Independent:Everton 1 Chelsea 1: McFadden strike chastens ChelseaBrilliance of Lampard eventually breaches the formidable barrier putup by EvertonBy Guy Hodgson at Goodison ParkRespect? Jose Mourinho's moan is that he does not get enough of it.Champions, runaway Premiership leaders, but there is always someonenot paying due deference and yesterday it was Everton.Handicapped by injury to the extent that Phil Neville had to play atcentre-back, Everton refused to act as cheerleaders on the SpecialOne's garlanded path to the FA Cup final and proved such an imposingbarrier they squeezed a replay out of Chelsea. They are in tomorrow'sfifth-round draw and, given the swaggering confidence of Mourinho'steam in the League, that is a genuine Cup shock.And it would have rocketed on to the Richter scale but for FrankLampard. He got an equaliser with 17 minutes to go - just when itappeared that Everton would withstand the relentless Chelsea onslaughtand cling on to James McFadden's opening goal."It was a game where you hoped you could have extra time," Mourinhosaid, "because we were so dominant. We should have scored again butthe way Everton played, the way they worked, it was a result we had toaccept." The 8 February replay? "No problem," he said. "I'm happy todo it, and if we beat them to go into the last 16 I'll be very happy."That was the public face: you suspect the Chelsea manager will be lesscontent in private, considering the state of yesterday's opponents.James Beattie and Matteo Ferrari were injured, Alan Stubbs wasCup-tied, Tim Cahill suspended and Joseph Yobo in Africa, so thatEverton looked as threadbare as an old carpet. The contrast withChelsea, who promoted Damien Duff to the substitutes' bench when EidurGudjohnsen became ill just before the kick-off, could not have been
The result looked a formality and the opening exchanges did little toalter that view. The home part of Goodison was hushed, Chelsea pushedthe ball around like it was a practice match, and the only question ofimportance appeared to be the number of goals the visitors wouldscore. Then, all the preconceptions were shattered after 36 minutes.Chelsea were forewarned when Kevin Kilbane sneaked in front of hismarker to get in a header but in the next attack the same thinghappened, this time resulting in a goal. Glen Johnson failed to closedown Kilbane on the left flank and, as the visitors braced themselvesto deal with Duncan Ferguson, McFadden sneaked in behind the giantstriker to beat Asier del Horno to the ball.Chelsea\'s biggest failing in the first half was an inability to attackthe flanks and Mourinho tried to remedy this at the interval by achange of tactics, moving Joe Cole from an ill-defined role inmidfield to the right wing in a 4-3-3 formation.The effect was to give the visitors space and they prospered almostimmediately when Arjen Robben cut in from the left after 49 minutesand fired a low shot that tested Nigel Martyn\'s reflexes at the nearpost. A minute later, Lampard crossed and Joe Cole\'s header wasthwarted by another good save by the Everton keeper.It was an improvement but it was not enough for Mourinho, who alteredthings again on the hour, introducing Carlton Cole and Duff forManiche and Del Horno.Again, there should have been a goal. Robben crossed, Carlton Coleheaded down and Hernan Crespo, from a range of eight yards,inexplicably put his shot two feet over the crossbar.The tide was overwhelming. After 69 minutes Crespo was closer with aclever shot that shaved the outside of a post, two minutes later JohnTerry headed just over and Robben forced an exhilarating save out ofMartyn who dived to his left to tip a shot wide. Could Everton",1]
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starker.The result looked a formality and the opening exchanges did little toalter that view. The home part of Goodison was hushed, Chelsea pushedthe ball around like it was a practice match, and the only question ofimportance appeared to be the number of goals the visitors wouldscore. Then, all the preconceptions were shattered after 36 minutes.Chelsea were forewarned when Kevin Kilbane sneaked in front of hismarker to get in a header but in the next attack the same thinghappened, this time resulting in a goal. Glen Johnson failed to closedown Kilbane on the left flank and, as the visitors braced themselvesto deal with Duncan Ferguson, McFadden sneaked in behind the giantstriker to beat Asier del Horno to the ball.Chelsea's biggest failing in the first half was an inability to attackthe flanks and Mourinho tried to remedy this at the interval by achange of tactics, moving Joe Cole from an ill-defined role inmidfield to the right wing in a 4-3-3 formation.The effect was to give the visitors space and they prospered almostimmediately when Arjen Robben cut in from the left after 49 minutesand fired a low shot that tested Nigel Martyn's reflexes at the nearpost. A minute later, Lampard crossed and Joe Cole's header wasthwarted by another good save by the Everton keeper.It was an improvement but it was not enough for Mourinho, who alteredthings again on the hour, introducing Carlton Cole and Duff forManiche and Del Horno.Again, there should have been a goal. Robben crossed, Carlton Coleheaded down and Hernan Crespo, from a range of eight yards,inexplicably put his shot two feet over the crossbar.The tide was overwhelming. After 69 minutes Crespo was closer with aclever shot that shaved the outside of a post, two minutes later JohnTerry headed just over and Robben forced an exhilarating save out ofMartyn who dived to his left to tip a shot wide. Could Everton
"Chelsea are a second-half side," the Everton manager, David Moyes,said. "But for a long period it looked as if we could hang on." Thereason they did not was Lampard.The England midfielder did not have one of his better games but hisgoal threat is an ever-present menace and his run and finish forChelsea\'s equaliser was exemplary. William Gallas ran at Everton\'sright flank before passing inside and Lampard\'s first touch, on therun, was immaculate and his second, a low left-foot shot, was deadly.Robben by this stage was the outstanding figure on the pitch and healmost got the winner in the closing minutes, firing a low drive thatMartyn, again, blocked at his near post. But on a second Saturday ofEverton heroes, it was fitting that the home side should have the lastword, Ferguson pulling just wide from the edge of the area in stoppagetime.Chelsea will be confident they will finish the job at Stamford Bridge,but Everton will travel with hope.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Chelsea dig in to stay on course for CupBy Derick Allsop at Goodison ParkEverton (1) 1 Chelsea (0) 1When they had to, they dug deep and not for the first time, they foundwhat they were looking for. It wasn\'t the most spectacular ofperformances, just enough to keep Chelsea in the FA Cup.Everton\'s depleted yet uninhibited side had come within 16 minutes ofanother momentous victory when Frank Lampard produced a glimpse of hisdormant class to force a replay.Leading the way: Everton\'s James McFadden breaks the deadlockGoodison Park had reverberated to the frenzy of a potential upsetafter James McFadden had put Everton in front with a stunning header.",1]
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survive? The answer came within 60 seconds."Chelsea are a second-half side," the Everton manager, David Moyes,said. "But for a long period it looked as if we could hang on." Thereason they did not was Lampard.The England midfielder did not have one of his better games but hisgoal threat is an ever-present menace and his run and finish forChelsea's equaliser was exemplary. William Gallas ran at Everton'sright flank before passing inside and Lampard's first touch, on therun, was immaculate and his second, a low left-foot shot, was deadly.Robben by this stage was the outstanding figure on the pitch and healmost got the winner in the closing minutes, firing a low drive thatMartyn, again, blocked at his near post. But on a second Saturday ofEverton heroes, it was fitting that the home side should have the lastword, Ferguson pulling just wide from the edge of the area in stoppagetime.Chelsea will be confident they will finish the job at Stamford Bridge,but Everton will travel with hope.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Chelsea dig in to stay on course for CupBy Derick Allsop at Goodison ParkEverton (1) 1 Chelsea (0) 1When they had to, they dug deep and not for the first time, they foundwhat they were looking for. It wasn't the most spectacular ofperformances, just enough to keep Chelsea in the FA Cup.Everton's depleted yet uninhibited side had come within 16 minutes ofanother momentous victory when Frank Lampard produced a glimpse of hisdormant class to force a replay.Leading the way: Everton's James McFadden breaks the deadlockGoodison Park had reverberated to the frenzy of a potential upsetafter James McFadden had put Everton in front with a stunning header.
But they came out for the second half prepared to soil their skillswith the perspiration of raw endeavour and that determination provedtheir salvation. Everton went into the match buoyed by a run of fivewins and a draw from their previous six matches. Relegation peers hadbeen virtually banished and confidence bolstered ahead of this meetingwith the best team in the land.But injuries and suspension seriously reduced David Moyes\'s optionseven before a damaged calf muscle ruled out James Beattie. Also on thesidelines was Tim Cahill and among Everton\'s substitutes were threeteenagers.Chelsea\'s plans for the tie were disrupted even later. EidurGudjohnsen was named in their side only to be withdrawn throughillness. Joe Cole replaced him and Damien Duff joined the substitutes.Carlo Cudicini was given one of his occasional outings and Maniche wasin the starting line-up.Phil Neville, deployed in central defence, had early sweeping dutiesto tend to as Chelsea moved forward with familiar self-assurance.Lampard had an opportunity to demonstrate his ability from a freekick, but gave Nigel Martyn simple fielding practice.Chelsea\'s training ground football made Everton chase for possessionand when they did get the ball, David Moyes\'s players counter-attackedwith a greater sense of urgency. A lapse by Maniche gave them a sightof goal. Simon Davies\'s shot was deflected off Asier del Horno andCudicini had to change direction to save.A suitably chastened Maniche immediately set off on a mission ofatonement. He unleashed a skidding shot from 25 yards that went justwide.Everton responded with a spell of concerted pressure. They permittedChelsea less time on the ball and delivered a stream of dangerouscentres.Chelsea shook themselves back into more purposeful mode and Hernan",1]
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Chelsea had been harried and muscled out of their arrogant swagger.But they came out for the second half prepared to soil their skillswith the perspiration of raw endeavour and that determination provedtheir salvation. Everton went into the match buoyed by a run of fivewins and a draw from their previous six matches. Relegation peers hadbeen virtually banished and confidence bolstered ahead of this meetingwith the best team in the land.But injuries and suspension seriously reduced David Moyes's optionseven before a damaged calf muscle ruled out James Beattie. Also on thesidelines was Tim Cahill and among Everton's substitutes were threeteenagers.Chelsea's plans for the tie were disrupted even later. EidurGudjohnsen was named in their side only to be withdrawn throughillness. Joe Cole replaced him and Damien Duff joined the substitutes.Carlo Cudicini was given one of his occasional outings and Maniche wasin the starting line-up.Phil Neville, deployed in central defence, had early sweeping dutiesto tend to as Chelsea moved forward with familiar self-assurance.Lampard had an opportunity to demonstrate his ability from a freekick, but gave Nigel Martyn simple fielding practice.Chelsea's training ground football made Everton chase for possessionand when they did get the ball, David Moyes's players counter-attackedwith a greater sense of urgency. A lapse by Maniche gave them a sightof goal. Simon Davies's shot was deflected off Asier del Horno andCudicini had to change direction to save.A suitably chastened Maniche immediately set off on a mission ofatonement. He unleashed a skidding shot from 25 yards that went justwide.Everton responded with a spell of concerted pressure. They permittedChelsea less time on the ball and delivered a stream of dangerouscentres.Chelsea shook themselves back into more purposeful mode and Hernan
not be suppressed any longer and they served notice of their intentwhen Nuno Valente crossed from the left. Cudicini saved from KevinKilbane, but barely a minute later was powerless to prevent Evertonfrom scoring.Again Valente swung the ball in from the left and this time McFaddenleapt in front of Del Horno to head powerfully beyond the reach of theItalian goalkeeper. The goal was no more than Everton\'s resolve orChelsea\'s apparent complacency deserved. Jose Mourinho\'s side had beencontent to strut their elegant yet ineffectual stuff, doubtlessconvinced the opportunities would come in due course.Everton are no respecters of such insouciance and, despite theirlengthy list of absentees, had the collective commitment to hustle thevisitors out of their stride. Chelsea increased the tempo from thestart of the second-half and Martyn had to repel a barrage of attacks.He beat out Robben\'s drive and gathered a header from Cole.Mourinho sent on Duff and Carlton Cole to give his team the requiredextra gears and Crespo almost profited from the latter\'s knock-down.The pressure eventually told after 74 minutes. William Gallas wasallowed to advance down the left and pick out Lampard, who took theball under control and beat Martyn with the pace of his cross shot.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Times:Everton 1 Chelsea 1: Lampard leads by exampleDavid Walsh at Goodison ParkTHERE are two faces of the modern FA Cup; one is the competition thatmatters to so many and the other is seen in the empty spaces insidegrounds and the ambivalence of some Premiership sides. This gameoffered us both FA Cups, a first half so dull that one wondered why",1]
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Crespo gave Martyn more exercise with a low shot. But Everton wouldnot be suppressed any longer and they served notice of their intentwhen Nuno Valente crossed from the left. Cudicini saved from KevinKilbane, but barely a minute later was powerless to prevent Evertonfrom scoring.Again Valente swung the ball in from the left and this time McFaddenleapt in front of Del Horno to head powerfully beyond the reach of theItalian goalkeeper. The goal was no more than Everton's resolve orChelsea's apparent complacency deserved. Jose Mourinho's side had beencontent to strut their elegant yet ineffectual stuff, doubtlessconvinced the opportunities would come in due course.Everton are no respecters of such insouciance and, despite theirlengthy list of absentees, had the collective commitment to hustle thevisitors out of their stride. Chelsea increased the tempo from thestart of the second-half and Martyn had to repel a barrage of attacks.He beat out Robben's drive and gathered a header from Cole.Mourinho sent on Duff and Carlton Cole to give his team the requiredextra gears and Crespo almost profited from the latter's knock-down.The pressure eventually told after 74 minutes. William Gallas wasallowed to advance down the left and pick out Lampard, who took theball under control and beat Martyn with the pace of his cross shot.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Times:Everton 1 Chelsea 1: Lampard leads by exampleDavid Walsh at Goodison ParkTHERE are two faces of the modern FA Cup; one is the competition thatmatters to so many and the other is seen in the empty spaces insidegrounds and the ambivalence of some Premiership sides. This gameoffered us both FA Cups, a first half so dull that one wondered why
not want it to end.The game turned on the James McFadden goal that gave Everton the leadon 36 minutes and forced Chelsea to consider their approach at theinterval. They were a different side in that second period and theFrank Lampard strike that tied the match after 73 minutes was theleast they deserved."The second half was magnificent," said Jose Mourinho, the Chelseamanager. "The domination was amazing. The emotional control we showedwhen a goal down was the most important thing, we did not panic and wealways believed the goal would come. But the way Everton played, theway they fought, you have to accept the result."Understandably, Mourinho preferred not to speak too much about thefirst half, when he claimed Chelsea controlled the match only toconcede a goal against the run of play. That wasn\'t how it was, foreven though Chelsea had enough possession in the first half, theydidn\'t do anything with it and didn\'t seem that bothered.The goal that gave Everton the lead epitomised the game. It camefollowing a sustained period of Chelsea attacking that produced littleby way of clear-cut chances. Everton then got hold of the ball,through the physically formidable Duncan Ferguson, who found NunoValente overlapping. When Valente\'s cross came, Asier del Horno wasasleep as McFadden darted past him and powered his header into thecorner of the net.Given Everton\'s organisation and spirit, they were not going to easilysurrender their advantage. In Kevin Kilbane, Simon Davies and MikelArteta, Everton had willing workers in midfield and during a firsthalf in which Chelsea ambled along, they were every bit as effectiveas Lampard, Claude Makelele and Maniche. They were also strongdefensively, where Phil Neville filled in at centre-back and had a",1]
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the teams had bothered turning up and a second period so good, you didnot want it to end.The game turned on the James McFadden goal that gave Everton the leadon 36 minutes and forced Chelsea to consider their approach at theinterval. They were a different side in that second period and theFrank Lampard strike that tied the match after 73 minutes was theleast they deserved."The second half was magnificent," said Jose Mourinho, the Chelseamanager. "The domination was amazing. The emotional control we showedwhen a goal down was the most important thing, we did not panic and wealways believed the goal would come. But the way Everton played, theway they fought, you have to accept the result."Understandably, Mourinho preferred not to speak too much about thefirst half, when he claimed Chelsea controlled the match only toconcede a goal against the run of play. That wasn't how it was, foreven though Chelsea had enough possession in the first half, theydidn't do anything with it and didn't seem that bothered.The goal that gave Everton the lead epitomised the game. It camefollowing a sustained period of Chelsea attacking that produced littleby way of clear-cut chances. Everton then got hold of the ball,through the physically formidable Duncan Ferguson, who found NunoValente overlapping. When Valente's cross came, Asier del Horno wasasleep as McFadden darted past him and powered his header into thecorner of the net.Given Everton's organisation and spirit, they were not going to easilysurrender their advantage. In Kevin Kilbane, Simon Davies and MikelArteta, Everton had willing workers in midfield and during a firsthalf in which Chelsea ambled along, they were every bit as effectiveas Lampard, Claude Makelele and Maniche. They were also strongdefensively, where Phil Neville filled in at centre-back and had a
professionalism he has shown in adapting to life after being let go byManchester United. He has played mostly as the holding midfielder, butwith the side short of centre-backs yesterday, he switched to themiddle of defence and looked as if he had been there forever.When Chelsea\'s equaliser came it needed a move of the greatest speedand precision. Arjen Robben found William Gallas galloping down theleft. As Gallas cut inside, Lampard surged towards the box and whenthe defender squared the ball into Lampard\'s path, the midfielder\'sfirst touch was exquisite. His control gave him the fraction of asecond to pick his spot and his left foot did the rest.Chelsea deserved to level because through the second half, they hadbeen dominant and Hernan Crespo failed to score from two chances setup by Carlton Cole. The young striker was part of a doublesubstitution when he and Damien Duff came on for Del Horno andManiche, and Chelsea switched to a back-three formation.Everton tried to counter- attack and Carlo Cudicini was fortunate thathis high challenge on McFadden went unpunished. That tackle broke thestriker\'s nose, to add to the seven stitches he needed in the firsthalf following a Gallas challenge.The abiding memory of what turned out to be a marvellous match wasCarlton Cole, hobbling with what seemed a groin strain but staying onthe pitch through the final 10 minutes. With the game in lost time, helimped back to his area and won a header when Everton threatened toscore a winner. That was the spirit that encapsulated the second halfand offered a contest worthy of the competition.STAR MAN: Phil Neville (Everton)Player ratings. Everton: Martyn 6, Hibbert 6, Weir 6, Neville 8,Valente 7, Davies 6, Arteta 7, Kilbane 7, Osman 6, Ferguson 7,McFadden 6Chelsea: Cudicini 6, Johnson 6, Gallas 6, Terry 6, Del Horno 5,",1]
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fine match. There is much to admire about Neville and theprofessionalism he has shown in adapting to life after being let go byManchester United. He has played mostly as the holding midfielder, butwith the side short of centre-backs yesterday, he switched to themiddle of defence and looked as if he had been there forever.When Chelsea's equaliser came it needed a move of the greatest speedand precision. Arjen Robben found William Gallas galloping down theleft. As Gallas cut inside, Lampard surged towards the box and whenthe defender squared the ball into Lampard's path, the midfielder'sfirst touch was exquisite. His control gave him the fraction of asecond to pick his spot and his left foot did the rest.Chelsea deserved to level because through the second half, they hadbeen dominant and Hernan Crespo failed to score from two chances setup by Carlton Cole. The young striker was part of a doublesubstitution when he and Damien Duff came on for Del Horno andManiche, and Chelsea switched to a back-three formation.Everton tried to counter- attack and Carlo Cudicini was fortunate thathis high challenge on McFadden went unpunished. That tackle broke thestriker's nose, to add to the seven stitches he needed in the firsthalf following a Gallas challenge.The abiding memory of what turned out to be a marvellous match wasCarlton Cole, hobbling with what seemed a groin strain but staying onthe pitch through the final 10 minutes. With the game in lost time, helimped back to his area and won a header when Everton threatened toscore a winner. That was the spirit that encapsulated the second halfand offered a contest worthy of the competition.STAR MAN: Phil Neville (Everton)Player ratings. Everton: Martyn 6, Hibbert 6, Weir 6, Neville 8,Valente 7, Davies 6, Arteta 7, Kilbane 7, Osman 6, Ferguson 7,McFadden 6Chelsea: Cudicini 6, Johnson 6, Gallas 6, Terry 6, Del Horno 5,
