let Drogba know that if he really wants a move, he will need to start putting on more assertive displays than his widely-derided contribution at Old Trafford. Drogba will not be allowed to leave cheaply either. Along with Drogba, Deco was also held accountable for Sunday’s embarrassment, his lack of mobility exploited by Manchester United and now punished by Scolari. Neither player was missed.
But before John Terry, Lampard and Ballack could show their mettle, they were ambushed. After the fog had lifted, Scolari and his side had swiftly seen the shape of the challenge at Roots Hall. Southend fans, all singing, all flag-waving, screamed at every Chelsea touch, particularly when the ball was in the possession of Ashley Cole, that embodiment of Premier League arrogance. When Chelsea’s other full-back, Jose Bosingwa, slid into the hoardings, the Portuguese international received some choice Essex invective.
Fuelled by the fire of their supporters, Southend players snapped into tackles, giving their illustrious guests no space to breathe, let alone create an opening for 44 minutes. Their tactics frustrated Chelsea for most of the half, Alex Revell and Lee Barnard taking it in turns to drop off the front line and stiffen midfield.
The determination etched on Revell’s face as he hunted down Ashley Cole said everything for Southend’s commitment levels. They sensed an upset. They had read all the stories of trouble at the Bridge, had seen how Chelsea waved the white flag at Old Trafford. Tilson’s players craved this chance of writing them names in FA folklore. Chelsea had other ideas.
But they need more ideas at defending set-plays. Junior Stanislas, a livewire presence, whipped in a 15th-minute corner that caused carnage, allowing the unmarked Barrett to head in. Chelsea’s defence seems trapped in a recurring nightmare: seven of their last eight goals conceded have emanated from freezing at set-pieces.
The heat was on for Scolari. Emerging from the dug-out, he barked a few instructions to his wide players to hug the flanks more, so stretching Southend’s packed midfield, anything to create some space so Lampard and Ballack could pierce the armour-plated centre.
So the great revival began. Lampard, tireless in midfield, was denied by Southend’s keeper, Steve Mildenhall. Ballack shot over, then wide. Still Chelsea attacked. Still Southend breathed defiance, Barrett proving the rock on which Chelsea foundered. Lampard, embodying the visitors’ hunger and attacking intentions, swerved in a corner that Terry headed over.
So committed to attack, Chelsea were vulnerable to the counter. After Chris Foy had played an inspired advantage when John Obi Mikel took out Anthony Grant, Stanislas raced down the right, his acceleration catching out Ashley Cole. Stanislas’ cross was perfection, weighted to reach the stooping Revell at the far-post. Cech kept Chelsea in the Cup with a stunning, whites-of-the-eyes save.
Reprieved, Chelsea stormed back the other end, equalising just before the interval. When Mildenhall and Barrett collided, the ball fell to Ballack, whose response was sensational. The German international has deserved his criticism this season, a heavyweight performer punching far below his weight, but he merits huge praise here. He had no time to think, no split-second to waste. Meeting the loose ball first-time, Ballack swept it into the net from 15 yards.
Joe Cole began to make an impression for Chelsea, thwarted by Mildenhall, but then sweeping a magnificent pass from left to right. Kalou darted on, driving into the box before shooting low past Mildenhall.
The tie was wrapped up when Lampard and Kalou combined to set up Anelka, who struck from 10 yards. Lampard, with a late shot, completely blew away the fog draped like a dark veil over Chelsea. But with Stoke City up next, Scolari has more work to do on that zonal marking.
---------------------------------------------------------
Mail:
Southend 1 Chelsea 4: Blues boss Scolari is safe but only after a shaky start
They threw their shirts towards Chelsea's supporters at the final whistle of this on-off tie, relieved to survive a scare and secure their place in the fourth round.This time, the 2,000 fans behind Steve Mildenhall's goal at Roots Hall resisted the temptation to throw them back at their bare-chested, tub-thumping Chelsea heroes.It was a close call all the same. Luiz Felipe Scolari was facing the sack when Adam Barrett put Southend in front after 15 minutes, but Chelsea's boss is safe. For now.Barett's goal justified the decision of referee Chris Foy to change his mind and allow this game to go ahead.