Scorers: Everton: McFadden 36Chelsea: Lampard 73Referee: G PollAttendance: 29,742------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Observer:Chelsea draw on their reservesJohn Wardle at GoodisonSunday January 29, 2006The ObserverYou might expect a club who had just reported a loss of �140m would begrateful for the revenue from an FA Cup replay, but another game isthe last thing that Chelsea need in this hectic season. And, for morethan half of this tie, Everton appeared capable of thinning out thechampions\' busy fixture list by ending their interest in thecompetition at this fourth-round stage.There was a distinct lack of interest from several of Jose Mourinho\'steam and James McFadden punished their approach in the first-half. Butthe arrival of a substitute, Carlton Cole, on the hour further reviveda Chelsea team who were already showing signs of life following a halftime reminder from their manager. And a superbly taken goal from thebelow-par Frank Lampard ensured a repeat of the score when the teamsmet here in the league this season.Chelsea suffered a setback before the start when Eidur Gudjohnsendeclared himself ill - if it can be called a setback when Joe Cole isthe replacement and Damien Duff is added to the substitutes. TheEverton manager David Moyes was less fortunate. He was forced to namethree untested teenagers among his substitutes because injuries,suspensions and international calls had deprived him of James Beattie,Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo respectively.Beattie was a late withdrawal with a groin strain and he was missedmore than any of the Everton absentees, not that he would have been",1]
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Maniche 6, Makelele 6, Lampard 7, Robben7 Crespo 6, J Cole 6Scorers: Everton: McFadden 36Chelsea: Lampard 73Referee: G PollAttendance: 29,742------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Observer:Chelsea draw on their reservesJohn Wardle at GoodisonSunday January 29, 2006The ObserverYou might expect a club who had just reported a loss of �140m would begrateful for the revenue from an FA Cup replay, but another game isthe last thing that Chelsea need in this hectic season. And, for morethan half of this tie, Everton appeared capable of thinning out thechampions' busy fixture list by ending their interest in thecompetition at this fourth-round stage.There was a distinct lack of interest from several of Jose Mourinho'steam and James McFadden punished their approach in the first-half. Butthe arrival of a substitute, Carlton Cole, on the hour further reviveda Chelsea team who were already showing signs of life following a halftime reminder from their manager. And a superbly taken goal from thebelow-par Frank Lampard ensured a repeat of the score when the teamsmet here in the league this season.Chelsea suffered a setback before the start when Eidur Gudjohnsendeclared himself ill - if it can be called a setback when Joe Cole isthe replacement and Damien Duff is added to the substitutes. TheEverton manager David Moyes was less fortunate. He was forced to namethree untested teenagers among his substitutes because injuries,suspensions and international calls had deprived him of James Beattie,Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo respectively.Beattie was a late withdrawal with a groin strain and he was missedmore than any of the Everton absentees, not that he would have been
home team appeared to have the greater desire to progress. Moyes\'sside had the bulk of the possession, with Duncan Ferguson anintelligent target for most of their attacks, and Kevin Kilbane foundspace for several incisive breaks from midfield.Yet the only occasion that the Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicinishowed the slightest anxiety in the opening stages came in the 19thminute, when he was almost wrong-footed as Simon Davies\'s crossdiverted off Asier Del Horno. Otherwise he was unoccupied untilEverton took a deserved lead seven minutes before the interval.Ferguson started the move with a pass to Nuno Valente, whose crossproduced a powerful header from McFadden.With Lampard subdued in midfield and even caught dwelling on the ballby Davies, Chelsea were restricted to longrange efforts for theopening 45 minutes. Maniche had worried Nigel Martyn with a20th-minute effort that fizzed past a post and the Everton goalkeeperdealt comfortably with shots from Joe Cole and Arjen Robben. Mourinhowould not have been impressed by his players\' first-half performance,but resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes until the 60thminute when Carlton Cole and Duff replaced Maniche and Del Horno.By then Everton had also lost their goalscorer, who suffered a facialinjury after a collision with Cudicini as they both challenged for abouncing ball. Everton remained as committed as before, however, butmuch of their threat went with McFadden\'s exit - and they had alreadybeen made aware of an improvement in Chelsea\'s approach. Robben forcedMartyn to make a hasty save at the foot of the post as a fiercelydriven cross almost surprised the keeper.Then Hernan Crespo, anonymous before the interval, launched a solopursuit of an equaliser, starting with an extravagant overhead kick in",1]
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able to flourish much during a nondescript opening half in which thehome team appeared to have the greater desire to progress. Moyes'sside had the bulk of the possession, with Duncan Ferguson anintelligent target for most of their attacks, and Kevin Kilbane foundspace for several incisive breaks from midfield.Yet the only occasion that the Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicinishowed the slightest anxiety in the opening stages came in the 19thminute, when he was almost wrong-footed as Simon Davies's crossdiverted off Asier Del Horno. Otherwise he was unoccupied untilEverton took a deserved lead seven minutes before the interval.Ferguson started the move with a pass to Nuno Valente, whose crossproduced a powerful header from McFadden.With Lampard subdued in midfield and even caught dwelling on the ballby Davies, Chelsea were restricted to longrange efforts for theopening 45 minutes. Maniche had worried Nigel Martyn with a20th-minute effort that fizzed past a post and the Everton goalkeeperdealt comfortably with shots from Joe Cole and Arjen Robben. Mourinhowould not have been impressed by his players' first-half performance,but resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes until the 60thminute when Carlton Cole and Duff replaced Maniche and Del Horno.By then Everton had also lost their goalscorer, who suffered a facialinjury after a collision with Cudicini as they both challenged for abouncing ball. Everton remained as committed as before, however, butmuch of their threat went with McFadden's exit - and they had alreadybeen made aware of an improvement in Chelsea's approach. Robben forcedMartyn to make a hasty save at the foot of the post as a fiercelydriven cross almost surprised the keeper.Then Hernan Crespo, anonymous before the interval, launched a solopursuit of an equaliser, starting with an extravagant overhead kick in
alongside him and a header from the substitute should have set up agoal in the 63rd minute, but Crespo hoisted the ball over as Evertonclaimed, with some justification, that he was offside.Carlton Cole was again the provider a minute later when Crespo washurried into a shot that went wide. Worryingly for Everton, Lampardhad also shaken off his sluggishness and his 72nd-minute free-kickalmost produced a goal for John Terry, who could only head over.Martyn also had to react well to save from Robben before Evertonconceded a superb goal by Lampard. William Gallas broke down the leftand picked out Lampard, who strode on to the ball before unleashing alow, angled shot into the far corner.MAN OF THE MATCHKEVIN KILBANE Caught the eye with some good first-half runs thattroubled Chelsea and worked hard to stifle the Londoners when theypiled on the pressure after the interval.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------",0]
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the 56th minute. The Argentine looked happier with Carlton Cole rangedalongside him and a header from the substitute should have set up agoal in the 63rd minute, but Crespo hoisted the ball over as Evertonclaimed, with some justification, that he was offside.Carlton Cole was again the provider a minute later when Crespo washurried into a shot that went wide. Worryingly for Everton, Lampardhad also shaken off his sluggishness and his 72nd-minute free-kickalmost produced a goal for John Terry, who could only head over.Martyn also had to react well to save from Robben before Evertonconceded a superb goal by Lampard. William Gallas broke down the leftand picked out Lampard, who strode on to the ball before unleashing alow, angled shot into the far corner.MAN OF THE MATCHKEVIN KILBANE Caught the eye with some good first-half runs thattroubled Chelsea and worked hard to stifle the Londoners when theypiled on the pressure after the interval.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
morning papers charlton home
Bent off to a flier as Chelsea pay price for missing chances
Chelsea 1 - 1 Charlton
Jon Brodkin at Stamford BridgeMonday January 23, 2006The Guardian
As if it had not been a strange enough weekend in London with a whale in the Thames, events took an even more unusual twist yesterday. For the first time in nine months and 14 matches, Chelsea failed to win at home in the Premiership. Unfortunately for their closest rivals, Wally's death on a barge is unlikely to be followed by the expiry of Chelsea's title challenge. "When they think how far ahead we are, they will go from a smile to [a scowl]," Jose Mourinho said
Charlton will still enjoy their achievement and must be the only team who relish visits to Chelsea. They won here on penalties in the Carling Cup in October and deserved this draw, secured by a debut goal from the substitute Marcus Bent. It had been hard during the first half to imagine Charlton avoiding defeat as Chelsea took the lead and cruised, but an improved display brought an equaliser and might have delivered a winner.The late dismissal of Ricardo Carvalho for a second booking capped the disappointment for a subdued Chelsea, who paid for not taking chances to extend their lead before the interval. They seemed to be playing within themselves at that stage as Charlton posed scant threat, and found it difficult to go up through the gears after Bent's goal. Lacking cutting edge they rarely looked like rescuing an 11th straight Premiership victory.
"When you arrive in January and lose your first two points at home, I think that's a magnificent achievement," said Mourinho, whose team's most recent failure to win in the league here was against Arsenal last April. "When you don't win at home you always feel a taste you don't like but in the context of the Premiership we have one more point and one less game to play and we are going in the direction of the title, so it's not too bad."
Few of his players rose above the ordinary on a poor pitch. There were flashes from Joe Cole but some unsuccessful showiness, too, and Damien Duff faded. Hernán Crespo was rarely prominent, even if his header was fumbled by Thomas Myhre to enable Eidur Gudjohnsen to score and he was wrongly given offside when through late on. Mourinho said Charlton were "lucky to have a linesman that gave them a big help".
Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard were involved in many of Chelsea's best moments but neither dominated the game, and Mourinho's defence had one of its less assured afternoons once Charlton gained momentum. Carvalho was below par and Asier Del Horno failed to impress. Bent ran off him to score and Luke Young later skipped round the left-back to set up a presentable chance which Darren Bent fired over.
The best individual performances came from Charlton, with Darren Ambrose the pick. He set up Marcus Bent's goal and might have won the match in the 84th minute when denied by Petr Cech. Matt Holland did well after the interval as Charlton defended well, and Marcus Bent could be satisfied. He was brought on in the 40th minute after Young hurt Dennis Rommedahl when jumping for a header. The change helped Charlton by giving their 4-5-1 formation more of a goal threat, with the substitute drifting off the right flank towards the box. Darren Bent had been too isolated earlier.
Marcus Bent took his goal well, running on to Ambrose's chip and flicking a header over the onrushing Cech from near the penalty spot with his back to goal. That gave Charlton a confidence which made sure that, for the first time in 42 matches, Chelsea went ahead in a league game but did not win. Alan Curbishley will trust his team do not now lose six matches in a row, as after their Carling Cup success here. "A result like today goes a long way to getting us back on track," he said.
Charlton had fallen behind when Chris Powell allowed Crespo a free header from a corner and Gudjohnsen forced the ball over the line. When Lampard sent an overhead volley just wide and Del Horno had a header kicked off the line, Chelsea must have felt a win was coming but a revived Charlton surprised them.
Maniche speeded up the tempo for Chelsea after coming on but Mourinho must have sensed it would not be his day when Carvalho was dismissed for a second foul on Darren Bent, another red card after Arjen Robben's a week earlier at Sunderland. "I don't agree with the sending off but we are a clean team," said Mourinho.
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Independent
Chelsea 1 Charlton Athletic 1: Bent seizes on Chelsea's complacency to plunder rare point from the Bridge By Glenn Moore Published: 23 January 2006 First a whale is spotted off Battersea Bridge, then Chelsea drop points at home. These are strange times indeed in west London. In the grand scheme of things their failure to secure an 11th successive league victory is unlikely to derail the champions' path to world domination, or even another Premiership title, but it was unexpected enough to leave Roman Abramovich sporting a perplexed expression and Jose Mourinho a serious one.
This was a reminder that Chelsea are not irresistible, nor are they automatons. After 11 straight home wins in the Premiership this season there was inevitable evidence of complacency after Eidur Gudjohnsen had put them ahead after 18 minutes. However, after Marcus Bent marked his Charlton debut with a well-taken goal shortly before the hour, Chelsea were made to look unremarkable by their well-organised opponents, who became the first team to take a Premiership point away from Stamford Bridge since Arsenal last April.
"We cannot win every game, this day had to arrive one day," Mourinho said. "To lose your first home points at the end of January is a magnificent achievement. We are still going in the direction of the title."
He looked up, saw on the press-room televisions that the match was under way at Old Trafford, and added: "If you ask the winners of Manchester United and Liverpool after the game - who will be happy because they have won - if they want to change places with Chelsea they will lose their happiness immediately. They will think how far we are ahead and the smile will go."
True, but there were a few signs of hope here for the chasing duo. Collectively, Chelsea only extended themselves after Charlton levelled, and individually there were below-par performances. Ricardo Carvalho's dismissal capped a dismal afternoon, Asier del Horno again looked ordinary, neither Damien Duff nor his replacement, Shaun Wright-Phillips, ever troubled Charlton and even the indefatigable Frank Lampard was relatively quiet.
For the visitors Hermann Hreidarsson was inspirational in defence, Darren Ambrose's performance made one wonder why Newcastle let him go, and Marcus Bent maintained his habit, in his peripatetic career, of starting well.
He then tends to fade but maybe he has finally found a home. "He looked like a Charlton player," said a happy Alan Curbishley. The Charlton manager added, in a reference to his team's pre-Christmas dip: "I'm delighted it looks as if we are making an attempt to turn it round. We're not out of woods yet but a result like today's gets us a long way to getting back on track."
There was little indication of drama to come in a first half so soporific it silenced 42,000 people - Thomas Myhre's instructions could be heard 80 yards away.
With the benefit of an observant linesman Charlton kept Chelsea at bay for 18 minutes but were then undone by the same sharp-eyed official. Hernan Crespo beat Jonathan Fortune and Chris Powell to a corner won and taken by Duff. Myhre spilt the flick header but Gudjohnsen stabbed goalwards and the linesman correctly determined the ball had crossed the line before Radostin Kishishev cleared.
Then Chelsea eased up. There was no drive in midfield and sloppy defending allowed both Bryan Hughes and Ambrose to shoot. Yet Charlton's equaliser was still a surprise. Given time to pick a pass Ambrose spotted Marcus Bent between Del Horno and John Terry. The latter stepped up to play offside but Del Horno did not and Bent deftly headed over Petr Cech.
Mourinho sent on the cavalry but while Maniche settled quickly on his debut it made little difference. That said, an errant flag pulled up Crespo after Gudjohnsen sent him clear.
Lampard might also have won the game in a frantic finish but so could have Ambrose as Chelsea, having withdrawn Del Horno, were reduced to two defenders when Carvalho, already booked, needlessly ploughed through Darren Bent nine minutes from time.
Goals: Gudjohnsen (18) 1-0; M Bent (58) 1-1.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno (C Cole, 79); Lampard, Makelele (Maniche, 62), Gudjohnsen; J Cole, Crespo, Duff (Wright-Phillips, 62). Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Ferreira.
Charlton Athletic (4-5-1): Myrhe; Young, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Powell; Rommedahl (M Bent, 39), Holland, Kishishev, Hughes, Ambrose (Bartlett, 90); D Bent. Substitutes not used: Andersen (gk), Perry, Spector.
Referee: S Bennett (Kent).
Booked: Chelsea Carvalho, Terry; Charlton Athletic Kishishev.
Sent off: Carvalho (81).
Man of the match: Hreidarsson
Attendance: 41,355. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:
Chelsea home record dented on Bent debutBy Clive Tyldesley Chelsea (1) 1 Charlton Athletic (0) 1
Whales in the Thames, mice on the pitch at Old Trafford and Chelsea drop points at home. Whatever next? Life is full of surprises but Jose Mourinho is the man in the television advert who is always one step ahead. To allow Charlton Athletic to knock his team out of the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge was careless, to let them come from behind to blot Chelsea's 100 per cent home record in the Premiership qualified as a shock of Burton Albion proportions. For the second weekend running, the champions had a man sent off too. It's a crisis.
Dream debut: Marcus Bent got off to a perfect start when he scored at Stamford Bridge
Worse still, Charlton deserved their point. Until half-time, the visitors' reinforced midfield seemed equipped only to keep the score down. Eidur Gudjohnsen's close-range goal looked a starter for several. Chelsea were in cruise control. But when Marcus Bent equalised just before the hour, a mood of uncertainty replaced the air of inevitability. Either side could have stolen victory during a frantic finale that saw Ricardo Carvalho shown a second yellow card and both goalkeepers make desperate stops.
Twenty months have passed since Chelsea last took the lead in a league game and failed to claim maximum points. So to concede a goal inside 18 minutes was the last thing Charlton could afford. And a straight-forward and scrappy goal at that. Hernan Crespo escaped his marker to guide a near-post corner goalwards, Thomas Myhre was unable to gather and Gudjohnsen bundled the ball over the line. Hermann Hreidarsson then smothered a Crespo shot and Radostin Kishishev smuggled a header from Asier del Horno off the line. Charlton were hanging in.
"We went behind to a soft set play and our attacks were fizzling out," admitted manager Alan Curbishley. "We had to work so hard to get into their third of the field, I just asked them at half-time to show a bit more composure when we got there. We gave as good as we got after that."
Soon after the restart, Bryan Hughes forced Petr Cech into his first scrambling save, then the lively Darren Ambrose angled a clipped ball behind the Chelsea rearguard and Marcus Bent eluded Del Horno to score with a glancing backward header.
Bent's debut was delayed until Dennis Rommedahl limped off shortly before the interval. Even then, Curbishley resisted the temptation to pair him with his namesake in attack, persisting with the five-man midfield that had kept Chelsea within reach. Charlton's resistance nagged at the assurance of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Co and forced Mourinho into changes. Maniche was introduced to quicken the tempo but Curbishley's team looked every bit as likely to steal a winner.
Darren Bent spurned an opening created by Luke Young, then Ambrose was thwarted by a flying Cech. At the other end, Myhre improvised to keep out a Lampard shot and Crespo was denied by an incorrect offside call. Carvalho was dismissed for a second scything tackle on
Darren Bent. No Premiership red cards under Mourinho, then Arjen Robben and Carvalho despatched on successive weekends. "The linesman was a big help to them and I didn't agree with the red card," the Chelsea manager concluded. "But I'm not angry or frustrated. You can't win every game. This does not affect our momentum towards the title in any way. Ask United or Liverpool if they want to change places with us."
Charlton's momentum has been resurrected by improved results since the turn of the year. "I can't forget the pain of our dreadful run but I sat down at Christmas and thought things have got to change, and we are turning it around," Curbishley said.
Six successive defeats followed the Carling Cup success for Charlton in October, and it would take a similarly epic slump for Chelsea before Mourinho would need to do more than shrug his shoulders about two dropped points. Stranger things have not happened in football, but Chelsea's first dropped home points since last April offered their pursuers the faint hope that anything is possible.
• Man of the match: Darren Ambrose (Charlton).
Match details
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, del Horno (C.Cole 80); Gudjohnsen, Makelele (Maniche 63), Lampard; J.Cole, Crespo, Duff (Wright-Phillips 63). Subs: Cudicini (g), Ferreira. Goal: Gudjohnsen (18) Booked: Carvalho, Terry Sent off: CarvalhoCharlton Athletic (4-5-1): Myhre; Young, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Powell; Rommedahl (M Bent 40), Holland, Kishishev, Hughes, Ambrose (Bartlett 90); D Bent. Subs: Andersen (g), Perry, Spector. Goal: Bent (59)Booked: Kishishev. Referee: S.Bennett (Kent).Att: 41,355 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Times;
Chelsea bent but not brokenBy Nick SzczepanikChelsea 1 Charlton Athletic 1
LIGHTNING STRUCK FOR THE SECOND time at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Charlton Athletic were the first visiting team to “beat” Chelsea this season when they eliminated them from the Carling Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw on October 26 and they ended the champions’ perfect home record in the Barclays Premiership by achieving an identical result. When Eidur Gudjohnsen gave Chelsea the lead after 19 minutes, anything other than a routine home win seemed unlikely. But after Marcus Bent had equalised shortly before the hour mark with a goal on his debut for Charlton, the champions were unable to find another gear. In fact, after Ricardo Carvalho had been sent off with ten minutes to play, Charlton might even have won it.