At 6.53pm he broke the hearts of Southend's supporters, deeming the game unplayable because of the fog. Seven minutes later the mist disappeared and Foy changed his mind. A good call.For Chelsea, this result papered over the cracks, once again highlighting their weaknesses when they fell behind to another set-piece as Barrett met Junior Stanislas's corner.Zonal marking, man-to-man marking, it really makes no difference. Chelsea should not be conceding set-pieces at Southend. Not to a team 14th in League One.The pressure will be back on Scolari by the time he faces Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with an anxious board of directors demanding a return to winning ways in the Premier League.He claimed he would take the blame if his players failed to respond to his public rebuke, saying he would accept full responsibility if the team conceded from another dead-ball situation.They did just that when Alex and Nicolas Anelka allowed Southend captain Barrett a free run on goal to power his side in front with a well-timed header.Ultimately the local fans were left disappointed as Chelsea finally recovered, equalising when Michael Ballack's volley beat Mildenhall in the 45th minute after a mix-up between the goalkeeper and his defenders.It was a response, of sorts, following Scolari's remarkable outburst on Tuesday.The team were shot to bits after they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester United on Sunday and gunned down by their manager on the eve of this third-round replay.There are only so many team meetings, clear-the-air talks and tactical switches that Scolari can make before Roman Abramovich runs out of patience with a manager who should have a bit more about him.
Tuesday's tirade broke the unwritten code that exists between managers and players.The training ground is the inner sanctum, the area to air grievances, but Scolari stepped outside the box with his public condemnation of his squad.Scolari had accused some members of his team of only playing at '50 per cent of their potential', others at only '35-40'.After the win at Roots Hall, skipper John Terry said: 'A lot of the criticism we've had has been fair. We have not been fighting enough.
'The manager was right to say what he did the other day. But we showed spirit.'Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins said: 'I don't know about 35 to 40 per cent or even 50 per cent. Tonight's performance was 100 per cent commitment from the players.'Contrary to popular belief there are no problems in the dressing-room. We are a very, very happy club.'
Scolari called in the replacements, relying on second half strikes from Salomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka - substitutes at Old Trafford - along with Frank Lampard's effort in added time to secure a fourth-round tie against Ipswich a week on Saturday.Kalou's solo run had put this game beyond Southend in the 60th minute, drilling the ball neatly beyond Mildenhall before Anelka, in the team at the expense of disgraced striker Didier Drogba, added the third.
Southend were finished when Kalou provided a measured touch for Lampard to add Chelsea's fourth and put the smile back on the face of their supporters. Not to mention the manager.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian:
Chelsea intact but Southend expose familiar sores
Southend 1 Barrett 16 Chelsea 4 Ballack 45, Kalou 60, Anelka 78, Lampard 90
Kevin McCarra at Roots Hall
Chelsea took a tortuous route to a misleadingly simple result. They had lagged in this game and the goals from Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard came late in this FA Cup replay. The victors still celebrated lustily, throwing their jerseys to the visiting fans. That might have seemed disproportionate but this was just the second win for Chelsea in seven matches.
They came, too, from a drubbing at Old Trafford on Sunday. The damage done there was in plain view here. Competence in basic situations was lacking again. Indeed, they might have succumbed entirely had Petr Cech not pulled off a wonderful save from Alex Revell eight minutes before half-time when Southend could have snatched a 2-0 lead.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's decision to switch to zonal marking was far from an immediate success. When Southend claimed the opener, it was the ninth goal in the last 12 that Chelsea had conceded from a set piece. A new procedure was never likely to be flawless and Scolari can take a modicum of satisfaction from the game.
He showed a boldness that fans had craved. Didier Drogba, following an intolerably bad outing at Old Trafford, was cut from the squad entirely. Nicolas Anelka, an eventual scorer, showed himself a satisfactory alternative. The dash of angst for Chelsea lay in the knee injury to Joe Cole, who had been busy and alert.
The most encouraging contribution must have come from Salomon Kalou, a footballer whose efforts in Premier League games have often been peripheral. Having been preferred to Deco, he was involved in the build-up for those Anelka and Lampard goals. By then he had already notched one on his own account.
The result, Chelsea's second win in seven games, was a minor relief after Southend opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Alex, preferred to Ricardo Carvalho, paved the way for it by putting a pass-back behind from just inside the half-way line.