Pelé attended the match and the Brazil legend cannot have been too impressed with a flat interpretation by the Premiership leaders of what he called the beautiful game. However, José Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, did his best to appear unconcerned about the result and a first failure in 42 games to win after taking the lead.
“A draw doesn’t make you happy, but in the context of the Premiership it’s a result you have to accept,” he said. “When you get to January and you lose your first two points at home, I think it’s a magnificent achievement. I’m not frustrated — I know how football is. You cannot win every game. Two draws and one defeat all season is fantastic. The record since I arrived, with no defeats at home, is unbelievable. It happened against a team that was well-organised, defended well and showed a bit of danger on the counter-attack.”
However, it took a while for any such danger to manifest itself. The Charlton supporters who missed the first half because of a temporary suspension of services on the Tube were the lucky ones as their team lacked ambition. Their five midfield players seldom took a single stride forward in support of Darren Bent and the only worthwhile pass that came his way was a misdirected one from Gudjohnsen.
Given the ball and allowed to attack at will, Chelsea took only 19 minutes to go in front, albeit with considerable help from Thomas Myhre, the Charlton goalkeeper. He spilt Hernán Crespo’s near-post header from Damien Duff’s corner on the left and Gudjohnsen’s shin made just enough contact with the ball to nudge it over the goalline before Radostin Kishishev could hack it away.
Chelsea might have extended their lead before half-time when Frank Lampard’s overhead kick from a backheeled cross by Joe Cole passed inches wide, but soon after the restart, a change in Charlton’s approach became evident. Bryan Hughes forced a save from Petr Cech after 52 minutes and seven minutes later the scores were level.
Darren Ambrose was allowed space to collect the ball and pick out the run of Marcus Bent from the right with a clever cross. John Terry and Asier Del Horno froze and Bent, on as a substitute, nipped behind them to head the ball over Cech — an encouragingly quick return on Charlton’s investment of £2.5 million on his transfer from Everton last week.
Mourinho sent on Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was linked with a possible bid from Liverpool in a Sunday paper, but he made little impression. With all three substitutes deployed, Chelsea then lost Carvalho for a second bookable challenge on Darren Bent. It could have been costly as Ambrose burst into the gap where the Portugal defender would have been, only to see Cech block his shot.
Alan Curbishley, the Charlton manager, saw the performance as evidence that his team has ended a poor run, but their previous success at Stamford Bridge took so much out of them that they lost their next six matches. Good news, perhaps, for Leyton Orient, next week’s opponents in the fourth round of the FA Cup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelsea 1 - 1 Charlton
Jon Brodkin at Stamford BridgeMonday January 23, 2006The Guardian
As if it had not been a strange enough weekend in London with a whale in the Thames, events took an even more unusual twist yesterday. For the first time in nine months and 14 matches, Chelsea failed to win at home in the Premiership. Unfortunately for their closest rivals, Wally's death on a barge is unlikely to be followed by the expiry of Chelsea's title challenge. "When they think how far ahead we are, they will go from a smile to [a scowl]," Jose Mourinho said
Charlton will still enjoy their achievement and must be the only team who relish visits to Chelsea. They won here on penalties in the Carling Cup in October and deserved this draw, secured by a debut goal from the substitute Marcus Bent. It had been hard during the first half to imagine Charlton avoiding defeat as Chelsea took the lead and cruised, but an improved display brought an equaliser and might have delivered a winner.The late dismissal of Ricardo Carvalho for a second booking capped the disappointment for a subdued Chelsea, who paid for not taking chances to extend their lead before the interval. They seemed to be playing within themselves at that stage as Charlton posed scant threat, and found it difficult to go up through the gears after Bent's goal. Lacking cutting edge they rarely looked like rescuing an 11th straight Premiership victory.
"When you arrive in January and lose your first two points at home, I think that's a magnificent achievement," said Mourinho, whose team's most recent failure to win in the league here was against Arsenal last April. "When you don't win at home you always feel a taste you don't like but in the context of the Premiership we have one more point and one less game to play and we are going in the direction of the title, so it's not too bad."
Few of his players rose above the ordinary on a poor pitch. There were flashes from Joe Cole but some unsuccessful showiness, too, and Damien Duff faded. Hernán Crespo was rarely prominent, even if his header was fumbled by Thomas Myhre to enable Eidur Gudjohnsen to score and he was wrongly given offside when through late on. Mourinho said Charlton were "lucky to have a linesman that gave them a big help".
Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard were involved in many of Chelsea's best moments but neither dominated the game, and Mourinho's defence had one of its less assured afternoons once Charlton gained momentum. Carvalho was below par and Asier Del Horno failed to impress. Bent ran off him to score and Luke Young later skipped round the left-back to set up a presentable chance which Darren Bent fired over.
The best individual performances came from Charlton, with Darren Ambrose the pick. He set up Marcus Bent's goal and might have won the match in the 84th minute when denied by Petr Cech. Matt Holland did well after the interval as Charlton defended well, and Marcus Bent could be satisfied. He was brought on in the 40th minute after Young hurt Dennis Rommedahl when jumping for a header. The change helped Charlton by giving their 4-5-1 formation more of a goal threat, with the substitute drifting off the right flank towards the box. Darren Bent had been too isolated earlier.
Marcus Bent took his goal well, running on to Ambrose's chip and flicking a header over the onrushing Cech from near the penalty spot with his back to goal. That gave Charlton a confidence which made sure that, for the first time in 42 matches, Chelsea went ahead in a league game but did not win. Alan Curbishley will trust his team do not now lose six matches in a row, as after their Carling Cup success here. "A result like today goes a long way to getting us back on track," he said.
Charlton had fallen behind when Chris Powell allowed Crespo a free header from a corner and Gudjohnsen forced the ball over the line. When Lampard sent an overhead volley just wide and Del Horno had a header kicked off the line, Chelsea must have felt a win was coming but a revived Charlton surprised them.
Maniche speeded up the tempo for Chelsea after coming on but Mourinho must have sensed it would not be his day when Carvalho was dismissed for a second foul on Darren Bent, another red card after Arjen Robben's a week earlier at Sunderland. "I don't agree with the sending off but we are a clean team," said Mourinho.
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Independent
Chelsea 1 Charlton Athletic 1: Bent seizes on Chelsea's complacency to plunder rare point from the Bridge By Glenn Moore Published: 23 January 2006 First a whale is spotted off Battersea Bridge, then Chelsea drop points at home. These are strange times indeed in west London. In the grand scheme of things their failure to secure an 11th successive league victory is unlikely to derail the champions' path to world domination, or even another Premiership title, but it was unexpected enough to leave Roman Abramovich sporting a perplexed expression and Jose Mourinho a serious one.
This was a reminder that Chelsea are not irresistible, nor are they automatons. After 11 straight home wins in the Premiership this season there was inevitable evidence of complacency after Eidur Gudjohnsen had put them ahead after 18 minutes. However, after Marcus Bent marked his Charlton debut with a well-taken goal shortly before the hour, Chelsea were made to look unremarkable by their well-organised opponents, who became the first team to take a Premiership point away from Stamford Bridge since Arsenal last April.
"We cannot win every game, this day had to arrive one day," Mourinho said. "To lose your first home points at the end of January is a magnificent achievement. We are still going in the direction of the title."
He looked up, saw on the press-room televisions that the match was under way at Old Trafford, and added: "If you ask the winners of Manchester United and Liverpool after the game - who will be happy because they have won - if they want to change places with Chelsea they will lose their happiness immediately. They will think how far we are ahead and the smile will go."
True, but there were a few signs of hope here for the chasing duo. Collectively, Chelsea only extended themselves after Charlton levelled, and individually there were below-par performances. Ricardo Carvalho's dismissal capped a dismal afternoon, Asier del Horno again looked ordinary, neither Damien Duff nor his replacement, Shaun Wright-Phillips, ever troubled Charlton and even the indefatigable Frank Lampard was relatively quiet.
For the visitors Hermann Hreidarsson was inspirational in defence, Darren Ambrose's performance made one wonder why Newcastle let him go, and Marcus Bent maintained his habit, in his peripatetic career, of starting well.
He then tends to fade but maybe he has finally found a home. "He looked like a Charlton player," said a happy Alan Curbishley. The Charlton manager added, in a reference to his team's pre-Christmas dip: "I'm delighted it looks as if we are making an attempt to turn it round. We're not out of woods yet but a result like today's gets us a long way to getting back on track."
There was little indication of drama to come in a first half so soporific it silenced 42,000 people - Thomas Myhre's instructions could be heard 80 yards away.
With the benefit of an observant linesman Charlton kept Chelsea at bay for 18 minutes but were then undone by the same sharp-eyed official. Hernan Crespo beat Jonathan Fortune and Chris Powell to a corner won and taken by Duff. Myhre spilt the flick header but Gudjohnsen stabbed goalwards and the linesman correctly determined the ball had crossed the line before Radostin Kishishev cleared.
Then Chelsea eased up. There was no drive in midfield and sloppy defending allowed both Bryan Hughes and Ambrose to shoot. Yet Charlton's equaliser was still a surprise. Given time to pick a pass Ambrose spotted Marcus Bent between Del Horno and John Terry. The latter stepped up to play offside but Del Horno did not and Bent deftly headed over Petr Cech.
Mourinho sent on the cavalry but while Maniche settled quickly on his debut it made little difference. That said, an errant flag pulled up Crespo after Gudjohnsen sent him clear.
Lampard might also have won the game in a frantic finish but so could have Ambrose as Chelsea, having withdrawn Del Horno, were reduced to two defenders when Carvalho, already booked, needlessly ploughed through Darren Bent nine minutes from time.
Goals: Gudjohnsen (18) 1-0; M Bent (58) 1-1.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno (C Cole, 79); Lampard, Makelele (Maniche, 62), Gudjohnsen; J Cole, Crespo, Duff (Wright-Phillips, 62). Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Ferreira.
Charlton Athletic (4-5-1): Myrhe; Young, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Powell; Rommedahl (M Bent, 39), Holland, Kishishev, Hughes, Ambrose (Bartlett, 90); D Bent. Substitutes not used: Andersen (gk), Perry, Spector.
Referee: S Bennett (Kent).
Booked: Chelsea Carvalho, Terry; Charlton Athletic Kishishev.
Sent off: Carvalho (81).
Man of the match: Hreidarsson
Attendance: 41,355. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:
Chelsea home record dented on Bent debutBy Clive Tyldesley Chelsea (1) 1 Charlton Athletic (0) 1
Whales in the Thames, mice on the pitch at Old Trafford and Chelsea drop points at home. Whatever next? Life is full of surprises but Jose Mourinho is the man in the television advert who is always one step ahead. To allow Charlton Athletic to knock his team out of the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge was careless, to let them come from behind to blot Chelsea's 100 per cent home record in the Premiership qualified as a shock of Burton Albion proportions. For the second weekend running, the champions had a man sent off too. It's a crisis.
Dream debut: Marcus Bent got off to a perfect start when he scored at Stamford Bridge
Worse still, Charlton deserved their point. Until half-time, the visitors' reinforced midfield seemed equipped only to keep the score down. Eidur Gudjohnsen's close-range goal looked a starter for several. Chelsea were in cruise control. But when Marcus Bent equalised just before the hour, a mood of uncertainty replaced the air of inevitability. Either side could have stolen victory during a frantic finale that saw Ricardo Carvalho shown a second yellow card and both goalkeepers make desperate stops.
Twenty months have passed since Chelsea last took the lead in a league game and failed to claim maximum points. So to concede a goal inside 18 minutes was the last thing Charlton could afford. And a straight-forward and scrappy goal at that. Hernan Crespo escaped his marker to guide a near-post corner goalwards, Thomas Myhre was unable to gather and Gudjohnsen bundled the ball over the line. Hermann Hreidarsson then smothered a Crespo shot and Radostin Kishishev smuggled a header from Asier del Horno off the line. Charlton were hanging in.
"We went behind to a soft set play and our attacks were fizzling out," admitted manager Alan Curbishley. "We had to work so hard to get into their third of the field, I just asked them at half-time to show a bit more composure when we got there. We gave as good as we got after that."
Soon after the restart, Bryan Hughes forced Petr Cech into his first scrambling save, then the lively Darren Ambrose angled a clipped ball behind the Chelsea rearguard and Marcus Bent eluded Del Horno to score with a glancing backward header.
Bent's debut was delayed until Dennis Rommedahl limped off shortly before the interval. Even then, Curbishley resisted the temptation to pair him with his namesake in attack, persisting with the five-man midfield that had kept Chelsea within reach. Charlton's resistance nagged at the assurance of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Co and forced Mourinho into changes. Maniche was introduced to quicken the tempo but Curbishley's team looked every bit as likely to steal a winner.
Darren Bent spurned an opening created by Luke Young, then Ambrose was thwarted by a flying Cech. At the other end, Myhre improvised to keep out a Lampard shot and Crespo was denied by an incorrect offside call. Carvalho was dismissed for a second scything tackle on
Darren Bent. No Premiership red cards under Mourinho, then Arjen Robben and Carvalho despatched on successive weekends. "The linesman was a big help to them and I didn't agree with the red card," the Chelsea manager concluded. "But I'm not angry or frustrated. You can't win every game. This does not affect our momentum towards the title in any way. Ask United or Liverpool if they want to change places with us."
Charlton's momentum has been resurrected by improved results since the turn of the year. "I can't forget the pain of our dreadful run but I sat down at Christmas and thought things have got to change, and we are turning it around," Curbishley said.
Six successive defeats followed the Carling Cup success for Charlton in October, and it would take a similarly epic slump for Chelsea before Mourinho would need to do more than shrug his shoulders about two dropped points. Stranger things have not happened in football, but Chelsea's first dropped home points since last April offered their pursuers the faint hope that anything is possible.
• Man of the match: Darren Ambrose (Charlton).
Match details
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, del Horno (C.Cole 80); Gudjohnsen, Makelele (Maniche 63), Lampard; J.Cole, Crespo, Duff (Wright-Phillips 63). Subs: Cudicini (g), Ferreira. Goal: Gudjohnsen (18) Booked: Carvalho, Terry Sent off: CarvalhoCharlton Athletic (4-5-1): Myhre; Young, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Powell; Rommedahl (M Bent 40), Holland, Kishishev, Hughes, Ambrose (Bartlett 90); D Bent. Subs: Andersen (g), Perry, Spector. Goal: Bent (59)Booked: Kishishev. Referee: S.Bennett (Kent).Att: 41,355 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Times;
Chelsea bent but not brokenBy Nick SzczepanikChelsea 1 Charlton Athletic 1
LIGHTNING STRUCK FOR THE SECOND time at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Charlton Athletic were the first visiting team to “beat” Chelsea this season when they eliminated them from the Carling Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw on October 26 and they ended the champions’ perfect home record in the Barclays Premiership by achieving an identical result. When Eidur Gudjohnsen gave Chelsea the lead after 19 minutes, anything other than a routine home win seemed unlikely. But after Marcus Bent had equalised shortly before the hour mark with a goal on his debut for Charlton, the champions were unable to find another gear. In fact, after Ricardo Carvalho had been sent off with ten minutes to play, Charlton might even have won it.
Pelé attended the match and the Brazil legend cannot have been too impressed with a flat interpretation by the Premiership leaders of what he called the beautiful game. However, José Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, did his best to appear unconcerned about the result and a first failure in 42 games to win after taking the lead.
“A draw doesn’t make you happy, but in the context of the Premiership it’s a result you have to accept,” he said. “When you get to January and you lose your first two points at home, I think it’s a magnificent achievement. I’m not frustrated — I know how football is. You cannot win every game. Two draws and one defeat all season is fantastic. The record since I arrived, with no defeats at home, is unbelievable. It happened against a team that was well-organised, defended well and showed a bit of danger on the counter-attack.”
However, it took a while for any such danger to manifest itself. The Charlton supporters who missed the first half because of a temporary suspension of services on the Tube were the lucky ones as their team lacked ambition. Their five midfield players seldom took a single stride forward in support of Darren Bent and the only worthwhile pass that came his way was a misdirected one from Gudjohnsen.
Given the ball and allowed to attack at will, Chelsea took only 19 minutes to go in front, albeit with considerable help from Thomas Myhre, the Charlton goalkeeper. He spilt Hernán Crespo’s near-post header from Damien Duff’s corner on the left and Gudjohnsen’s shin made just enough contact with the ball to nudge it over the goalline before Radostin Kishishev could hack it away.
Chelsea might have extended their lead before half-time when Frank Lampard’s overhead kick from a backheeled cross by Joe Cole passed inches wide, but soon after the restart, a change in Charlton’s approach became evident. Bryan Hughes forced a save from Petr Cech after 52 minutes and seven minutes later the scores were level.
Darren Ambrose was allowed space to collect the ball and pick out the run of Marcus Bent from the right with a clever cross. John Terry and Asier Del Horno froze and Bent, on as a substitute, nipped behind them to head the ball over Cech — an encouragingly quick return on Charlton’s investment of £2.5 million on his transfer from Everton last week.
Mourinho sent on Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was linked with a possible bid from Liverpool in a Sunday paper, but he made little impression. With all three substitutes deployed, Chelsea then lost Carvalho for a second bookable challenge on Darren Bent. It could have been costly as Ambrose burst into the gap where the Portugal defender would have been, only to see Cech block his shot.
Alan Curbishley, the Charlton manager, saw the performance as evidence that his team has ended a poor run, but their previous success at Stamford Bridge took so much out of them that they lost their next six matches. Good news, perhaps, for Leyton Orient, next week’s opponents in the fourth round of the FA Cup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, January 16, 2006
morning papers sunderland away
Guardian:
Chelsea put on red alert after late wake-up call
Kevin McCarra Stadium of LightMonday January 16, 2006The Guardian
Arjen Robben's joy was interrupted by a red card. He had just scored a lucky winner that deflected off Dean Whitehead in the 69th minute and was revelling with the Chelsea support behind the goal when Chris Foy showed him a second yellow card of the match. The referee's decision had a puritanical tone. Here was an occasion where Chelsea, pushed to their limits by Sunderland, deserved to be chastised for feeling at all pleased with themselves.
Jose Mourinho was in a comparatively subdued mood afterwards. "He did well," the Chelsea manager said sincerely of Foy. His own preference would be to see another minute added to stoppage-time for elongated, off-field celebrations such as Robben's. Despite that, Mourinho believed that the rules had been properly applied and, presumably, was not aware that officials are explicitly instructed to show common sense in such situations.As Robben made for the tunnel, Mourinho embraced the player "to show I am with him". Acerbity, for all that, is never far away and Mourinho prophesied that the attacker will never repeat the offence. The manager also remarked blithely that Robben's suspension will let Damien Duff or Shaun Wright-Phillips start a game. The Premiership is not too demanding a test but life at Stamford Bridge will always be a rat race while Mourinho is there.
Robben's best defence of his conduct would be that he acted with the spontaneity of a relieved man. This was an unjust loss for Sunderland, despite their inevitably inferior technique. It may have needed several second-half saves from the much-maligned Kelvin Davis to keep them on equal terms, but Robben's goal came just as the visitors were beginning to grow frustrated.
While Sunderland may sometimes have wished there were no cameras to record their haplessness, this was an afternoon where the videotapes will prove that they are not as bad as the derisory league total of six points suggests. Chelsea were no longer above the fray, even if it has to be recognised that the onslaught they mounted immediately after the interval showed determination. "Our team has some qualities that money can't buy," said Mourinho to widespread amazement. "How many clubs in the world, with top players, can fight as Chelsea do?"
The grappling was close to going too far and as the game whirled towards the full-time whistle Ricardo Carvalho's grappling with opponents risked a penalty. As is so often the case on these occasions the defender was spared punishment because the opponent with whom he was dealing had probably been committing offences of his own.
There was bound to be friction since conditions prohibited slick play. The pitch was in poor condition and the Chelsea players, warming up before the game, seemed to be rehearsing volleyed passes, as if extra-terrestrial football might be a possibility. In the fixture itself, though, they were most definitely brought down to earth.
Asier Del Horno, who has already been warned that he will have to improve fast if he is to survive, was utterly unreliable at left-back. His deficiencies had their inspiring effect on Liam Lawrence. When the accurate Julio Arca sent over one of his testing crosses in the 11th minute John Terry ought to have helped the ball on its way the flank but instead headed it down into an area of danger. Lawrence scored ravenously with a first-time finish as Del Horno was too slow to close on him.
Mourinho grumbled that Chelsea had been asleep, but added: "You know that we will wake up and react." They did so, but only spasmodically and the 28th minute equaliser was rather unexpected. William Gallas, moving the ball on to his left foot, crossed deep from the right and Joe Cole, standing beside the far post, nodded across goal for Hernan Crespo to head home.
The Argentinian was not the ideal individual for an occasion that called for the muscle of Didier Drogba, who has gone to the African Cup of Nations, or of the injured Michael Essien. Mourinho waved away questions about Crespo's pang for the Italian scene he knows best. "If he is homesick and scores goals like he does I want more of our players to be homesick," said Mourinho.
Sunderland had their opportunity to regain the lead in first-half stoppage time but Anthony Le Tallec's header was sent too close to Petr Cech. Mick McCarthy's side were never so incisive again and it was Chelsea, raising the tempo to sustain the pressure even though the surface regularly broke up moves, who besieged Davis. The goalkeeper twice thwarted Crespo as well as parrying efforts from other players.
Sunderland flagged a little, crucially, allowed Robben to come in off the right flank and put the ball on to his left foot for the shot that decided the outcome. Chelsea, in consequence, are 16 points in front of Manchester United, but Mourinho preferred to note that Liverpool, with games in hand, can get to within 11.
This difficult trip to the North-East will have dispelled Chelsea complacency even if it was the Stamford Bridge club's 10th consecutive Premiership win.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent:
Sunderland 1 Chelsea 2: Mourinho backs ref over Robben sending off Published: 16 January 2006 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted referee Chris Foy had no option but to send off match-winner Arjen Robben in a pulsating encounter at Sunderland.
The Dutchman was dismissed after over-celebrating his decisive 69th-minute strike after being booked for a first-half foul as the Barclays Premiership leaders came from behind to see off a spirited Black Cats side. Robben was devastated to receive his marching orders, but Mourinho, who offered him a consoling handshake as he left the pitch, said the official had no choice with the second yellow card, if believing the first was harsh.
"I don't like a yellow card card when a player celebrates with the fans, but it's the rule and you have to adapt to it," he said. "I think it would be easy for a referee to give one more minute extra time instead of the second yellow card.
"The player celebrates with the fans, it takes a little bit more time - instead of three minutes extra time, he gives four or five and it's done. But I think Foy did well because he did what the rule says he had to do. "The first yellow card is not a yellow card - it was just in front of me - but again, referees can make these little mistakes, so of course I'm disappointed. "But it's a chance for (Damien) Duff and Shaun Wright-Phillips to play the next game because Arjen will be suspended. "Next time, he will not do it again. He will remember for (the rest of) his career because he has had a yellow card that he cannot celebrate with the fans when he scores a goal. "I'm happy with the result and the result is the most important thing for a football team."
The win - Hernan Crespo had cancelled out Liam Lawrence's 12th-minute opener before Dean Whitehead deflected Robben's shot past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis - took Chelsea 16 points clear of Manchester United in second place, although Mourinho is taking nothing for granted. "It's 16 from Manchester United, but Liverpool can get it down to 11 if they win the two matches they have to play," he said. "And there are a lot of matches too, I think 16, eight at home, eight away. "We are confident, we are strong, we will play when we have to play, we will fight when we have to fight like today, and I think we are in a very good situation. "But in football, you have to go until mathematically it is over."
The league leaders now enjoy a 55-point gap over the side they left rooted to the foot of the table, but Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy was able to take plenty of positives out of a battling display. "I'm sick we have lost, but pleased at the way we played and proud of the performance, actually," he said. "I guess it's indicative of where the two teams are that despite the fact that they had some chances and Kelvin played really well, it's a deflection that has won the game for them. "I'm full of admiration for (his players) because I don't know any other group of players that could keep having the disappointments they have had, having played well, and just keep their heads up and keep going and keep fighting like they are doing. "They can take a lot of credit for it. Individually, there have been some really good performances of late. Overall individually, they are getting better and better. "It might prove to be a little bit too late, but for their own development and the development of the team if the worst does happen and we get relegated, the players will be better for it, no question."
Meanwhile, Mourinho confirmed he will be making no further signings during the January transfer window, but may be persuaded to allow one member of his squad to leave Stamford Bridge. "It's open until the end of January, and until the end of January, anything can happen," he said. "New players, no, but one player to leave and try to find a better situation until the end of the season is possible if - I repeat, if - the player is very, very interested in that, not because we want it." However, the Portuguese declined to comment on England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's reported comments on the fee he paid for Wright-Phillips.
Goals: Lawrence (12) 1-0, Crespo (28) 1-1, Robben (69) 1-2.
Sunderland (4-4-2): Davis; Hoyte, Caldwell, Breen, D Collins; Lawrence, Whitehead, Miller, Arca; Le Tallec (Gray, 81), Stead (Murphy, 81). Substitutes not used: Alnwick (gk), Nosworthy, Bassila.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Gallas, Terry, Carvalho, Del Horno; Lampard, Makelele; J Cole (Duff, 63), Gudjohnsen (Huth, 83), Robben; Crespo (C Cole, 72). Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Diarra.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
Booked: Sunderland Stead; Chelsea Robben.
Sent off: Robben (70).
Man of the match: Arca.
Attendance: 32,420.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph:
Robben inspires Chelsea to set new standardBy Rob Stewart Sunderland (1) 1 Chelsea (1) 2
The prospect of Jose Mourinho's most embarrassing result at Chelsea - and arguably the greatest upset in the history of the Premiership - evidently focused his players' minds.
Supply and demand: Joe Cole congratulates Hernan Crespo Sunderland had the temerity to take a first-half lead over England's foremost team, and a huge shock was on the cards as the gap between the top and bottom of the Premiership was rendered insignificant by a team whose efforts belied their lowly status against a side whose advantage at the summit has stretched to 16 points and who set a club record with their 10th successive Premiership victory.
Briefly, Mick McCarthy's team were more than a match for their lofty visitors until Mourinho's charges were shaken out of their slumber, running out easy winners despite the dismissal of match-winner Arjen Robben, who struck in fortuitous fashion after Hernan Crespo cancelled out Liam Lawrence's opener.
"I was concerned when Sunderland took the lead but at the same time I knew that goal would wake up a team that was sleeping," Mourinho said. "The game wasn't beautiful. It was a tough game for us because a lot of players produce the game of their lives against Chelsea.
"Our team have qualities money can't buy: team spirit, organisation, mentality. People sometimes don't give us credit for our work because they don't understand the world we're in. How many big teams in the world can fight like Chelsea?"
Jonathan Stead set the tone for an exciting game when he tested Petr Cech with a low, angled shot in the third minute. Lawrence raised hopes that Sunderland could give the bookmakers a day to forget in the 12th minute, punishing Chelsea captain John Terry's uncharacteristic mistake.
Julio Arca floated a cross deep into enemy territory and Terry responded with a weak header straight to Stead, who drove the ball past Cech from just inside the penalty area. For someone once known as the David Beckham of Field Mill during his Mansfield days, it seemed appropriate.
Crespo spared Terry's blushes when he equalised with his 10th goal of the season in the 28th minute, rounding off a swift attack by his colleagues. Arjen Robben sent William Gallas away down the wing and the stand-in right-back dummied Arca on the by-line before delivering a curling cross just beyond the far post. Joe Cole nodded the ball back into the six-yard area, where the supposedly homesick Crespo reacted quickest, stooping to head past Kelvin Davis.
"If Hernan is homesick and scores like he has been doing I want more players who are homesick," said Mourinho.
Normally, this sort of setback has been enough to kill off Sunderland, but not this time. With Lawrence regularly getting the better of left-back Asier del Horno, they even looked capable of regaining the lead.
Indeed, Anthony Le Tallec had a glorious chance to restore his team's advantage two minutes into first-half stoppage time when he was left unmarked by Terry et al but his header from 12 yards out lacked direction and was comfortably saved.
After that fortunate escape, Mourinho saw his team raise their game and the Sunderland goal was placed under unbearable pressure.
Only a series of fine saves by Kelvin Davis, most notably when he repelled Crespo's header, kept the defending champions at bay in a charge spearheaded by Eidur Gudjohnsen and Lampard, but the keeper's resistance crumbled in the 70th minute in unfortunate circumstances.
Robben took aim just outside the penalty area and his goalbound effort was deflected beyond Davis when Dean Whitehead tried to nod the Dutchman's shot clear.
The excitement was clearly too much for Robben, who hurdled the advertising hoarding to celebrate with visiting supporters and received his second caution of the afternoon from referee Chris Foy, bringing his day's work to a premature end.
"I don't like a yellow card when players celebrate with fans but it is the rule," Mourinho said. "You have to adapt but it would be easy to give a minute's extra time instead of a yellow card."
Despite that setback, Chelsea continued to dominate and Davis had to deny the impressive Gudjohnsen and Carlton Cole, while Lampard sent a shot soaring narrowly over the crossbar.
Sunderland ran out of steam in the latter stages and never looked likely to make use of their numerical advantage, with the Chelsea defence comfortably equal to their opponents' endeavours. "I'm sick we lost but full of admiration for my players," McCarthy said. "especially Kelvin, because he's winning people over."
• Man of the match: Kelvin Davis (Sunderland).
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Times:
Chelsea summon champions' spiritBy George CaulkinSunderland 1 Chelsea 2
CHELSEA ARE A TEAM WHO REJECT easy excuses. A goal behind after 12 minutes, insipid and tentative, they ground through the gears, pummelled Sunderland and grasped the lead. A man down after 70 minutes, they shut up shop, clawed at every clearance and held on. “That’s why we’re champions,” their supporters crowed. Where Arsenal are capable of humiliating opponents, Liverpool eke out victories and Manchester United show fleeting signs of their former brilliance, Chelsea combine all of their rivals’ strengths with none of their frailties. Sixteen points clear at the head of the table, they are brutal in their efficiency, even when caught cold, as they were yesterday. “Our team has qualities that money can’t buy,” José Mourinho said. “How many other big teams in the world can fight like Chelsea does, have the same team spirit, organisation or mentality?” For a few blissful moments in the second half, Chelsea played what their manager called “unbelievable football”, but their tenth league victory in succession — a club record in the Premiership — was based on tenacity. They showed it when Julio Arca pumped a long pass forward, John Terry made an ineffectual clearance and Liam Lawrence struck an early shot. They showed it again when Arjen Robben was sent off for a second booking.
Never knowingly predictable, Mourinho was unconcerned about Robben’s departure, for leaping into the crowd after striking a deflected winner. “I don’t like seeing a yellow card when a player celebrates with the fans,” he said, “but if that’s the rule we have to adapt to it.”
Having burnt themselves out, Sunderland were powerless to seize the advantage. Mick McCarthy’s side had begun ferociously and their attitude did not dim. “I don’t know any other group of players who could suffer as many disappointments as they have and still keep fighting,” McCarthy said. Their relegation is surely guaranteed, but this was an optimistic afternoon and a spirited performance. Even so, the chairman refused to offer McCarthy security. “At a club that’s struggling as badly as this one is, there’s going to be speculation as to the manager and the way forward and I don’t want to add to that situation,” Bob Murray said.
What Sunderland lacked in quality, they made up in sweat and perseverance. Those qualities are not unknown to Chelsea, but they did not appreciate being confronted by them. They had equalised in the 28th minute, when William Gallas spread a deep cross to the far post, Joe Cole narrowly kept the ball in play and Hernán Crespo nodded in his eighth league goal of the season, but it was not until later that the giant roused itself.
Kelvin Davis had repelled a driven shot and point-blank header from Crespo and dived at full stretch to tip away a fierce effort from Frank Lampard, but the goalkeeper could not stem the tide indefinitely. Robben ensured the win, lurking at the edge of the penalty area; the winger’s decision to shoot might have been selfish had Dean Whitehead not stooped to meet it. The ball looped above Davis, Robben ran towards the Chelsea fans, leapt over the advertising hoardings and was booked for the exuberance of his celebration. Cautioned for an earlier foul on Lawrence, he was promptly sent off.
Even with reduced personnel, Chelsea barely wavered. McCarthy was incandescent that two penalty appeals found no favour — the first, when Ricardo Carvalho tugged the shirt of Andy Gray, was a worthy claim — but Mourinho’s side held firm. “We are strong, we play when we have to play and fight when we have to fight,” Mourinho said. “We’re in a very good situation.” Nobody debated it.
CALM DOWN
A PLAYER MUST BE cautioned when he climbs on to a perimeter fence to celebrate a goal. It is considered that fans may be endangered in a rush forward. Arjen Robben was perhaps unlucky that the Stadium of Light has an advertising board several yards from the fans, one that thus needs to be hurdled to reach the crowd. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelsea put on red alert after late wake-up call
Kevin McCarra Stadium of LightMonday January 16, 2006The Guardian
Arjen Robben's joy was interrupted by a red card. He had just scored a lucky winner that deflected off Dean Whitehead in the 69th minute and was revelling with the Chelsea support behind the goal when Chris Foy showed him a second yellow card of the match. The referee's decision had a puritanical tone. Here was an occasion where Chelsea, pushed to their limits by Sunderland, deserved to be chastised for feeling at all pleased with themselves.
Jose Mourinho was in a comparatively subdued mood afterwards. "He did well," the Chelsea manager said sincerely of Foy. His own preference would be to see another minute added to stoppage-time for elongated, off-field celebrations such as Robben's. Despite that, Mourinho believed that the rules had been properly applied and, presumably, was not aware that officials are explicitly instructed to show common sense in such situations.As Robben made for the tunnel, Mourinho embraced the player "to show I am with him". Acerbity, for all that, is never far away and Mourinho prophesied that the attacker will never repeat the offence. The manager also remarked blithely that Robben's suspension will let Damien Duff or Shaun Wright-Phillips start a game. The Premiership is not too demanding a test but life at Stamford Bridge will always be a rat race while Mourinho is there.
Robben's best defence of his conduct would be that he acted with the spontaneity of a relieved man. This was an unjust loss for Sunderland, despite their inevitably inferior technique. It may have needed several second-half saves from the much-maligned Kelvin Davis to keep them on equal terms, but Robben's goal came just as the visitors were beginning to grow frustrated.
While Sunderland may sometimes have wished there were no cameras to record their haplessness, this was an afternoon where the videotapes will prove that they are not as bad as the derisory league total of six points suggests. Chelsea were no longer above the fray, even if it has to be recognised that the onslaught they mounted immediately after the interval showed determination. "Our team has some qualities that money can't buy," said Mourinho to widespread amazement. "How many clubs in the world, with top players, can fight as Chelsea do?"
The grappling was close to going too far and as the game whirled towards the full-time whistle Ricardo Carvalho's grappling with opponents risked a penalty. As is so often the case on these occasions the defender was spared punishment because the opponent with whom he was dealing had probably been committing offences of his own.
There was bound to be friction since conditions prohibited slick play. The pitch was in poor condition and the Chelsea players, warming up before the game, seemed to be rehearsing volleyed passes, as if extra-terrestrial football might be a possibility. In the fixture itself, though, they were most definitely brought down to earth.
Asier Del Horno, who has already been warned that he will have to improve fast if he is to survive, was utterly unreliable at left-back. His deficiencies had their inspiring effect on Liam Lawrence. When the accurate Julio Arca sent over one of his testing crosses in the 11th minute John Terry ought to have helped the ball on its way the flank but instead headed it down into an area of danger. Lawrence scored ravenously with a first-time finish as Del Horno was too slow to close on him.
Mourinho grumbled that Chelsea had been asleep, but added: "You know that we will wake up and react." They did so, but only spasmodically and the 28th minute equaliser was rather unexpected. William Gallas, moving the ball on to his left foot, crossed deep from the right and Joe Cole, standing beside the far post, nodded across goal for Hernan Crespo to head home.
The Argentinian was not the ideal individual for an occasion that called for the muscle of Didier Drogba, who has gone to the African Cup of Nations, or of the injured Michael Essien. Mourinho waved away questions about Crespo's pang for the Italian scene he knows best. "If he is homesick and scores goals like he does I want more of our players to be homesick," said Mourinho.
Sunderland had their opportunity to regain the lead in first-half stoppage time but Anthony Le Tallec's header was sent too close to Petr Cech. Mick McCarthy's side were never so incisive again and it was Chelsea, raising the tempo to sustain the pressure even though the surface regularly broke up moves, who besieged Davis. The goalkeeper twice thwarted Crespo as well as parrying efforts from other players.
Sunderland flagged a little, crucially, allowed Robben to come in off the right flank and put the ball on to his left foot for the shot that decided the outcome. Chelsea, in consequence, are 16 points in front of Manchester United, but Mourinho preferred to note that Liverpool, with games in hand, can get to within 11.
This difficult trip to the North-East will have dispelled Chelsea complacency even if it was the Stamford Bridge club's 10th consecutive Premiership win.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent:
Sunderland 1 Chelsea 2: Mourinho backs ref over Robben sending off Published: 16 January 2006 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted referee Chris Foy had no option but to send off match-winner Arjen Robben in a pulsating encounter at Sunderland.
The Dutchman was dismissed after over-celebrating his decisive 69th-minute strike after being booked for a first-half foul as the Barclays Premiership leaders came from behind to see off a spirited Black Cats side. Robben was devastated to receive his marching orders, but Mourinho, who offered him a consoling handshake as he left the pitch, said the official had no choice with the second yellow card, if believing the first was harsh.
"I don't like a yellow card card when a player celebrates with the fans, but it's the rule and you have to adapt to it," he said. "I think it would be easy for a referee to give one more minute extra time instead of the second yellow card.
"The player celebrates with the fans, it takes a little bit more time - instead of three minutes extra time, he gives four or five and it's done. But I think Foy did well because he did what the rule says he had to do. "The first yellow card is not a yellow card - it was just in front of me - but again, referees can make these little mistakes, so of course I'm disappointed. "But it's a chance for (Damien) Duff and Shaun Wright-Phillips to play the next game because Arjen will be suspended. "Next time, he will not do it again. He will remember for (the rest of) his career because he has had a yellow card that he cannot celebrate with the fans when he scores a goal. "I'm happy with the result and the result is the most important thing for a football team."
The win - Hernan Crespo had cancelled out Liam Lawrence's 12th-minute opener before Dean Whitehead deflected Robben's shot past goalkeeper Kelvin Davis - took Chelsea 16 points clear of Manchester United in second place, although Mourinho is taking nothing for granted. "It's 16 from Manchester United, but Liverpool can get it down to 11 if they win the two matches they have to play," he said. "And there are a lot of matches too, I think 16, eight at home, eight away. "We are confident, we are strong, we will play when we have to play, we will fight when we have to fight like today, and I think we are in a very good situation. "But in football, you have to go until mathematically it is over."
The league leaders now enjoy a 55-point gap over the side they left rooted to the foot of the table, but Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy was able to take plenty of positives out of a battling display. "I'm sick we have lost, but pleased at the way we played and proud of the performance, actually," he said. "I guess it's indicative of where the two teams are that despite the fact that they had some chances and Kelvin played really well, it's a deflection that has won the game for them. "I'm full of admiration for (his players) because I don't know any other group of players that could keep having the disappointments they have had, having played well, and just keep their heads up and keep going and keep fighting like they are doing. "They can take a lot of credit for it. Individually, there have been some really good performances of late. Overall individually, they are getting better and better. "It might prove to be a little bit too late, but for their own development and the development of the team if the worst does happen and we get relegated, the players will be better for it, no question."