The visitors dealt with that corner but only by letting Southend have another. Junior Stanislas struck it deep and the marking malfunctioned instantly. The captain Adam Barrett headed home with ease after getting between Alex and Anelka. An equaliser was not notched until the last minute of the first half.
Southend's goalkeeper collided with Peter Clarke, who had levelled the scores in the closing minutes at Stamford Bridge, and Michael Ballack recorded his first goal of the season with a beautiful finish. It did little more, at that juncture, than ease frustrations.
A waning Chelsea would have wished this tie to vanish from the fixture list. It nearly did drop from sight when mist descended in the early evening. The referee, Chris Foy, called the match off but soon changed his mind when visibility was perfect again just before 7pm. By the middle of the first half the visiting fans were chanting, "It's so foggy, call it off."
Despite the miseries endured, Chelsea passed smoothly and Joe Cole was incisive. Ultimately no echoes were tolerated of 2006, when Manchester United were knocked out of the League Cup at Roots Hall. The Southend squad has been almost entirely rebuilt since then, with Clarke among the few survivors, but the newcomers have their own ambitions.
Anthony Grant, for instance, used to be on Chelsea's books and his single outing for them came unforgettably during a 3-1 win at Old Trafford in 2005. He can only have been yearning here to remind former employers of his existence.
Steve Tilson's entire squad acted as if they had precisely the same motivation but the Premier League team, inevitably, was more at peace when the arts of the game were the key. Ashley Cole called for a good save from Steve Mildenhall with a shot that flew through a crowded goalmouth. Chelsea's real opponents was their own apprehension. If the visitors could have relaxed the match might have pleased them sooner.
Scolari was worried enough to remove John Obi Mikel at half-time and introduce Juliano Belletti. His side were still not sure of themselves, there was agitation at each dead ball and, especially, when a corner from Stanislas in the 58th minute was sent over the bar by Jean-François Christophe.
Two minutes later Chelsea produced a piece of distinction to go into the lead. Joe Cole served up a shrewd pass to Kalou on the right and he measured a shot into the corner of the net. The victors have earned a day or two of normality but there is still a lot to be done before Scolari's future with Chelsea is secure.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent:
Kalou provides relief for Scolari's back trouble
Southend United 1 Chelsea 4
By Sam Wallace
It will not just be Southend's sea mists and its unnerving sense of isolation that will make Luiz Felipe Scolari shiver when in years to come he is reminded of his one day out on the Essex coast. Not many World Cup-winning coaches have come close to being humiliated at Roots Hall but at one goal down, Scolari might have wondered whether he was about to be an unlikely first.
The Chelsea players tossed their shirts triumphantly into the crowd at the end, strutting off the pitch as if he they had just slayed a major Champions League opponent, rather than won an FA Cup replay against League One strugglers. Chelsea proved themselves still to be a complete shambles when it comes to defending set-pieces but fortunately for them they were up against the Shrimpers last night rather than one of the bigger fish.
The drama began when Didier Drogba was left at home, thrown out by Scolari as punishment for his risible performance against Manchester United. It continued when the referee Chris Foy then called the game off more than an hour before kick-off because of the fog before changing his decision when it disappeared. The mist may have lifted but the confusion remained at the heart of Chelsea's defence.
In the end it was Michael Ballack, his first goal since he scored against Scolari's Portugal at Euro 2008, who hit the equaliser before half-time. Salomon Kalou calmed things further with a goal on the hour and then Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard made things safe. Chelsea now face Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Southend turn their minds to Stockport County away. But they do so knowing that they have wreaked havoc from set-pieces against Chelsea just as efficiently as United did on Sunday. For Chelsea there is a serious issue around Joe Cole's fitness now, the midfielder was struggling to walk after twisting his knee.
With Scolari ducking the post-match press conference following his broadside against his players on Tuesday it fell to John Terry to explain what effect the last few days had on the team. "We have under-performed recently and the manager was right to criticise us for not fighting enough," Terry said. "This was an opportunity for us and we showed great spirit. It was not the best of starts but after 30 minutes we upped the tempo and fully deserved to win. It [conceding from set-pieces] is one of those things. You go through spells like it in a season."
It has been quite some spell from Chelsea, this was the fifth out of seven goals they have conceded in their last four games to come from a set-piece. Scolari's new zonal marking system lasted all of 15 minutes and just one Southend corner – and that was taken short – before it buckled. Adam Barrett got between the unimposing Alex Da Costa and Anelka to head in at the back post.