Meanwhile, Mourinho confirmed he will be making no further signings during the January transfer window, but may be persuaded to allow one member of his squad to leave Stamford Bridge. "It's open until the end of January, and until the end of January, anything can happen," he said. "New players, no, but one player to leave and try to find a better situation until the end of the season is possible if - I repeat, if - the player is very, very interested in that, not because we want it." However, the Portuguese declined to comment on England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's reported comments on the fee he paid for Wright-Phillips.
Goals: Lawrence (12) 1-0, Crespo (28) 1-1, Robben (69) 1-2.
Sunderland (4-4-2): Davis; Hoyte, Caldwell, Breen, D Collins; Lawrence, Whitehead, Miller, Arca; Le Tallec (Gray, 81), Stead (Murphy, 81). Substitutes not used: Alnwick (gk), Nosworthy, Bassila.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Gallas, Terry, Carvalho, Del Horno; Lampard, Makelele; J Cole (Duff, 63), Gudjohnsen (Huth, 83), Robben; Crespo (C Cole, 72). Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk), Diarra.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
Booked: Sunderland Stead; Chelsea Robben.
Sent off: Robben (70).
Man of the match: Arca.
Attendance: 32,420.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telegraph:
Robben inspires Chelsea to set new standardBy Rob Stewart Sunderland (1) 1 Chelsea (1) 2
The prospect of Jose Mourinho's most embarrassing result at Chelsea - and arguably the greatest upset in the history of the Premiership - evidently focused his players' minds.
Supply and demand: Joe Cole congratulates Hernan Crespo Sunderland had the temerity to take a first-half lead over England's foremost team, and a huge shock was on the cards as the gap between the top and bottom of the Premiership was rendered insignificant by a team whose efforts belied their lowly status against a side whose advantage at the summit has stretched to 16 points and who set a club record with their 10th successive Premiership victory.
Briefly, Mick McCarthy's team were more than a match for their lofty visitors until Mourinho's charges were shaken out of their slumber, running out easy winners despite the dismissal of match-winner Arjen Robben, who struck in fortuitous fashion after Hernan Crespo cancelled out Liam Lawrence's opener.
"I was concerned when Sunderland took the lead but at the same time I knew that goal would wake up a team that was sleeping," Mourinho said. "The game wasn't beautiful. It was a tough game for us because a lot of players produce the game of their lives against Chelsea.
"Our team have qualities money can't buy: team spirit, organisation, mentality. People sometimes don't give us credit for our work because they don't understand the world we're in. How many big teams in the world can fight like Chelsea?"
Jonathan Stead set the tone for an exciting game when he tested Petr Cech with a low, angled shot in the third minute. Lawrence raised hopes that Sunderland could give the bookmakers a day to forget in the 12th minute, punishing Chelsea captain John Terry's uncharacteristic mistake.
Julio Arca floated a cross deep into enemy territory and Terry responded with a weak header straight to Stead, who drove the ball past Cech from just inside the penalty area. For someone once known as the David Beckham of Field Mill during his Mansfield days, it seemed appropriate.
Crespo spared Terry's blushes when he equalised with his 10th goal of the season in the 28th minute, rounding off a swift attack by his colleagues. Arjen Robben sent William Gallas away down the wing and the stand-in right-back dummied Arca on the by-line before delivering a curling cross just beyond the far post. Joe Cole nodded the ball back into the six-yard area, where the supposedly homesick Crespo reacted quickest, stooping to head past Kelvin Davis.
"If Hernan is homesick and scores like he has been doing I want more players who are homesick," said Mourinho.
Normally, this sort of setback has been enough to kill off Sunderland, but not this time. With Lawrence regularly getting the better of left-back Asier del Horno, they even looked capable of regaining the lead.
Indeed, Anthony Le Tallec had a glorious chance to restore his team's advantage two minutes into first-half stoppage time when he was left unmarked by Terry et al but his header from 12 yards out lacked direction and was comfortably saved.
After that fortunate escape, Mourinho saw his team raise their game and the Sunderland goal was placed under unbearable pressure.
Only a series of fine saves by Kelvin Davis, most notably when he repelled Crespo's header, kept the defending champions at bay in a charge spearheaded by Eidur Gudjohnsen and Lampard, but the keeper's resistance crumbled in the 70th minute in unfortunate circumstances.
Robben took aim just outside the penalty area and his goalbound effort was deflected beyond Davis when Dean Whitehead tried to nod the Dutchman's shot clear.
The excitement was clearly too much for Robben, who hurdled the advertising hoarding to celebrate with visiting supporters and received his second caution of the afternoon from referee Chris Foy, bringing his day's work to a premature end.
"I don't like a yellow card when players celebrate with fans but it is the rule," Mourinho said. "You have to adapt but it would be easy to give a minute's extra time instead of a yellow card."
Despite that setback, Chelsea continued to dominate and Davis had to deny the impressive Gudjohnsen and Carlton Cole, while Lampard sent a shot soaring narrowly over the crossbar.
Sunderland ran out of steam in the latter stages and never looked likely to make use of their numerical advantage, with the Chelsea defence comfortably equal to their opponents' endeavours. "I'm sick we lost but full of admiration for my players," McCarthy said. "especially Kelvin, because he's winning people over."
• Man of the match: Kelvin Davis (Sunderland).
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Times:
Chelsea summon champions' spiritBy George CaulkinSunderland 1 Chelsea 2
CHELSEA ARE A TEAM WHO REJECT easy excuses. A goal behind after 12 minutes, insipid and tentative, they ground through the gears, pummelled Sunderland and grasped the lead. A man down after 70 minutes, they shut up shop, clawed at every clearance and held on. “That’s why we’re champions,” their supporters crowed. Where Arsenal are capable of humiliating opponents, Liverpool eke out victories and Manchester United show fleeting signs of their former brilliance, Chelsea combine all of their rivals’ strengths with none of their frailties. Sixteen points clear at the head of the table, they are brutal in their efficiency, even when caught cold, as they were yesterday. “Our team has qualities that money can’t buy,” José Mourinho said. “How many other big teams in the world can fight like Chelsea does, have the same team spirit, organisation or mentality?” For a few blissful moments in the second half, Chelsea played what their manager called “unbelievable football”, but their tenth league victory in succession — a club record in the Premiership — was based on tenacity. They showed it when Julio Arca pumped a long pass forward, John Terry made an ineffectual clearance and Liam Lawrence struck an early shot. They showed it again when Arjen Robben was sent off for a second booking.
Never knowingly predictable, Mourinho was unconcerned about Robben’s departure, for leaping into the crowd after striking a deflected winner. “I don’t like seeing a yellow card when a player celebrates with the fans,” he said, “but if that’s the rule we have to adapt to it.”
Having burnt themselves out, Sunderland were powerless to seize the advantage. Mick McCarthy’s side had begun ferociously and their attitude did not dim. “I don’t know any other group of players who could suffer as many disappointments as they have and still keep fighting,” McCarthy said. Their relegation is surely guaranteed, but this was an optimistic afternoon and a spirited performance. Even so, the chairman refused to offer McCarthy security. “At a club that’s struggling as badly as this one is, there’s going to be speculation as to the manager and the way forward and I don’t want to add to that situation,” Bob Murray said.
What Sunderland lacked in quality, they made up in sweat and perseverance. Those qualities are not unknown to Chelsea, but they did not appreciate being confronted by them. They had equalised in the 28th minute, when William Gallas spread a deep cross to the far post, Joe Cole narrowly kept the ball in play and Hernán Crespo nodded in his eighth league goal of the season, but it was not until later that the giant roused itself.
Kelvin Davis had repelled a driven shot and point-blank header from Crespo and dived at full stretch to tip away a fierce effort from Frank Lampard, but the goalkeeper could not stem the tide indefinitely. Robben ensured the win, lurking at the edge of the penalty area; the winger’s decision to shoot might have been selfish had Dean Whitehead not stooped to meet it. The ball looped above Davis, Robben ran towards the Chelsea fans, leapt over the advertising hoardings and was booked for the exuberance of his celebration. Cautioned for an earlier foul on Lawrence, he was promptly sent off.
Even with reduced personnel, Chelsea barely wavered. McCarthy was incandescent that two penalty appeals found no favour — the first, when Ricardo Carvalho tugged the shirt of Andy Gray, was a worthy claim — but Mourinho’s side held firm. “We are strong, we play when we have to play and fight when we have to fight,” Mourinho said. “We’re in a very good situation.” Nobody debated it.
CALM DOWN
A PLAYER MUST BE cautioned when he climbs on to a perimeter fence to celebrate a goal. It is considered that fans may be endangered in a rush forward. Arjen Robben was perhaps unlucky that the Stadium of Light has an advertising board several yards from the fans, one that thus needs to be hurdled to reach the crowd. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
morning papers west ham away
The GuardianEssien injury tests Mourinho's goodwillKevin McCarra at Upton ParkThe fixtures come thick and fast over the festive period but Chelseaare quicker still. As the only club with four wins since Boxing Daythey are accelerating towards the title. Much more of this and theprincipal competitive element in the Premiership will be the side'sattempt to surpass last season's points total.Occasions such as this, though, do have individual characteristics.Frank Lampard, booed lustily on this return to his old club, respondedby scoring the opener and made sure he was the last player to leavethe field at full-time, clapping at the emptying stands. "I would liketo come back and get a bit of respect," said the midfielder, "but notmany give me that here so I'll just carry on working for Chelsea."The hostility towards Lampard followed the same path as the intensityof the contest, declining steeply. Chelsea imposed themselvesentertainingly after conceding an unexpected equaliser in the 46thminute and, in an impressive display of their resources, thesubstitute Eidur Gudjohnsen glanced the ball around so beautifullythat Jose Mourinho called him the "blond Maradona".But the Chelsea manager's mood was free of whimsy when he brooded overthe reason for the Icelander's introduction after a mere 13 minutes.Michael Essien's ankle and foot were so swollen by a challenge fromNigel Reo-Coker that, according to Mourinho, he could not walk lastnight, yet there was no booking for the West Ham midfielder. "Therewill be no big deal," Mourinho said in sardonic prediction of themedia reaction.He did not call for Reo-Coker to be punished and was more concerned bythe severity with which his Ghana international is treated. Essienwill miss both legs of the Champions League tie with Barcelona becauseof a foul on Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann - acted on by Uefa only after
"I can imagine what would happen if it was [the other way round],"Mourinho remarked of Reo-Coker\'s tackle, before complaining that hisnew bete noire, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, was allowed speciallicence by officials in last month\'s win over Newcastle. "Essien wason TV for 15 days," the manager grumbled. "He is suspended from theChampions League. He cannot tackle or it is immediately a yellowcard." Chelsea await the scans that will reveal the degree of damageto Essien.In general Mourinho was sportsmanlike and volunteered the fact that aclub such as his, who can afford to make five changes to the line-up,have a huge advantage over the likes of West Ham in a busy spell. Thatsympathy did not stop him preying on the weaknesses. His forwards hadbeen instructed to work leg-weary defenders hard. With 10 minutesremaining Didier Drogba had the vitality to break beyond PaulKonchesky and drill Gudjohnsen\'s long pass beyond Roy Carroll forChelsea\'s third goal.Alan Pardew refuses to be disturbed by West Ham\'s lack of a home winsince bonfire night and is probably justified in believing his sideare "more than competitive" at their own level. He need not fret, forinstance, that mid-table rivals will bring on a renownedcentre-forward after an hour who will score in a minute. With thesides tied at 1-1, Arjen Robben freed Hernán Crespo to round Carrolland slot the ball home in the 61st minute. Crespo then curled a finishwide after another piece of service by Robben and volleyed over from aDrogba cross. The Argentinian eventually went off with what appearedto be a pulled muscle, but West Ham had already seen far too much onhim.Pardew\'s team had restricted Chelsea for a while, with Carroll, forinstance, making a particularly good save from the influential Robben,",1]
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video evidence had been scrutinised."I can imagine what would happen if it was [the other way round],"Mourinho remarked of Reo-Coker's tackle, before complaining that hisnew bete noire, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, was allowed speciallicence by officials in last month's win over Newcastle. "Essien wason TV for 15 days," the manager grumbled. "He is suspended from theChampions League. He cannot tackle or it is immediately a yellowcard." Chelsea await the scans that will reveal the degree of damageto Essien.In general Mourinho was sportsmanlike and volunteered the fact that aclub such as his, who can afford to make five changes to the line-up,have a huge advantage over the likes of West Ham in a busy spell. Thatsympathy did not stop him preying on the weaknesses. His forwards hadbeen instructed to work leg-weary defenders hard. With 10 minutesremaining Didier Drogba had the vitality to break beyond PaulKonchesky and drill Gudjohnsen's long pass beyond Roy Carroll forChelsea's third goal.Alan Pardew refuses to be disturbed by West Ham's lack of a home winsince bonfire night and is probably justified in believing his sideare "more than competitive" at their own level. He need not fret, forinstance, that mid-table rivals will bring on a renownedcentre-forward after an hour who will score in a minute. With thesides tied at 1-1, Arjen Robben freed Hernán Crespo to round Carrolland slot the ball home in the 61st minute. Crespo then curled a finishwide after another piece of service by Robben and volleyed over from aDrogba cross. The Argentinian eventually went off with what appearedto be a pulled muscle, but West Ham had already seen far too much onhim.Pardew's team had restricted Chelsea for a while, with Carroll, forinstance, making a particularly good save from the influential Robben,
Geremi\'s long throw-in eluded both Drogba and Anton Ferdinand beforethe home midfielder Yossi Benayoun inadvertently headed down forLampard to score crisply on the half-volley.With reference to the fixture congestion, Mourinho commented that he"saw some players making mistakes that they normally don\'t do". He mayhave been thinking of the slackness of John Terry in the openingseconds after the interval. Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood capitalised,the latter\'s finish bouncing off Petr Cech before he followed throughto knock the ball over the line.West Ham faded, however, and Chelsea\'s ninth consecutive Premiershipwin began to look inevitable. They do, though, have niggling issuesand Ricardo Carvalho, who ought to have been booked for dragging downHarewood, has become a less reliable defender now that his appearancesare scarcer.Mourinho is not sure if he will be watching Arsenal\'s match withManchester United this evening. "It depends on my wife," he said."Maybe there will be no permission." She may well argue that he canafford to forget about the rest of the Premiership.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Independent:West Ham United 1 Chelsea 3: Lampard revels in a ruthless defeat of HammersBy Sam WallacePublished: 03 January 2006The long walk to the tunnel at full-time will have been one of FrankLampard\'s favourite moments at Upton Park and he made sure he treatedevery side of the old ground to a fulsome, ironic round of applause.In the Bobby Moore stand they responded with burning vitriol and allthe old hatred but as he reached the exit, there was a polite responsein kind from the handful of West Ham supporters who had waited.",1]
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and the goal they did concede in the 25th minute was highly avoidable.Geremi's long throw-in eluded both Drogba and Anton Ferdinand beforethe home midfielder Yossi Benayoun inadvertently headed down forLampard to score crisply on the half-volley.With reference to the fixture congestion, Mourinho commented that he"saw some players making mistakes that they normally don't do". He mayhave been thinking of the slackness of John Terry in the openingseconds after the interval. Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood capitalised,the latter's finish bouncing off Petr Cech before he followed throughto knock the ball over the line.West Ham faded, however, and Chelsea's ninth consecutive Premiershipwin began to look inevitable. They do, though, have niggling issuesand Ricardo Carvalho, who ought to have been booked for dragging downHarewood, has become a less reliable defender now that his appearancesare scarcer.Mourinho is not sure if he will be watching Arsenal's match withManchester United this evening. "It depends on my wife," he said."Maybe there will be no permission." She may well argue that he canafford to forget about the rest of the Premiership.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Independent:West Ham United 1 Chelsea 3: Lampard revels in a ruthless defeat of HammersBy Sam WallacePublished: 03 January 2006The long walk to the tunnel at full-time will have been one of FrankLampard's favourite moments at Upton Park and he made sure he treatedevery side of the old ground to a fulsome, ironic round of applause.In the Bobby Moore stand they responded with burning vitriol and allthe old hatred but as he reached the exit, there was a polite responsein kind from the handful of West Ham supporters who had waited.
They, at least, had realised that all resistance was futile. Thegoalscoring return of the prodigal son to Upton Park marked the daythat Chelsea went 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership, witha disposal of West Ham so ruthlessly executed that this time therewere no complaints from Jose Mourinho.The Chelsea manager saved his condemnation instead for the forces hebelieves are conspiring against a team who are proving impossible tostop.His target this time was Steven Gerrard who may have been 200 milesaway yesterday but was dragged into the dispute over the treatment ofMichael Essien who was carried off after 12 minutes following a foulby Nigel Reo-Coker.The Ghanaian midfielder still does not know the extent of the injuryto his leg and it prompted a diatribe by Mourinho on how Englishfootball would have passed judgement had the offending boot been onhis player\'s foot."Essien is injured and he cannot walk so we will have to wait for thescans," Mourinho said. "I can imagine what would happen if it was theopposite situation. We are seeing how people treat Chelsea."I can imagine what a Chelsea player would get if he did what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [when he shoved Alan Shearer in theback]."The replays of Essien [fouling Dietmar Hamann] were on television for15 days - I think I only saw [the footage of] Gerrard twice. Essien issuspended for the Champions\' League against Barcelona and when hetackles it is immediately a yellow card."The mood was not all black for Mourinho however, who took greatpleasure in the effect his introduction of Hernan Crespo had in the61st minute when the Argentine striker rattled home Chelsea\'s secondgoal within 30 seconds of coming on.Liverpool have two games in hand, and Manchester United play Arsenaltoday but Mourinho is so far ahead he is still not certain he will",1]
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They, at least, had realised that all resistance was futile. Thegoalscoring return of the prodigal son to Upton Park marked the daythat Chelsea went 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership, witha disposal of West Ham so ruthlessly executed that this time therewere no complaints from Jose Mourinho.The Chelsea manager saved his condemnation instead for the forces hebelieves are conspiring against a team who are proving impossible tostop.His target this time was Steven Gerrard who may have been 200 milesaway yesterday but was dragged into the dispute over the treatment ofMichael Essien who was carried off after 12 minutes following a foulby Nigel Reo-Coker.The Ghanaian midfielder still does not know the extent of the injuryto his leg and it prompted a diatribe by Mourinho on how Englishfootball would have passed judgement had the offending boot been onhis player's foot."Essien is injured and he cannot walk so we will have to wait for thescans," Mourinho said. "I can imagine what would happen if it was theopposite situation. We are seeing how people treat Chelsea."I can imagine what a Chelsea player would get if he did what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [when he shoved Alan Shearer in theback]."The replays of Essien [fouling Dietmar Hamann] were on television for15 days - I think I only saw [the footage of] Gerrard twice. Essien issuspended for the Champions' League against Barcelona and when hetackles it is immediately a yellow card."The mood was not all black for Mourinho however, who took greatpleasure in the effect his introduction of Hernan Crespo had in the61st minute when the Argentine striker rattled home Chelsea's secondgoal within 30 seconds of coming on.Liverpool have two games in hand, and Manchester United play Arsenaltoday but Mourinho is so far ahead he is still not certain he will
permission."Even Matilde Mourinho will have recognised the quality of ArjenRobben\'s performance who was Chelsea\'s best player in a first halfwhich saw the Dutch winger tear into the right flank of West Ham\'sdefence.Mourinho pointed out that three of Alan Pardew\'s defenders had playedevery minute of the three Christmas games while the rests he had beenable to give his key squad players showed in the match\'s early stages.Yossi Benayoun\'s mistake presented the ball to Lampard in the area on25 minutes and he volleyed past Roy Carroll for a goal that didnothing to improve the mood of the West Ham fans who had greeted himwith the chant "you\'re just a fat Paul Ince".He clashed with Carl Fletcher in the second half and was booked afterWest Ham equalised but once Chelsea\'s victory was assured Lampard evensignalled the score with his fingers at the invitation of the awayfans."Very special," was how Lampard described his first goal against WestHam in his fourth match back at Upton Park. "I was really pleased," hesaid. "I would like to come back here and get some respect but notmany here give me that so I just carry on working for Chelsea."Marlon Harewood scored within 22 seconds of the start of the secondhalf after Benayoun and Reo-Coker had fashioned an opening but, evenwith Hayden Mullins in outstanding form, West Ham could not hold on.Played in by Robben on the hour, Crespo went round Carroll and slippedthe ball home.The Argentine played only 22 minutes before limping off to be replacedby Shaun Wright-Phillips. Eidur Gudjohnsen, described by Mourinho as"the blond Maradona", struck the pass for the third which found DidierDrogba\'s run down the right and he hit a low shot past Carroll.",1]
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watch the game. "I have to ask my wife," he said. "Maybe nopermission."Even Matilde Mourinho will have recognised the quality of ArjenRobben's performance who was Chelsea's best player in a first halfwhich saw the Dutch winger tear into the right flank of West Ham'sdefence.Mourinho pointed out that three of Alan Pardew's defenders had playedevery minute of the three Christmas games while the rests he had beenable to give his key squad players showed in the match's early stages.Yossi Benayoun's mistake presented the ball to Lampard in the area on25 minutes and he volleyed past Roy Carroll for a goal that didnothing to improve the mood of the West Ham fans who had greeted himwith the chant "you're just a fat Paul Ince".He clashed with Carl Fletcher in the second half and was booked afterWest Ham equalised but once Chelsea's victory was assured Lampard evensignalled the score with his fingers at the invitation of the awayfans."Very special," was how Lampard described his first goal against WestHam in his fourth match back at Upton Park. "I was really pleased," hesaid. "I would like to come back here and get some respect but notmany here give me that so I just carry on working for Chelsea."Marlon Harewood scored within 22 seconds of the start of the secondhalf after Benayoun and Reo-Coker had fashioned an opening but, evenwith Hayden Mullins in outstanding form, West Ham could not hold on.Played in by Robben on the hour, Crespo went round Carroll and slippedthe ball home.The Argentine played only 22 minutes before limping off to be replacedby Shaun Wright-Phillips. Eidur Gudjohnsen, described by Mourinho as"the blond Maradona", struck the pass for the third which found DidierDrogba's run down the right and he hit a low shot past Carroll.
Mourinho will certainly need cover for Essien now and the Portuguesemidfielder Maniche said yesterday that he is poised to join Chelsea.By the time he arrives, Lampard and his team-mates will have gone along way to deciding the title.West Ham United (4-1-4-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand,Konchesky; Mullins (Zamora, 71); Benayoun, Fletcher, Reo-Coker,Etherington (Bellion, 78); Harewood. Substitutes not used: Hislop(gk), Clarke, Aliadière.Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno; Makelele;Robben, Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard, Duff (Crespo, 60(Wright-Phillips, 82)); Drogba. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk),Johnson.Referee: H Webb (South Yorkshire).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Essien feels the boot on a West Ham footBy Henry WinterWest Ham (0) 1 Chelsea (1) 3This is the time of year for resolution and Chelsea\'s determinationcarried them through a brief claret-and-blue storm at Upton Parkyesterday.Frank Lampard rose above the Cockney cat-calls to score, and thechampions then fought back from Marlon Harewood\'s equaliser to winwith fine poacher strikes from Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba. Newyear, old story.Resolve coursing through their rich ranks, Chelsea even refused tohave their pursuit of a ninth successive Premiership triumph derailedby injuries to Michael Essien and Crespo, though the imminent arrivalof the Portuguese midfielder Maniche will be particularly well-timedif scans reveal serious damage to Essien\'s ankle."Hernan is injured but can walk," coach Jose Mourinho said. "Essien isinjured but can\'t walk."Nigel Reo-Coker\'s late challenge on Essien, a ball-winner deservedlyvilified for poleaxing Liverpool\'s Didi Hamann, was a classic case of",1]
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Mourinho will certainly need cover for Essien now and the Portuguesemidfielder Maniche said yesterday that he is poised to join Chelsea.By the time he arrives, Lampard and his team-mates will have gone along way to deciding the title.West Ham United (4-1-4-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand,Konchesky; Mullins (Zamora, 71); Benayoun, Fletcher, Reo-Coker,Etherington (Bellion, 78); Harewood. Substitutes not used: Hislop(gk), Clarke, Aliadière.Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno; Makelele;Robben, Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard, Duff (Crespo, 60(Wright-Phillips, 82)); Drogba. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk),Johnson.Referee: H Webb (South Yorkshire).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Essien feels the boot on a West Ham footBy Henry WinterWest Ham (0) 1 Chelsea (1) 3This is the time of year for resolution and Chelsea's determinationcarried them through a brief claret-and-blue storm at Upton Parkyesterday.Frank Lampard rose above the Cockney cat-calls to score, and thechampions then fought back from Marlon Harewood's equaliser to winwith fine poacher strikes from Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba. Newyear, old story.Resolve coursing through their rich ranks, Chelsea even refused tohave their pursuit of a ninth successive Premiership triumph derailedby injuries to Michael Essien and Crespo, though the imminent arrivalof the Portuguese midfielder Maniche will be particularly well-timedif scans reveal serious damage to Essien's ankle."Hernan is injured but can walk," coach Jose Mourinho said. "Essien isinjured but can't walk."Nigel Reo-Coker's late challenge on Essien, a ball-winner deservedlyvilified for poleaxing Liverpool's Didi Hamann, was a classic case of
Not that Mourinho could appreciate the \'what goes around\' argument. "Ican imagine if it was the opposite situation," he said. "We\'re gettingthis experience every week. Imagine a Chelsea player doing what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [a push on Alan Shearer]."Nobody speaks about Gerrard, nobody asks for suspension, yet Essienis suspended for the Champions League. He can\'t tackle, otherwise itis immediately a yellow card. Today there was a foul on him and hecan\'t walk but it will not be a big deal in the media."I have Sky to see Essien\'s tackle on Hamann repeated for 15 days, andto see Gerrard against Newcastle replayed twice."Sky are a great channel but they want to chase Chelsea, and don\'ttreat us like other people. No problem. We can fight. We can play. Nota lot of people say we\'re boring because now we score, and concede."Against enterprising hosts driven on by the tireless Reo-Coker, whoseperformance, according to Alan Pardew, "wouldn\'t put him out of thepicture with England", Chelsea mixed containment and entertainment.Essien\'s early replacement, Eidur Gudjohnsen, was hailed as "the blondMaradona" by Mourinho, and impressed along with Arjen Robben, Drogbaand Ricardo Carvalho.Lampard was influential until tiring, with Mourinho confirming hewould not feature in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town.Hell hath no fury like a fan scorned, and the West Ham faithfulunleashed all manner of invective against the returning Lampard."You\'re just a fat Paul Ince," came the chant from the Bobby MooreStand, rolling two hate figures in one.The East End boy who became a West End star, Lampard focused onimposing his talent. When Yossi Benayoun misdirected his headedclarance of Geremi\'s throw-in to Lampard, the England midfielder",1]
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the biter bit.Not that Mourinho could appreciate the 'what goes around' argument. "Ican imagine if it was the opposite situation," he said. "We're gettingthis experience every week. Imagine a Chelsea player doing what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [a push on Alan Shearer]."Nobody speaks about Gerrard, nobody asks for suspension, yet Essienis suspended for the Champions League. He can't tackle, otherwise itis immediately a yellow card. Today there was a foul on him and hecan't walk but it will not be a big deal in the media."I have Sky to see Essien's tackle on Hamann repeated for 15 days, andto see Gerrard against Newcastle replayed twice."Sky are a great channel but they want to chase Chelsea, and don'ttreat us like other people. No problem. We can fight. We can play. Nota lot of people say we're boring because now we score, and concede."Against enterprising hosts driven on by the tireless Reo-Coker, whoseperformance, according to Alan Pardew, "wouldn't put him out of thepicture with England", Chelsea mixed containment and entertainment.Essien's early replacement, Eidur Gudjohnsen, was hailed as "the blondMaradona" by Mourinho, and impressed along with Arjen Robben, Drogbaand Ricardo Carvalho.Lampard was influential until tiring, with Mourinho confirming hewould not feature in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town.Hell hath no fury like a fan scorned, and the West Ham faithfulunleashed all manner of invective against the returning Lampard."You're just a fat Paul Ince," came the chant from the Bobby MooreStand, rolling two hate figures in one.The East End boy who became a West End star, Lampard focused onimposing his talent. When Yossi Benayoun misdirected his headedclarance of Geremi's throw-in to Lampard, the England midfielder
Showing his maturity, Lampard was wonderfully restrained in hiscelebration, simply kissing his wedding band, and pointing towards themoon in tribute to his daughter Luna. No smile of satisfaction creptacross his face, no gesticulation towards those who decried his everystep."It was very special," he revealed afterwards. "I would like to comeback and get a bit of respect. Not many people give me that here."For all the running of Harewood, Matthew Etherington and Reo-Coker,Lampard\'s team could have turned around further ahead, but Carrolltwice saved well from Robben. Sadly, the half descended into a scrappysequence of flailing arms.Geremi caught Benayoun accidentally but his arm into Reo-Coker\'s facelooked dangerous.Clearly angered by the incidents, West Ham directed their ire well asthe second half opened. When John Terry made a rare mistake, Pardew\'smen pounced,Reo-Coker teasing the ball through for Harewood to chase. AlthoughPetr Cech took some of the sting out of his strike, the burly forwardmade sure on the line.Tempers flared when Lampard, annoyed by a Carl Fletcher challenge andhis first-half sledging, lowered his head towards the West Hammidfielder - though he was quick to shake hishand at the end. Otherwise Chelsea responded well to the equaliser."It was a bit of a wake-up call," Gudjohnsen admitted.Belying their cautious image, Lampard, Robben, and Drogba all wentclose before Crespo darted on. Almost immediately, the Argentine wasracing through, brilliantly released by Robben, to round Carroll andscore.Usually only four-star fare in the style department, Chelsea put onthe Ritz. Crespo wasted two fine chances but then chested the ballback to Gudjohnsen, whose lofted pass over Paul Konchesky released",1]
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responded superbly, smiting the ball past Roy Carroll.Showing his maturity, Lampard was wonderfully restrained in hiscelebration, simply kissing his wedding band, and pointing towards themoon in tribute to his daughter Luna. No smile of satisfaction creptacross his face, no gesticulation towards those who decried his everystep."It was very special," he revealed afterwards. "I would like to comeback and get a bit of respect. Not many people give me that here."For all the running of Harewood, Matthew Etherington and Reo-Coker,Lampard's team could have turned around further ahead, but Carrolltwice saved well from Robben. Sadly, the half descended into a scrappysequence of flailing arms.Geremi caught Benayoun accidentally but his arm into Reo-Coker's facelooked dangerous.Clearly angered by the incidents, West Ham directed their ire well asthe second half opened. When John Terry made a rare mistake, Pardew'smen pounced,Reo-Coker teasing the ball through for Harewood to chase. AlthoughPetr Cech took some of the sting out of his strike, the burly forwardmade sure on the line.Tempers flared when Lampard, annoyed by a Carl Fletcher challenge andhis first-half sledging, lowered his head towards the West Hammidfielder - though he was quick to shake hishand at the end. Otherwise Chelsea responded well to the equaliser."It was a bit of a wake-up call," Gudjohnsen admitted.Belying their cautious image, Lampard, Robben, and Drogba all wentclose before Crespo darted on. Almost immediately, the Argentine wasracing through, brilliantly released by Robben, to round Carroll andscore.Usually only four-star fare in the style department, Chelsea put onthe Ritz. Crespo wasted two fine chances but then chested the ballback to Gudjohnsen, whose lofted pass over Paul Konchesky released
drilled the ball past Carroll.Mourinho hopes to watch Arsenal play Manchester United tonight butconfessed: "It depends on my wife. Maybe she wants to go out." He maynot rule at home but Mourinho seems to have the rest of the countryunder his control.Match detailsWest Ham (4-3-2-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand, Konchesky;Fletcher, Mullins (Zamora 71), Reo-Coker; Benayoun, Etherington(Bellion, 77); Harewood.Subs: Hislop (g), Clarke, Aliadiere.Chelsea (4-1-2-2-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno;Makelele; Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard; Robben, Duff (Crespo, 60;Wright-Phillips, 82); Drogba.Subs: Cudicini (g), Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard, Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)Att: 34,758------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Times January 03, 2006Mourinho bemoans crude sense of injusticeBy Matt Dickinson, Chief Football CorrespondentWest Ham United 1 Chelsea 3WELL, now at least we know that there is someone to whom José Mourinhodefers. Asked if he would be watching Manchester United try tomaintain their vain pursuit of Chelsea with victory away to Arsenal inthe Barclays Premiership tonight, the Portuguese replied that it"depends on my wife".With a 14-point advantage, Mourinho could afford to be light-hearted(and with another championship bonus on the way, he can afford to takeMrs M shopping this evening) but the competitive zeal is never farbelow the surface. He had followed Chelsea\'s previous victory bycriticising his own players and fans for toying with the opposition,and we will be waiting a long time before he comes in and lights up abig cigar.",1]
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Drogba down the inside-right channel. In a blur of movement, Drogbadrilled the ball past Carroll.Mourinho hopes to watch Arsenal play Manchester United tonight butconfessed: "It depends on my wife. Maybe she wants to go out." He maynot rule at home but Mourinho seems to have the rest of the countryunder his control.Match detailsWest Ham (4-3-2-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand, Konchesky;Fletcher, Mullins (Zamora 71), Reo-Coker; Benayoun, Etherington(Bellion, 77); Harewood.Subs: Hislop (g), Clarke, Aliadiere.Chelsea (4-1-2-2-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno;Makelele; Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard; Robben, Duff (Crespo, 60;Wright-Phillips, 82); Drogba.Subs: Cudicini (g), Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard, Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)Att: 34,758------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Times January 03, 2006Mourinho bemoans crude sense of injusticeBy Matt Dickinson, Chief Football CorrespondentWest Ham United 1 Chelsea 3WELL, now at least we know that there is someone to whom José Mourinhodefers. Asked if he would be watching Manchester United try tomaintain their vain pursuit of Chelsea with victory away to Arsenal inthe Barclays Premiership tonight, the Portuguese replied that it"depends on my wife".With a 14-point advantage, Mourinho could afford to be light-hearted(and with another championship bonus on the way, he can afford to takeMrs M shopping this evening) but the competitive zeal is never farbelow the surface. He had followed Chelsea's previous victory bycriticising his own players and fans for toying with the opposition,and we will be waiting a long time before he comes in and lights up abig cigar.
Yesterday\'s emphatic, stylish triumph at Upton Park brought a smile toMourinho\'s lips but also more complaints about the world\'s treatmentof Chelsea. Sky television was given another bashing from a managerwho, like Sir Alex Ferguson, regards a little conflict as an essentialpart of his daily life.With Michael Essien removed from the game after only 13 minutes by aclumsy tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker, the Chelsea manager speculatedthat there would have been an outcry had the roles been reversed. Forhaving the temerity twice to spurn Mourinho, Steven Gerrard was alsodragged into the argument by a manager still seeking vainly tooverturn Essien\'s two-match Champions League ban."We are getting this great experience of the way people look atChelsea," Mourinho said. "I can imagine if a Chelsea player did whatSteven Gerrard did against Newcastle United (when the Liverpoolcaptain grabbed Lee Bowyer by the throat)."Michael Essien was on TV for 15 days. Steven Gerrard I saw twice.Nobody asks for suspensions, nobody says this is the country offootball and we must go for a pure situation. But it is not a problem.We get stronger. We can fight and we can play."The champions were required to stand up for themselves in anoccasionally feisty game yesterday in which Reo-Coker, Carl Fletcherand the impressive Hayden Mullins set about ruffling their vastlysuperior opponents. Frank Lampard was sufficiently riled by Fletcher\'sincessant niggles that he picked up a caution, although a fine openinggoal, his thirteenth of the league season, gave him a hearty lastlaugh.With Arjen Robben excelling, Chelsea were playing with panache and anequaliser 22 seconds after half-time by Marlon Harewood was not somuch a setback as a reminder to be more ruthless. They deliveredimpressively as Hernán Crespo came on for Damien Duff and scored in",1]
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Yesterday's emphatic, stylish triumph at Upton Park brought a smile toMourinho's lips but also more complaints about the world's treatmentof Chelsea. Sky television was given another bashing from a managerwho, like Sir Alex Ferguson, regards a little conflict as an essentialpart of his daily life.With Michael Essien removed from the game after only 13 minutes by aclumsy tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker, the Chelsea manager speculatedthat there would have been an outcry had the roles been reversed. Forhaving the temerity twice to spurn Mourinho, Steven Gerrard was alsodragged into the argument by a manager still seeking vainly tooverturn Essien's two-match Champions League ban."We are getting this great experience of the way people look atChelsea," Mourinho said. "I can imagine if a Chelsea player did whatSteven Gerrard did against Newcastle United (when the Liverpoolcaptain grabbed Lee Bowyer by the throat)."Michael Essien was on TV for 15 days. Steven Gerrard I saw twice.Nobody asks for suspensions, nobody says this is the country offootball and we must go for a pure situation. But it is not a problem.We get stronger. We can fight and we can play."The champions were required to stand up for themselves in anoccasionally feisty game yesterday in which Reo-Coker, Carl Fletcherand the impressive Hayden Mullins set about ruffling their vastlysuperior opponents. Frank Lampard was sufficiently riled by Fletcher'sincessant niggles that he picked up a caution, although a fine openinggoal, his thirteenth of the league season, gave him a hearty lastlaugh.With Arjen Robben excelling, Chelsea were playing with panache and anequaliser 22 seconds after half-time by Marlon Harewood was not somuch a setback as a reminder to be more ruthless. They deliveredimpressively as Hernán Crespo came on for Damien Duff and scored in
could change the game but in half an hour not 30 seconds," Mourinhosaid of his introduction of Crespo. Modesty from the Special One? Itwill not last.Crespo, who later had to withdraw, should have scored twice more andit was left to Didier Drogba to show him how to finish. The IvoryCoast forward ran on to Eidur Gudjohnsen\'s superbly clippedthrough-ball and buried a cross-shot past Roy Carroll.Gudjohnsen\'s poise in midfield saw him christened "the blond Maradona"by Mourinho and, with Essien likely to be out for some weeks with anankle injury, if not the African Cup of Nations, the Icelandinternational looks primed for a busy month.Maniche is also due to arrive from Dynamo Moscow to reinforce themidfield and so there was no encouragement whatsoever yesterday forthose seeking signs of weakness in the champions. Au contraire.West Ham\'s goal may have followed a rare mistake from John Terry but,as Mourinho pointed out, "the relationship between brain and legs isnot the same" after so many games in such a short time. Lampard hasalready been promised a rest against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cupthird round.WEST HAM UNITED (4-5-1): R Carroll — C Dailly, A Ferdinand, J Collins,P Konchesky — Y Benayoun, H Mullins (sub: R Zamora, 72min), CFletcher, N Reo-Coker, M Etherington (sub: D Bellion, 78) — MHarewood. Substitutes not used: S Hislop, C Clarke, J Aliadière.Booked: Fletcher.CHELSEA (4-3-3) P Cech — Gérémi, R Carvalho, J Terry, A Del Horno — MEssien (sub: E Gudjohnsen, 13), C Makelele, F Lampard — A Robben, DDrogba, D Duff (sub: H Crespo, 60; sub: S Wright-Phillips 84).Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, G Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard,Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb.Insults inspire Lampard to achieve his goal",1]
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less than a minute thanks to Robben's perceptive pass. "I thought hecould change the game but in half an hour not 30 seconds," Mourinhosaid of his introduction of Crespo. Modesty from the Special One? Itwill not last.Crespo, who later had to withdraw, should have scored twice more andit was left to Didier Drogba to show him how to finish. The IvoryCoast forward ran on to Eidur Gudjohnsen's superbly clippedthrough-ball and buried a cross-shot past Roy Carroll.Gudjohnsen's poise in midfield saw him christened "the blond Maradona"by Mourinho and, with Essien likely to be out for some weeks with anankle injury, if not the African Cup of Nations, the Icelandinternational looks primed for a busy month.Maniche is also due to arrive from Dynamo Moscow to reinforce themidfield and so there was no encouragement whatsoever yesterday forthose seeking signs of weakness in the champions. Au contraire.West Ham's goal may have followed a rare mistake from John Terry but,as Mourinho pointed out, "the relationship between brain and legs isnot the same" after so many games in such a short time. Lampard hasalready been promised a rest against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cupthird round.WEST HAM UNITED (4-5-1): R Carroll — C Dailly, A Ferdinand, J Collins,P Konchesky — Y Benayoun, H Mullins (sub: R Zamora, 72min), CFletcher, N Reo-Coker, M Etherington (sub: D Bellion, 78) — MHarewood. Substitutes not used: S Hislop, C Clarke, J Aliadière.Booked: Fletcher.CHELSEA (4-3-3) P Cech — Gérémi, R Carvalho, J Terry, A Del Horno — MEssien (sub: E Gudjohnsen, 13), C Makelele, F Lampard — A Robben, DDrogba, D Duff (sub: H Crespo, 60; sub: S Wright-Phillips 84).Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, G Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard,Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb.Insults inspire Lampard to achieve his goal
IT WAS always going to be asking too much of West Ham United fans, asthe cheery PA announcer did shortly before kick-off, to "pleasewelcome Frank Lampard back to Upton Park". The season of goodwill doeshave its limits.Not that Lampard had a quiet afternoon. The England midfield playeradded a first goal against his former club to his ever-expandingcollection and a booking to his smaller catalogue, as well as pickingup a lorryload of abuse from supporters who never really liked him,even when he was one of their own.Lampard deserves sympathy for being pilloried by his own people, buthe enjoyed the last laugh. The long walk to the tunnel on the finalwhistle was not lonely for a man blessed with the stamina of a long-distance runner as he milked every moment, offering ironic applause toevery corner of the ground."It was very special," Lampard said. "The most important thing is thethree points, but personally after four years away from the club, toscore my first goal I was really pleased."The reception wasn\'t great but I expect that. I would love to comeback here and get some respect, but not many people here give methat."Such was Chelsea\'s supremacy that by the end few of the home fanscould be bothered to boo. Perhaps recalling Luis Figo\'s return toBarcelona, Lampard insisted beforehand that he could cope withanything the bile-spitting locals would throw at him, though therewere no pigs\' heads in sight. The best they could come up with was tocall him a "fat Paul Ince", stretching credulity beyond its limits.Lampard thrived on the insults and had to wait only 25 minutes for theinevitable goal, smashing home a half-volley for his sixteenth of theseason. After scoring 29 goals in 2005, this year promises to be justas productive.",1]
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By Matt HughesIT WAS always going to be asking too much of West Ham United fans, asthe cheery PA announcer did shortly before kick-off, to "pleasewelcome Frank Lampard back to Upton Park". The season of goodwill doeshave its limits.Not that Lampard had a quiet afternoon. The England midfield playeradded a first goal against his former club to his ever-expandingcollection and a booking to his smaller catalogue, as well as pickingup a lorryload of abuse from supporters who never really liked him,even when he was one of their own.Lampard deserves sympathy for being pilloried by his own people, buthe enjoyed the last laugh. The long walk to the tunnel on the finalwhistle was not lonely for a man blessed with the stamina of a long-distance runner as he milked every moment, offering ironic applause toevery corner of the ground."It was very special," Lampard said. "The most important thing is thethree points, but personally after four years away from the club, toscore my first goal I was really pleased."The reception wasn't great but I expect that. I would love to comeback here and get some respect, but not many people here give methat."Such was Chelsea's supremacy that by the end few of the home fanscould be bothered to boo. Perhaps recalling Luis Figo's return toBarcelona, Lampard insisted beforehand that he could cope withanything the bile-spitting locals would throw at him, though therewere no pigs' heads in sight. The best they could come up with was tocall him a "fat Paul Ince", stretching credulity beyond its limits.Lampard thrived on the insults and had to wait only 25 minutes for theinevitable goal, smashing home a half-volley for his sixteenth of theseason. After scoring 29 goals in 2005, this year promises to be justas productive.
only becoming animated when he was booked for a second-half scufflewith Carl Fletcher, an anomaly that José Mourinho put down to hisrecent illness."He was suffering in the second half but showed class, quality andconfidence," the Chelsea manager said. "People realise that they cansay what they want and it will not affect him."Having learnt their lesson, West Ham fans may maintain a respectfulsilence next season.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.cfchistory.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f\u003d11&sid\u003df57be3b886a1f1942b4baee745cafccc",0]
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Having made his point, Lampard cruised through the rest of the match,only becoming animated when he was booked for a second-half scufflewith Carl Fletcher, an anomaly that José Mourinho put down to hisrecent illness."He was suffering in the second half but showed class, quality andconfidence," the Chelsea manager said. "People realise that they cansay what they want and it will not affect him."Having learnt their lesson, West Ham fans may maintain a respectfulsilence next season.
"I can imagine what would happen if it was [the other way round],"Mourinho remarked of Reo-Coker\'s tackle, before complaining that hisnew bete noire, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, was allowed speciallicence by officials in last month\'s win over Newcastle. "Essien wason TV for 15 days," the manager grumbled. "He is suspended from theChampions League. He cannot tackle or it is immediately a yellowcard." Chelsea await the scans that will reveal the degree of damageto Essien.In general Mourinho was sportsmanlike and volunteered the fact that aclub such as his, who can afford to make five changes to the line-up,have a huge advantage over the likes of West Ham in a busy spell. Thatsympathy did not stop him preying on the weaknesses. His forwards hadbeen instructed to work leg-weary defenders hard. With 10 minutesremaining Didier Drogba had the vitality to break beyond PaulKonchesky and drill Gudjohnsen\'s long pass beyond Roy Carroll forChelsea\'s third goal.Alan Pardew refuses to be disturbed by West Ham\'s lack of a home winsince bonfire night and is probably justified in believing his sideare "more than competitive" at their own level. He need not fret, forinstance, that mid-table rivals will bring on a renownedcentre-forward after an hour who will score in a minute. With thesides tied at 1-1, Arjen Robben freed Hernán Crespo to round Carrolland slot the ball home in the 61st minute. Crespo then curled a finishwide after another piece of service by Robben and volleyed over from aDrogba cross. The Argentinian eventually went off with what appearedto be a pulled muscle, but West Ham had already seen far too much onhim.Pardew\'s team had restricted Chelsea for a while, with Carroll, forinstance, making a particularly good save from the influential Robben,",1]
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video evidence had been scrutinised."I can imagine what would happen if it was [the other way round],"Mourinho remarked of Reo-Coker's tackle, before complaining that hisnew bete noire, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, was allowed speciallicence by officials in last month's win over Newcastle. "Essien wason TV for 15 days," the manager grumbled. "He is suspended from theChampions League. He cannot tackle or it is immediately a yellowcard." Chelsea await the scans that will reveal the degree of damageto Essien.In general Mourinho was sportsmanlike and volunteered the fact that aclub such as his, who can afford to make five changes to the line-up,have a huge advantage over the likes of West Ham in a busy spell. Thatsympathy did not stop him preying on the weaknesses. His forwards hadbeen instructed to work leg-weary defenders hard. With 10 minutesremaining Didier Drogba had the vitality to break beyond PaulKonchesky and drill Gudjohnsen's long pass beyond Roy Carroll forChelsea's third goal.Alan Pardew refuses to be disturbed by West Ham's lack of a home winsince bonfire night and is probably justified in believing his sideare "more than competitive" at their own level. He need not fret, forinstance, that mid-table rivals will bring on a renownedcentre-forward after an hour who will score in a minute. With thesides tied at 1-1, Arjen Robben freed Hernán Crespo to round Carrolland slot the ball home in the 61st minute. Crespo then curled a finishwide after another piece of service by Robben and volleyed over from aDrogba cross. The Argentinian eventually went off with what appearedto be a pulled muscle, but West Ham had already seen far too much onhim.Pardew's team had restricted Chelsea for a while, with Carroll, forinstance, making a particularly good save from the influential Robben,
Geremi\'s long throw-in eluded both Drogba and Anton Ferdinand beforethe home midfielder Yossi Benayoun inadvertently headed down forLampard to score crisply on the half-volley.With reference to the fixture congestion, Mourinho commented that he"saw some players making mistakes that they normally don\'t do". He mayhave been thinking of the slackness of John Terry in the openingseconds after the interval. Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood capitalised,the latter\'s finish bouncing off Petr Cech before he followed throughto knock the ball over the line.West Ham faded, however, and Chelsea\'s ninth consecutive Premiershipwin began to look inevitable. They do, though, have niggling issuesand Ricardo Carvalho, who ought to have been booked for dragging downHarewood, has become a less reliable defender now that his appearancesare scarcer.Mourinho is not sure if he will be watching Arsenal\'s match withManchester United this evening. "It depends on my wife," he said."Maybe there will be no permission." She may well argue that he canafford to forget about the rest of the Premiership.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Independent:West Ham United 1 Chelsea 3: Lampard revels in a ruthless defeat of HammersBy Sam WallacePublished: 03 January 2006The long walk to the tunnel at full-time will have been one of FrankLampard\'s favourite moments at Upton Park and he made sure he treatedevery side of the old ground to a fulsome, ironic round of applause.In the Bobby Moore stand they responded with burning vitriol and allthe old hatred but as he reached the exit, there was a polite responsein kind from the handful of West Ham supporters who had waited.",1]
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and the goal they did concede in the 25th minute was highly avoidable.Geremi's long throw-in eluded both Drogba and Anton Ferdinand beforethe home midfielder Yossi Benayoun inadvertently headed down forLampard to score crisply on the half-volley.With reference to the fixture congestion, Mourinho commented that he"saw some players making mistakes that they normally don't do". He mayhave been thinking of the slackness of John Terry in the openingseconds after the interval. Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood capitalised,the latter's finish bouncing off Petr Cech before he followed throughto knock the ball over the line.West Ham faded, however, and Chelsea's ninth consecutive Premiershipwin began to look inevitable. They do, though, have niggling issuesand Ricardo Carvalho, who ought to have been booked for dragging downHarewood, has become a less reliable defender now that his appearancesare scarcer.Mourinho is not sure if he will be watching Arsenal's match withManchester United this evening. "It depends on my wife," he said."Maybe there will be no permission." She may well argue that he canafford to forget about the rest of the Premiership.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Independent:West Ham United 1 Chelsea 3: Lampard revels in a ruthless defeat of HammersBy Sam WallacePublished: 03 January 2006The long walk to the tunnel at full-time will have been one of FrankLampard's favourite moments at Upton Park and he made sure he treatedevery side of the old ground to a fulsome, ironic round of applause.In the Bobby Moore stand they responded with burning vitriol and allthe old hatred but as he reached the exit, there was a polite responsein kind from the handful of West Ham supporters who had waited.
They, at least, had realised that all resistance was futile. Thegoalscoring return of the prodigal son to Upton Park marked the daythat Chelsea went 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership, witha disposal of West Ham so ruthlessly executed that this time therewere no complaints from Jose Mourinho.The Chelsea manager saved his condemnation instead for the forces hebelieves are conspiring against a team who are proving impossible tostop.His target this time was Steven Gerrard who may have been 200 milesaway yesterday but was dragged into the dispute over the treatment ofMichael Essien who was carried off after 12 minutes following a foulby Nigel Reo-Coker.The Ghanaian midfielder still does not know the extent of the injuryto his leg and it prompted a diatribe by Mourinho on how Englishfootball would have passed judgement had the offending boot been onhis player\'s foot."Essien is injured and he cannot walk so we will have to wait for thescans," Mourinho said. "I can imagine what would happen if it was theopposite situation. We are seeing how people treat Chelsea."I can imagine what a Chelsea player would get if he did what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [when he shoved Alan Shearer in theback]."The replays of Essien [fouling Dietmar Hamann] were on television for15 days - I think I only saw [the footage of] Gerrard twice. Essien issuspended for the Champions\' League against Barcelona and when hetackles it is immediately a yellow card."The mood was not all black for Mourinho however, who took greatpleasure in the effect his introduction of Hernan Crespo had in the61st minute when the Argentine striker rattled home Chelsea\'s secondgoal within 30 seconds of coming on.Liverpool have two games in hand, and Manchester United play Arsenaltoday but Mourinho is so far ahead he is still not certain he will",1]
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They, at least, had realised that all resistance was futile. Thegoalscoring return of the prodigal son to Upton Park marked the daythat Chelsea went 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership, witha disposal of West Ham so ruthlessly executed that this time therewere no complaints from Jose Mourinho.The Chelsea manager saved his condemnation instead for the forces hebelieves are conspiring against a team who are proving impossible tostop.His target this time was Steven Gerrard who may have been 200 milesaway yesterday but was dragged into the dispute over the treatment ofMichael Essien who was carried off after 12 minutes following a foulby Nigel Reo-Coker.The Ghanaian midfielder still does not know the extent of the injuryto his leg and it prompted a diatribe by Mourinho on how Englishfootball would have passed judgement had the offending boot been onhis player's foot."Essien is injured and he cannot walk so we will have to wait for thescans," Mourinho said. "I can imagine what would happen if it was theopposite situation. We are seeing how people treat Chelsea."I can imagine what a Chelsea player would get if he did what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [when he shoved Alan Shearer in theback]."The replays of Essien [fouling Dietmar Hamann] were on television for15 days - I think I only saw [the footage of] Gerrard twice. Essien issuspended for the Champions' League against Barcelona and when hetackles it is immediately a yellow card."The mood was not all black for Mourinho however, who took greatpleasure in the effect his introduction of Hernan Crespo had in the61st minute when the Argentine striker rattled home Chelsea's secondgoal within 30 seconds of coming on.Liverpool have two games in hand, and Manchester United play Arsenaltoday but Mourinho is so far ahead he is still not certain he will
permission."Even Matilde Mourinho will have recognised the quality of ArjenRobben\'s performance who was Chelsea\'s best player in a first halfwhich saw the Dutch winger tear into the right flank of West Ham\'sdefence.Mourinho pointed out that three of Alan Pardew\'s defenders had playedevery minute of the three Christmas games while the rests he had beenable to give his key squad players showed in the match\'s early stages.Yossi Benayoun\'s mistake presented the ball to Lampard in the area on25 minutes and he volleyed past Roy Carroll for a goal that didnothing to improve the mood of the West Ham fans who had greeted himwith the chant "you\'re just a fat Paul Ince".He clashed with Carl Fletcher in the second half and was booked afterWest Ham equalised but once Chelsea\'s victory was assured Lampard evensignalled the score with his fingers at the invitation of the awayfans."Very special," was how Lampard described his first goal against WestHam in his fourth match back at Upton Park. "I was really pleased," hesaid. "I would like to come back here and get some respect but notmany here give me that so I just carry on working for Chelsea."Marlon Harewood scored within 22 seconds of the start of the secondhalf after Benayoun and Reo-Coker had fashioned an opening but, evenwith Hayden Mullins in outstanding form, West Ham could not hold on.Played in by Robben on the hour, Crespo went round Carroll and slippedthe ball home.The Argentine played only 22 minutes before limping off to be replacedby Shaun Wright-Phillips. Eidur Gudjohnsen, described by Mourinho as"the blond Maradona", struck the pass for the third which found DidierDrogba\'s run down the right and he hit a low shot past Carroll.",1]
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watch the game. "I have to ask my wife," he said. "Maybe nopermission."Even Matilde Mourinho will have recognised the quality of ArjenRobben's performance who was Chelsea's best player in a first halfwhich saw the Dutch winger tear into the right flank of West Ham'sdefence.Mourinho pointed out that three of Alan Pardew's defenders had playedevery minute of the three Christmas games while the rests he had beenable to give his key squad players showed in the match's early stages.Yossi Benayoun's mistake presented the ball to Lampard in the area on25 minutes and he volleyed past Roy Carroll for a goal that didnothing to improve the mood of the West Ham fans who had greeted himwith the chant "you're just a fat Paul Ince".He clashed with Carl Fletcher in the second half and was booked afterWest Ham equalised but once Chelsea's victory was assured Lampard evensignalled the score with his fingers at the invitation of the awayfans."Very special," was how Lampard described his first goal against WestHam in his fourth match back at Upton Park. "I was really pleased," hesaid. "I would like to come back here and get some respect but notmany here give me that so I just carry on working for Chelsea."Marlon Harewood scored within 22 seconds of the start of the secondhalf after Benayoun and Reo-Coker had fashioned an opening but, evenwith Hayden Mullins in outstanding form, West Ham could not hold on.Played in by Robben on the hour, Crespo went round Carroll and slippedthe ball home.The Argentine played only 22 minutes before limping off to be replacedby Shaun Wright-Phillips. Eidur Gudjohnsen, described by Mourinho as"the blond Maradona", struck the pass for the third which found DidierDrogba's run down the right and he hit a low shot past Carroll.