Had it not been for Petr Cech's point blank save from Alex Revell on 38 minutes, then who knows what might have befallen Chelsea, still one goal down at the time. It barely needs saying that Roman Abramovich was not in town last night but his boardroom lieutenant Eugene Tenenbaum was there in person to watch alongside chief executive Peter Kenyon. They could not have been sure the equaliser was coming.
In the build-up to Ballack's goal Johnny Herd cleared off the line from Joe Cole, and Southend ranged 11 men behind the ball. Barrett and Peter Clarke were excellent in the centre. Just before half-time Clarke, the scorer at Stamford Bridge collided with goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall and, when the ball broke free, Ballack volleyed home.
The goal may have steadied Chelsea's nerves but it did nothing for their poise at corners. They came close to conceding yet again when Jean-Francois Christophe was first to a Junior Stanislas corner and headed over the bar before the hour. Eventually the breakthrough came when Joe Cole hit a cross-field ball that Kalou ran on to down the right wing and beat Mildenhall at his far post.
Scolari substituted the unimpressive John Obi Mikel at half-time and brought on Juliano Belletti. Anelka scored the third after Lampard and Kalou combined to play him in. Kalou returned the favour to Lampard, cutting the ball back to him for the fourth goal after Franco Di Santo had done well to win possession in midfield. Chelsea face Stoke City on Saturday, and they know a thing or two about scoring from set-pieces.
Southend United (4-5-1): Mildenhall; Sankofa, Clarke, Barrett, Herd; Revell (Betsy, 85), Grant (Francis, 80), Moussa, Christophe, Stanislas; Barnard (Freedman, 73). Substitutes not used: Walker, Joyce (gk), O'Keefe.
Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Mikel (Belletti, h-t); J Cole (Di Santo, 76), Ballack, Lampard, Kalou; Anelka. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Ivanovic, Carvalho, Mancienne, Stoch.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun:
Southend 1 Chelsea 4
From IAN McGARRY at Roots Hall
PHIL SCOLARI took one of the biggest gambles of his career when he slaughtered his own players this week. So often a loser in recent games, last night it was Big Phil who came out on top against the plucky Shrimpers.
Chelsea’s victory saw them safely escape the Southend fog but their season is not out of the woods yet.
Just as they recorded their first win since Boxing Day, Manchester United were jumping ahead of them into second in the Prem title race with a win over Wigan.
Goals from Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard set up an FA Cup fourth round match with Championship side Ipswich.
The score suggests a walk in the Essex park — but the result does not tell the whole story.
Boss Scolari changed his side’s defensive strategy after Sunday’s 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford.
Instead of marking men, Scolari said his team would now apply zonal marking — and if it went wrong, then he was to blame.
He also accused some of his players of giving only 35 per cent effort during their recent run of one win in five matches. Again, a brave and honest accusation but one which can give some players the hump.
For Scolari, it was a huge risk ahead of an FA Cup tie which could have cost him his job.
After a false abandonment because of fog at Roots Hall, Scolari must have been praying for an act of God to stop the game after 16 minutes.
Junior Stanislaus caused havoc on the flanks and Alex’s poor backpass gave away a corner.
With all eyes on how Chelsea would cope with the 16th-minute set-piece, no one would be disappointed.
Well, except Scolari that is.
After Petr Cech swept away the first cross, Adam Barrett had a free header from the second to open the scoring.
It was a sweet moment for the defender who was injured for Southend’s famous 1-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United two years ago.
It was the fifth goal from the last seven Chelsea have conceded that had come from a cross into the area.
And it could have been worse for Scolari when Osei Sankofa broke free on the right and set up Alex Revell.
The Shrimpers striker was just three yards out but somehow, some way, Cech managed to anticipate his movement and dived low to his right to make a remarkable stop.
Chelsea piled forward but needed a stroke of luck to grab the leveller in added time.
Peter Clarke collided with keeper Steve Mildenhall, in the box and the ball fell to Ballack, who slammed in from 18 yards.
Boss Steve Tilson’s Southend came out fighting after the break but Salomon Kalou responded to his recall with Chelsea’s second.
On the hour Joe Cole picked out the winger and he calmly rolled into the net from the right of the area. There was more relief than celebration in the Chelsea dug out.