Mourinho will certainly need cover for Essien now and the Portuguesemidfielder Maniche said yesterday that he is poised to join Chelsea.By the time he arrives, Lampard and his team-mates will have gone along way to deciding the title.West Ham United (4-1-4-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand,Konchesky; Mullins (Zamora, 71); Benayoun, Fletcher, Reo-Coker,Etherington (Bellion, 78); Harewood. Substitutes not used: Hislop(gk), Clarke, Aliadière.Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno; Makelele;Robben, Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard, Duff (Crespo, 60(Wright-Phillips, 82)); Drogba. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk),Johnson.Referee: H Webb (South Yorkshire).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Essien feels the boot on a West Ham footBy Henry WinterWest Ham (0) 1 Chelsea (1) 3This is the time of year for resolution and Chelsea\'s determinationcarried them through a brief claret-and-blue storm at Upton Parkyesterday.Frank Lampard rose above the Cockney cat-calls to score, and thechampions then fought back from Marlon Harewood\'s equaliser to winwith fine poacher strikes from Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba. Newyear, old story.Resolve coursing through their rich ranks, Chelsea even refused tohave their pursuit of a ninth successive Premiership triumph derailedby injuries to Michael Essien and Crespo, though the imminent arrivalof the Portuguese midfielder Maniche will be particularly well-timedif scans reveal serious damage to Essien\'s ankle."Hernan is injured but can walk," coach Jose Mourinho said. "Essien isinjured but can\'t walk."Nigel Reo-Coker\'s late challenge on Essien, a ball-winner deservedlyvilified for poleaxing Liverpool\'s Didi Hamann, was a classic case of",1]
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Mourinho will certainly need cover for Essien now and the Portuguesemidfielder Maniche said yesterday that he is poised to join Chelsea.By the time he arrives, Lampard and his team-mates will have gone along way to deciding the title.West Ham United (4-1-4-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand,Konchesky; Mullins (Zamora, 71); Benayoun, Fletcher, Reo-Coker,Etherington (Bellion, 78); Harewood. Substitutes not used: Hislop(gk), Clarke, Aliadière.Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno; Makelele;Robben, Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard, Duff (Crespo, 60(Wright-Phillips, 82)); Drogba. Substitutes not used: Cudicini (gk),Johnson.Referee: H Webb (South Yorkshire).------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Telegraph:Essien feels the boot on a West Ham footBy Henry WinterWest Ham (0) 1 Chelsea (1) 3This is the time of year for resolution and Chelsea's determinationcarried them through a brief claret-and-blue storm at Upton Parkyesterday.Frank Lampard rose above the Cockney cat-calls to score, and thechampions then fought back from Marlon Harewood's equaliser to winwith fine poacher strikes from Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba. Newyear, old story.Resolve coursing through their rich ranks, Chelsea even refused tohave their pursuit of a ninth successive Premiership triumph derailedby injuries to Michael Essien and Crespo, though the imminent arrivalof the Portuguese midfielder Maniche will be particularly well-timedif scans reveal serious damage to Essien's ankle."Hernan is injured but can walk," coach Jose Mourinho said. "Essien isinjured but can't walk."Nigel Reo-Coker's late challenge on Essien, a ball-winner deservedlyvilified for poleaxing Liverpool's Didi Hamann, was a classic case of
Not that Mourinho could appreciate the \'what goes around\' argument. "Ican imagine if it was the opposite situation," he said. "We\'re gettingthis experience every week. Imagine a Chelsea player doing what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [a push on Alan Shearer]."Nobody speaks about Gerrard, nobody asks for suspension, yet Essienis suspended for the Champions League. He can\'t tackle, otherwise itis immediately a yellow card. Today there was a foul on him and hecan\'t walk but it will not be a big deal in the media."I have Sky to see Essien\'s tackle on Hamann repeated for 15 days, andto see Gerrard against Newcastle replayed twice."Sky are a great channel but they want to chase Chelsea, and don\'ttreat us like other people. No problem. We can fight. We can play. Nota lot of people say we\'re boring because now we score, and concede."Against enterprising hosts driven on by the tireless Reo-Coker, whoseperformance, according to Alan Pardew, "wouldn\'t put him out of thepicture with England", Chelsea mixed containment and entertainment.Essien\'s early replacement, Eidur Gudjohnsen, was hailed as "the blondMaradona" by Mourinho, and impressed along with Arjen Robben, Drogbaand Ricardo Carvalho.Lampard was influential until tiring, with Mourinho confirming hewould not feature in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town.Hell hath no fury like a fan scorned, and the West Ham faithfulunleashed all manner of invective against the returning Lampard."You\'re just a fat Paul Ince," came the chant from the Bobby MooreStand, rolling two hate figures in one.The East End boy who became a West End star, Lampard focused onimposing his talent. When Yossi Benayoun misdirected his headedclarance of Geremi\'s throw-in to Lampard, the England midfielder",1]
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the biter bit.Not that Mourinho could appreciate the 'what goes around' argument. "Ican imagine if it was the opposite situation," he said. "We're gettingthis experience every week. Imagine a Chelsea player doing what StevenGerrard did against Newcastle [a push on Alan Shearer]."Nobody speaks about Gerrard, nobody asks for suspension, yet Essienis suspended for the Champions League. He can't tackle, otherwise itis immediately a yellow card. Today there was a foul on him and hecan't walk but it will not be a big deal in the media."I have Sky to see Essien's tackle on Hamann repeated for 15 days, andto see Gerrard against Newcastle replayed twice."Sky are a great channel but they want to chase Chelsea, and don'ttreat us like other people. No problem. We can fight. We can play. Nota lot of people say we're boring because now we score, and concede."Against enterprising hosts driven on by the tireless Reo-Coker, whoseperformance, according to Alan Pardew, "wouldn't put him out of thepicture with England", Chelsea mixed containment and entertainment.Essien's early replacement, Eidur Gudjohnsen, was hailed as "the blondMaradona" by Mourinho, and impressed along with Arjen Robben, Drogbaand Ricardo Carvalho.Lampard was influential until tiring, with Mourinho confirming hewould not feature in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town.Hell hath no fury like a fan scorned, and the West Ham faithfulunleashed all manner of invective against the returning Lampard."You're just a fat Paul Ince," came the chant from the Bobby MooreStand, rolling two hate figures in one.The East End boy who became a West End star, Lampard focused onimposing his talent. When Yossi Benayoun misdirected his headedclarance of Geremi's throw-in to Lampard, the England midfielder
Showing his maturity, Lampard was wonderfully restrained in hiscelebration, simply kissing his wedding band, and pointing towards themoon in tribute to his daughter Luna. No smile of satisfaction creptacross his face, no gesticulation towards those who decried his everystep."It was very special," he revealed afterwards. "I would like to comeback and get a bit of respect. Not many people give me that here."For all the running of Harewood, Matthew Etherington and Reo-Coker,Lampard\'s team could have turned around further ahead, but Carrolltwice saved well from Robben. Sadly, the half descended into a scrappysequence of flailing arms.Geremi caught Benayoun accidentally but his arm into Reo-Coker\'s facelooked dangerous.Clearly angered by the incidents, West Ham directed their ire well asthe second half opened. When John Terry made a rare mistake, Pardew\'smen pounced,Reo-Coker teasing the ball through for Harewood to chase. AlthoughPetr Cech took some of the sting out of his strike, the burly forwardmade sure on the line.Tempers flared when Lampard, annoyed by a Carl Fletcher challenge andhis first-half sledging, lowered his head towards the West Hammidfielder - though he was quick to shake hishand at the end. Otherwise Chelsea responded well to the equaliser."It was a bit of a wake-up call," Gudjohnsen admitted.Belying their cautious image, Lampard, Robben, and Drogba all wentclose before Crespo darted on. Almost immediately, the Argentine wasracing through, brilliantly released by Robben, to round Carroll andscore.Usually only four-star fare in the style department, Chelsea put onthe Ritz. Crespo wasted two fine chances but then chested the ballback to Gudjohnsen, whose lofted pass over Paul Konchesky released",1]
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responded superbly, smiting the ball past Roy Carroll.Showing his maturity, Lampard was wonderfully restrained in hiscelebration, simply kissing his wedding band, and pointing towards themoon in tribute to his daughter Luna. No smile of satisfaction creptacross his face, no gesticulation towards those who decried his everystep."It was very special," he revealed afterwards. "I would like to comeback and get a bit of respect. Not many people give me that here."For all the running of Harewood, Matthew Etherington and Reo-Coker,Lampard's team could have turned around further ahead, but Carrolltwice saved well from Robben. Sadly, the half descended into a scrappysequence of flailing arms.Geremi caught Benayoun accidentally but his arm into Reo-Coker's facelooked dangerous.Clearly angered by the incidents, West Ham directed their ire well asthe second half opened. When John Terry made a rare mistake, Pardew'smen pounced,Reo-Coker teasing the ball through for Harewood to chase. AlthoughPetr Cech took some of the sting out of his strike, the burly forwardmade sure on the line.Tempers flared when Lampard, annoyed by a Carl Fletcher challenge andhis first-half sledging, lowered his head towards the West Hammidfielder - though he was quick to shake hishand at the end. Otherwise Chelsea responded well to the equaliser."It was a bit of a wake-up call," Gudjohnsen admitted.Belying their cautious image, Lampard, Robben, and Drogba all wentclose before Crespo darted on. Almost immediately, the Argentine wasracing through, brilliantly released by Robben, to round Carroll andscore.Usually only four-star fare in the style department, Chelsea put onthe Ritz. Crespo wasted two fine chances but then chested the ballback to Gudjohnsen, whose lofted pass over Paul Konchesky released
drilled the ball past Carroll.Mourinho hopes to watch Arsenal play Manchester United tonight butconfessed: "It depends on my wife. Maybe she wants to go out." He maynot rule at home but Mourinho seems to have the rest of the countryunder his control.Match detailsWest Ham (4-3-2-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand, Konchesky;Fletcher, Mullins (Zamora 71), Reo-Coker; Benayoun, Etherington(Bellion, 77); Harewood.Subs: Hislop (g), Clarke, Aliadiere.Chelsea (4-1-2-2-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno;Makelele; Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard; Robben, Duff (Crespo, 60;Wright-Phillips, 82); Drogba.Subs: Cudicini (g), Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard, Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)Att: 34,758------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Times January 03, 2006Mourinho bemoans crude sense of injusticeBy Matt Dickinson, Chief Football CorrespondentWest Ham United 1 Chelsea 3WELL, now at least we know that there is someone to whom José Mourinhodefers. Asked if he would be watching Manchester United try tomaintain their vain pursuit of Chelsea with victory away to Arsenal inthe Barclays Premiership tonight, the Portuguese replied that it"depends on my wife".With a 14-point advantage, Mourinho could afford to be light-hearted(and with another championship bonus on the way, he can afford to takeMrs M shopping this evening) but the competitive zeal is never farbelow the surface. He had followed Chelsea\'s previous victory bycriticising his own players and fans for toying with the opposition,and we will be waiting a long time before he comes in and lights up abig cigar.",1]
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Drogba down the inside-right channel. In a blur of movement, Drogbadrilled the ball past Carroll.Mourinho hopes to watch Arsenal play Manchester United tonight butconfessed: "It depends on my wife. Maybe she wants to go out." He maynot rule at home but Mourinho seems to have the rest of the countryunder his control.Match detailsWest Ham (4-3-2-1): Carroll; Dailly, Collins, Ferdinand, Konchesky;Fletcher, Mullins (Zamora 71), Reo-Coker; Benayoun, Etherington(Bellion, 77); Harewood.Subs: Hislop (g), Clarke, Aliadiere.Chelsea (4-1-2-2-1): Cech; Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno;Makelele; Essien (Gudjohnsen, 12), Lampard; Robben, Duff (Crespo, 60;Wright-Phillips, 82); Drogba.Subs: Cudicini (g), Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard, Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)Att: 34,758------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Times January 03, 2006Mourinho bemoans crude sense of injusticeBy Matt Dickinson, Chief Football CorrespondentWest Ham United 1 Chelsea 3WELL, now at least we know that there is someone to whom José Mourinhodefers. Asked if he would be watching Manchester United try tomaintain their vain pursuit of Chelsea with victory away to Arsenal inthe Barclays Premiership tonight, the Portuguese replied that it"depends on my wife".With a 14-point advantage, Mourinho could afford to be light-hearted(and with another championship bonus on the way, he can afford to takeMrs M shopping this evening) but the competitive zeal is never farbelow the surface. He had followed Chelsea's previous victory bycriticising his own players and fans for toying with the opposition,and we will be waiting a long time before he comes in and lights up abig cigar.
Yesterday\'s emphatic, stylish triumph at Upton Park brought a smile toMourinho\'s lips but also more complaints about the world\'s treatmentof Chelsea. Sky television was given another bashing from a managerwho, like Sir Alex Ferguson, regards a little conflict as an essentialpart of his daily life.With Michael Essien removed from the game after only 13 minutes by aclumsy tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker, the Chelsea manager speculatedthat there would have been an outcry had the roles been reversed. Forhaving the temerity twice to spurn Mourinho, Steven Gerrard was alsodragged into the argument by a manager still seeking vainly tooverturn Essien\'s two-match Champions League ban."We are getting this great experience of the way people look atChelsea," Mourinho said. "I can imagine if a Chelsea player did whatSteven Gerrard did against Newcastle United (when the Liverpoolcaptain grabbed Lee Bowyer by the throat)."Michael Essien was on TV for 15 days. Steven Gerrard I saw twice.Nobody asks for suspensions, nobody says this is the country offootball and we must go for a pure situation. But it is not a problem.We get stronger. We can fight and we can play."The champions were required to stand up for themselves in anoccasionally feisty game yesterday in which Reo-Coker, Carl Fletcherand the impressive Hayden Mullins set about ruffling their vastlysuperior opponents. Frank Lampard was sufficiently riled by Fletcher\'sincessant niggles that he picked up a caution, although a fine openinggoal, his thirteenth of the league season, gave him a hearty lastlaugh.With Arjen Robben excelling, Chelsea were playing with panache and anequaliser 22 seconds after half-time by Marlon Harewood was not somuch a setback as a reminder to be more ruthless. They deliveredimpressively as Hernán Crespo came on for Damien Duff and scored in",1]
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Yesterday's emphatic, stylish triumph at Upton Park brought a smile toMourinho's lips but also more complaints about the world's treatmentof Chelsea. Sky television was given another bashing from a managerwho, like Sir Alex Ferguson, regards a little conflict as an essentialpart of his daily life.With Michael Essien removed from the game after only 13 minutes by aclumsy tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker, the Chelsea manager speculatedthat there would have been an outcry had the roles been reversed. Forhaving the temerity twice to spurn Mourinho, Steven Gerrard was alsodragged into the argument by a manager still seeking vainly tooverturn Essien's two-match Champions League ban."We are getting this great experience of the way people look atChelsea," Mourinho said. "I can imagine if a Chelsea player did whatSteven Gerrard did against Newcastle United (when the Liverpoolcaptain grabbed Lee Bowyer by the throat)."Michael Essien was on TV for 15 days. Steven Gerrard I saw twice.Nobody asks for suspensions, nobody says this is the country offootball and we must go for a pure situation. But it is not a problem.We get stronger. We can fight and we can play."The champions were required to stand up for themselves in anoccasionally feisty game yesterday in which Reo-Coker, Carl Fletcherand the impressive Hayden Mullins set about ruffling their vastlysuperior opponents. Frank Lampard was sufficiently riled by Fletcher'sincessant niggles that he picked up a caution, although a fine openinggoal, his thirteenth of the league season, gave him a hearty lastlaugh.With Arjen Robben excelling, Chelsea were playing with panache and anequaliser 22 seconds after half-time by Marlon Harewood was not somuch a setback as a reminder to be more ruthless. They deliveredimpressively as Hernán Crespo came on for Damien Duff and scored in
could change the game but in half an hour not 30 seconds," Mourinhosaid of his introduction of Crespo. Modesty from the Special One? Itwill not last.Crespo, who later had to withdraw, should have scored twice more andit was left to Didier Drogba to show him how to finish. The IvoryCoast forward ran on to Eidur Gudjohnsen\'s superbly clippedthrough-ball and buried a cross-shot past Roy Carroll.Gudjohnsen\'s poise in midfield saw him christened "the blond Maradona"by Mourinho and, with Essien likely to be out for some weeks with anankle injury, if not the African Cup of Nations, the Icelandinternational looks primed for a busy month.Maniche is also due to arrive from Dynamo Moscow to reinforce themidfield and so there was no encouragement whatsoever yesterday forthose seeking signs of weakness in the champions. Au contraire.West Ham\'s goal may have followed a rare mistake from John Terry but,as Mourinho pointed out, "the relationship between brain and legs isnot the same" after so many games in such a short time. Lampard hasalready been promised a rest against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cupthird round.WEST HAM UNITED (4-5-1): R Carroll — C Dailly, A Ferdinand, J Collins,P Konchesky — Y Benayoun, H Mullins (sub: R Zamora, 72min), CFletcher, N Reo-Coker, M Etherington (sub: D Bellion, 78) — MHarewood. Substitutes not used: S Hislop, C Clarke, J Aliadière.Booked: Fletcher.CHELSEA (4-3-3) P Cech — Gérémi, R Carvalho, J Terry, A Del Horno — MEssien (sub: E Gudjohnsen, 13), C Makelele, F Lampard — A Robben, DDrogba, D Duff (sub: H Crespo, 60; sub: S Wright-Phillips 84).Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, G Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard,Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb.Insults inspire Lampard to achieve his goal",1]
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less than a minute thanks to Robben's perceptive pass. "I thought hecould change the game but in half an hour not 30 seconds," Mourinhosaid of his introduction of Crespo. Modesty from the Special One? Itwill not last.Crespo, who later had to withdraw, should have scored twice more andit was left to Didier Drogba to show him how to finish. The IvoryCoast forward ran on to Eidur Gudjohnsen's superbly clippedthrough-ball and buried a cross-shot past Roy Carroll.Gudjohnsen's poise in midfield saw him christened "the blond Maradona"by Mourinho and, with Essien likely to be out for some weeks with anankle injury, if not the African Cup of Nations, the Icelandinternational looks primed for a busy month.Maniche is also due to arrive from Dynamo Moscow to reinforce themidfield and so there was no encouragement whatsoever yesterday forthose seeking signs of weakness in the champions. Au contraire.West Ham's goal may have followed a rare mistake from John Terry but,as Mourinho pointed out, "the relationship between brain and legs isnot the same" after so many games in such a short time. Lampard hasalready been promised a rest against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cupthird round.WEST HAM UNITED (4-5-1): R Carroll — C Dailly, A Ferdinand, J Collins,P Konchesky — Y Benayoun, H Mullins (sub: R Zamora, 72min), CFletcher, N Reo-Coker, M Etherington (sub: D Bellion, 78) — MHarewood. Substitutes not used: S Hislop, C Clarke, J Aliadière.Booked: Fletcher.CHELSEA (4-3-3) P Cech — Gérémi, R Carvalho, J Terry, A Del Horno — MEssien (sub: E Gudjohnsen, 13), C Makelele, F Lampard — A Robben, DDrogba, D Duff (sub: H Crespo, 60; sub: S Wright-Phillips 84).Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, G Johnson. Booked: Duff, Lampard,Gudjohnsen.Referee: H Webb.Insults inspire Lampard to achieve his goal
IT WAS always going to be asking too much of West Ham United fans, asthe cheery PA announcer did shortly before kick-off, to "pleasewelcome Frank Lampard back to Upton Park". The season of goodwill doeshave its limits.Not that Lampard had a quiet afternoon. The England midfield playeradded a first goal against his former club to his ever-expandingcollection and a booking to his smaller catalogue, as well as pickingup a lorryload of abuse from supporters who never really liked him,even when he was one of their own.Lampard deserves sympathy for being pilloried by his own people, buthe enjoyed the last laugh. The long walk to the tunnel on the finalwhistle was not lonely for a man blessed with the stamina of a long-distance runner as he milked every moment, offering ironic applause toevery corner of the ground."It was very special," Lampard said. "The most important thing is thethree points, but personally after four years away from the club, toscore my first goal I was really pleased."The reception wasn\'t great but I expect that. I would love to comeback here and get some respect, but not many people here give methat."Such was Chelsea\'s supremacy that by the end few of the home fanscould be bothered to boo. Perhaps recalling Luis Figo\'s return toBarcelona, Lampard insisted beforehand that he could cope withanything the bile-spitting locals would throw at him, though therewere no pigs\' heads in sight. The best they could come up with was tocall him a "fat Paul Ince", stretching credulity beyond its limits.Lampard thrived on the insults and had to wait only 25 minutes for theinevitable goal, smashing home a half-volley for his sixteenth of theseason. After scoring 29 goals in 2005, this year promises to be justas productive.",1]
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By Matt HughesIT WAS always going to be asking too much of West Ham United fans, asthe cheery PA announcer did shortly before kick-off, to "pleasewelcome Frank Lampard back to Upton Park". The season of goodwill doeshave its limits.Not that Lampard had a quiet afternoon. The England midfield playeradded a first goal against his former club to his ever-expandingcollection and a booking to his smaller catalogue, as well as pickingup a lorryload of abuse from supporters who never really liked him,even when he was one of their own.Lampard deserves sympathy for being pilloried by his own people, buthe enjoyed the last laugh. The long walk to the tunnel on the finalwhistle was not lonely for a man blessed with the stamina of a long-distance runner as he milked every moment, offering ironic applause toevery corner of the ground."It was very special," Lampard said. "The most important thing is thethree points, but personally after four years away from the club, toscore my first goal I was really pleased."The reception wasn't great but I expect that. I would love to comeback here and get some respect, but not many people here give methat."Such was Chelsea's supremacy that by the end few of the home fanscould be bothered to boo. Perhaps recalling Luis Figo's return toBarcelona, Lampard insisted beforehand that he could cope withanything the bile-spitting locals would throw at him, though therewere no pigs' heads in sight. The best they could come up with was tocall him a "fat Paul Ince", stretching credulity beyond its limits.Lampard thrived on the insults and had to wait only 25 minutes for theinevitable goal, smashing home a half-volley for his sixteenth of theseason. After scoring 29 goals in 2005, this year promises to be justas productive.
only becoming animated when he was booked for a second-half scufflewith Carl Fletcher, an anomaly that José Mourinho put down to hisrecent illness."He was suffering in the second half but showed class, quality andconfidence," the Chelsea manager said. "People realise that they cansay what they want and it will not affect him."Having learnt their lesson, West Ham fans may maintain a respectfulsilence next season.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.cfchistory.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f\u003d11&sid\u003df57be3b886a1f1942b4baee745cafccc",0]
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Having made his point, Lampard cruised through the rest of the match,only becoming animated when he was booked for a second-half scufflewith Carl Fletcher, an anomaly that José Mourinho put down to hisrecent illness."He was suffering in the second half but showed class, quality andconfidence," the Chelsea manager said. "People realise that they cansay what they want and it will not affect him."Having learnt their lesson, West Ham fans may maintain a respectfulsilence next season.
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