Anelka slid home after 78 minutes to the put the contest beyond doubt. Only then did the carnival cool.
Frank Lampard knocked in a well worked fourth in added time. But the home support had one last taunt in their armoury.
“Stand up, if you’ve beat Man U,” they shouted at the visitors.
And like the result, it was fair and well delivered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mirror:
FA Cup third round replay: Southend 1-4 Chelsea By Martin Lipton 14/01/2009
They celebrated as if they'd won the title, not done what they were supposed to do and avoid humiliation.
Yet as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack threw their shirts into the travelling fans at Roots Hall to mark the win that hauled Luiz Felipe Scolari back from the abyss, the extent of Chelsea's decline and fall was on full public display.
In Jose Mourinho's first season, those triumphant scenes marked a brutal victory at Blackburn that made Chelsea believe the title was theirs to claim.
Last night, it signposted the sheer desperation and fear of failure that threatens to derail the entire campaign and send the Brazilian back to Rio with his reputation in tatters.
Three goals in the last half-hour from Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Lampard proved that spirit still exists in the heart of Scolari's dressing room, even if the Brazilian has done his best to fracture it completely.
But after another display of defensive chaos for which Scolari took responsibility 24 hours before kick-off, it still looked a case of the cracks being papered over, rather than fixed.
Yes, Chelsea dominated, creating chance after chance and failing to take them until it started to get close to crisis point as Southend defended with real guts.
Yet so they should, taking on a side standing 14th in League One, a team which never should have stood a prayer of completing one of the all-time great FA Cup upsets.
The fact that Kalou's strike on the hour was greeted with such relief by his team-mates and Scolari says everything you need to know.
Once all-conquering, Chelsea now look horribly vulnerable and if there was any remaining doubts over that, they were ended after 16 minutes on the Essex coast.
Scolari had staked a huge amount of his remaining credibility in sorting out the catastrophic defending that had seen his men leak four out of six goals since Christmas from set-pieces.
And much of that surely disappeared as the folly of forcing an unwanted zonal system on players who thrive in man to man contact was brought home to the sheer joy of Roots Hall.
Alex, who was absolutely shocking all match after replacing the dumped Ricardo Carvalho, started it by mis-hitting a needless back-pass from half-way to concede a corner.
And while Petr Cech flapped the first Junior Stanislaus flag-kick behind, he was left utterly exposed as home skipper Adam Barrett steamed between Alex and Anelka to thump home.
Shocking and unacceptable, a symptom of the mess Scolari seems to be creating with every passing week, the rift which left Didier Drogba at home rather than travelling with his team-mates part of the bigger picture.
More worryingly, Chelsea did not learn and while they conspired to miss a catalogue of openings - including Joe Cole firing at Steve Mildenhall and Frank Lampard thrashing into the keeper's chest - only Cech's reflexes spared them true humiliation seven minutes before the break.
Alex Revell arrived perfectly to meet Osei Sankofa's cross as Chelsea stood ball-watching but with his side's season on the line Cech pulled off a truly stunning stop.
Its value was brought home on the stroke of half-time. Mildenhall had done everything right until that point but got in a fearful muddle with centre-half Peter Clarke with Jose Bosingwa sent in a hopeful ball.
Even then, he might have got away with it, punching to the edge of the box, but Ballack - far more impressive than at Old Trafford - hit it instinctively on the half-volley and into the top corner.
The goal changed the mood, although Chelsea were only a set-piece away from imploding again.
Indeed, just two minutes before Kalou brought order amid the chaos, the new system left Jean-Francois Christophe completely unmarked from another Stanislaus corner, only for him to head too high.
Better organised teams - like Stoke, for instance? - will be licking their lips and even if Southend's legs gave up after Kalou took advantage of Cole's vision to beat Johnny Herd and find the far corner. Sadly for the England midfielder, a nasty-looking knee injury threatens to keep him on the sidelines again just as he was finding his form, although Chelsea finally took advantage of the extra spaces with two in the last 11 minutes.
Both were simple, Anelka - finally showing something after hardly justifying his selection ahead of the dumped Didier Drogba - side-footing home from Kalou, who then teed up Lampard for the bit of glitter.
Star dust, though, is in short supply at the Bridge. Crisis averted for Scolari. But for how long?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment