Chelsea
Woolwich to the Bridge: Liverpool Preview
By dixon9
December 19 2007
It´s taken a few days for the rage to ebb enough. Once again we witness Arsenal football club, the media bastions of the Corinthian spirit (cough!) get away with another display of youthful petulance and aggressiveness that, because they are Arsenal, a blind eye is turned. Still, we should be used to the hypocrisy by now…
In normal circumstances both Eboue on Terry and Fabregas on Ashley Cole would have seen red for two sickening incidents (certainly if they wore blue, Sky would have had the stuff on loop and campaigned for charges against Chelsea) and if it wasn´t bad enough that Gallas´s (of all people!) goal was allowed after his push on Tal Haim directly after Terry was taken off, our captain looks to be out for some time.
'But on the other hand, I see that the main discussion in the last two or three months has been whether Chelsea sends two players to the referee or three players to the referee to complain about decisions.
'I think this is wrong because the main issue is the protection of the players from bad injuries and I think the main discussion needs to be about this, not how many players run to the referee.
'I have seen that many other clubs have more players, including this Saturday when one centre-half ran 50 metres to complain about the referee and nothing happened,' Grant points out. '
Something only happens if Chelsea is doing it.'
'I think it is very easy to make the decision against Chelsea because if you are looking at the red card Essien got recently and other players did very aggressive fouls and they didn't get punished, it has got me thinking.'
Still, hopefully karma will take it´s course and they´ll get their payback.
At the end of the day it really was Wily 1 Chelsea 0 and we can take heart that like the corresponding fixture last season, even with a weakened team (this time missing the spine of Terry, Essien and Drogba) and with an even weaker referee we still looked the better team.
I was going to write much more, however, I came across this which sums up pretty much how a lot of us feel about Arsenal and the debacle of the refereeing performance on Sunday:
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/NewsHomePage/0,,10268~1194257,00.html
Anyway, onto tonights match: Interesting to see how both teams approach this fixture. This normally would be a passionate affair and after the exertions and disappointments of the weekend the teams would want to get back on track with a win ASAP.
However, with this being a league cup game you might expect both teams to be diluted with a few youngsters and players back from injury to gain fitness.
'To tell you the truth, this is not the major trophy we want but as long as we play for Chelsea, even a friendly game, we want to win,' states Grant.
I reckon the spectacle won´t be quite up to the normal Chelsea v Liverpool competiveness but it should have it´s moments and no doubt players not normally involved will particularly want to impress.
The League (or Carling!) cup seems to be increasing in importance over recent seasons and the winners of tonights tie will book a place in the semi finals along with Everton, Spurs and Arsenal. The neutral might prefer a semi final of 2 famous derbies – Spurs v Arsenal and Liverpool v Everton so we´ll have to do what we can to ensure at least one of those possibilities can´t occur.
Rafa´s rotation policy should do enough for any potential house burglars from Liverpool (or perhaps nearby Manchester?!) to be kept guessing at exactly who´s away and who isn´t and certainly one place they won´t be able to revisit is the residence of Gerrard who apparently wont travel after suffering from a stomach bug.
Pacy defender Agger is still ruled out whilst Finnan is 50/50 at best although the skilful and terrior like midfielder Alonso should make a return after missing nearly 2 months out with the dreaded metatarsal injury.
We will obviously miss Terry and Drogba but Essien should return after missing the game at the Camel Dome through his last game of a 3 match suspension.
The big news for us is Ballack. The German captain hasn´t kicked a ball in earnest (except for a couple of reserve games) since Newcatle away last season and I´m expecting him to at least come on from the bench during the 2nd half. '
It is not easy to come back after such a long injury but Michael is a good character and a good player and that is what is important,' says Grant.
'We have a very good squad but we have missed him. We want him to be available.'
Carvalho is just about fit but I have my doubts if he´ll be risked which is a shame really as the thought of Torres coming on at some point up against Tal Haim has me worried. Don´t get me wrong – although I don´t feel the Israeli is the world´s best centre-half he´s certainly acceptable BUT doesn´t have any pace (and a slow turning circle). A centre-half as such is fine when coupled with a nippier partner but that won´t be the case tonight.
Youngsters Sahar and Sinclair are both back from loan to QPR. It would be nice to see the nippy winger start and Sahar come on at some point up front – but, as I said earlier, that would largely depend on how both managers approach this game – and it is Chelsea Liverpool after all.
I´d expect an intial line-up of 4-3-3: Cuducini, Belletti, Alex, Tal Haim, Bridge, Mikel, Lampard, Sidwell, Cole, Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko – later Ballack for Sidwell, Sinclair for Cole ...and Pizarro to get a look-in at some point if we go 4-4-2 later.
Prediction? If it doesn´t go to penalties we´ll win!
Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, J Cole, Essien, Obi, Lampard, Kalou, Ballack, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Wright-Phillips, Sidwell, Bridge.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Kewell, Mascherano, Benayoun, Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Aurelio, Babel, Crouch, Finnan,
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Stumbleupon19/12/2007 04:55
If you're going to have a pop at least have the balls to admit your own players short comings. What about Terrys tackle on Fabregas? What goes around comes around mate... stop crying like a girl!
Quote:Still, we should be used to the hypocrisy by now…
Quote:Gallas´s (of all people!) goal was allowed after his push on Tal Haim directly after Terry was taken off,
I think your the only one who thinks that goal shouldn't have stood.
Quote:and with an even weaker referee we still looked the better team.
Did you @#$%&. We had 2 good goals disallowed. Every 50-50 advantage was given to you by the ref.
Quote:because they are Arsenal, a blind eye is turned
A blind eye is never turned if its Arsenal. (For example, when our manager says anything about the refree, he's instantly charged, and he's called a whinger, but Hughes is doing exactly the same thing but thats just showing passion isnt it?) People say Arsenal struggle if teams get 'stuck into them' and 'come in their faces', but when we dish it back we get silly comments from people like you. Do you hear anything about the tackles we used to get from United, or the ones we still get from Bolton or Blackburn? No. But when we stand up for ourselves we still get @#$%& slated. Over the past few weeks, ridiculous tackles from the opposition are infact appreciated from the @#$%& on Sky and Setanta, e.g. Carew's tackle on Hleb, no one mentioned how dangerous it was but it was infact appreciated by the pundits because Carew was getting 'stuck into' Arsenal. The same thing is happening right now, no ones talking about the tackles we got from your lot, instead everyone's on about how we should be mulling over John Terry's injury.
Lets take a look at some of the tackles by your lot (which you've conveniently ignored in your report). What about Joe Cole's tackle on Eboue? and how dangerous was Terry's tackle on Fabregas, if he'd connected with his lower body Cesc may have suffered a serious injury. This was obviously meant to intimidate him and to stop him playing. (So fat Frank could finally get a look in) But guess what? Chelsea players didnt like it when we responded. I think Merlion's right when he says:
Quote:Our Chelsea Rent-Boy was just following isntruciton to stop Sagna from palying, hence hsi deliberate challenges and see how much he can get away with it.
Adebayor crunching tackle was designed to prtoect hsi team-mate and to send a message to Chelsea Rent-Boy to lay off hsi team-amte.
And he's correct again when he says:
Quote:Thsi TEAM palys for each otehr and will never allow any of their team-mates being targeted ever...
They are sending out a clear and loud emssage to all thsoe kickers and hackers....
We wil retaliate isntantly and we will hunt you down whenever you try to give us that "Reyes Treatment"....like Fabregas did in that CHelski Rent-Boy in the 95th minute.
People like you and the media cant stand it now that Arsenal are standing up for themselves. Either we're too soft and struggle if teams 'get stuck in' or we're thgus.
I think your just bitter you couldnt fluke your way to a point this time or the ref/linesman didnt bail you out.
Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 2007:12:19:18:46:53 by pk_gunner.
And Terry didn´t even touch Fabregas!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Fabregas never said he touched him, you could see the intent however. And wiley was awful yeh, he disallowed a perfectly legitimate Adebayor goal.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007:12:23:02:39:11 by pk_gunner.
Quote:N5er
Boo! hoo! hoo!
If you're going to have a pop at least have the balls to admit your own players short comings. What about Terrys tackle on Fabregas? What goes around comes around mate... stop crying like a girl!
A ha! Mr Woolwich 5er returns!
Terry didn´t even make contact with Fabregas! You are as blind as Wily!
Try looking at Adebayor and Ebuoe´s studs up challenges before - you SHOULD have been down to 9 min in the first half!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
I'll give you a clue:- It's not in Chelsea.
Chelsea were outplayed, outthought and outfought, despite your best efforts to intimidate us and your constant moaning & @#$%& to & pressurising of the referee.
1-0 was a travesty. It should have been more but I'm not complaining as a win is a win.
Quote:Simon68
And what area do Chelsea FC play in?
I'll give you a clue:- It's not in Chelsea.
Chelsea were outplayed, outthought and outfought, despite your best efforts to intimidate us and your constant moaning & @#$%& to & pressurising of the referee.
1-0 was a travesty. It should have been more but I'm not complaining as a win is a win.
Just outside Chelsea tbh (although only by a couple of hundred yards) - but Chelsea DOES exist in London does it not??? Arsenal Doesnt. (Incidentally, West Ham is in East Ham and no doubt there are other clubs with similar situations).
Outplayed?!!!! Pah! Watch the match again (specially the 2nd half).
It took us with a well understrength team and a gutless ref for you to win that game - you know it and I know it.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
You're right, the referee was gutless. He would have shown a red card straight away if it hadn't been the "great" John Terry, England captain, going in on Cesc Fabregas like a lunatic, but he bottled it and only showed a yellow.
Him and Cashley came out like they had steroid rage.
Just look at Wiley not hesitating to send the Burnley player off against you.
He was without doubt a 12th man for you at the Emirates.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Are you taking the p*ss? We have had many players sent off over the years for things that other clubs wouldn't. Look at the number of terrible tackles Chelsea, Liverpool and ManU players have got away with in the past few years as evidence of that.
Eboue's was a nothing (no doubt if it had been the other way round, Eboue would have got blamed for kicking Terry's boot)and it was plain for everyone to see that Adebayors had no malice in it whatsoever and the ball was there to go for. As usual Cashley Greedy-Cole made a meal of it. He was running around like a spring chicken just a minute after looking like he would never play again.
JCole's and Terry's "tackles" were worse by far.
Would you even argue that Fabregas´s challenge on Ashley Cole at the end only warranted a yellow?
Ebuoe nor Adebayor had NO CHANCE of geetiing the ball and went in studs up.
When it comes to Arsenal - the refs bottle it - it would cause ruptions to Sky and they prefer not to have any problems.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
How about the foul on Tal Haim for the goal?
Make that one up!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
here you go..
tell someone that gives a $hit mate..
and if you don´t give a sh-t what you doing on here posting so much?
Your not the sharpest tool in the box are you?!!!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
it's a bit deserted mate anyway... thought you could do with the traffic ;_)
And PLEASE come back from the Woolwich (after all, there´s no such place in London as Arsenal is there) because I enjoy winding you up as well!
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
I have you bookmarked this time... i'll be back ;_)
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Be grateful to us!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
oh and what is it about sex cases and former Arsenal players when they get to Chelsea old son? pretty strange..
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:02:09:23:56:38 by dixon9.
If you are looking for football players to be moral examples in society you will be disappointed.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
You should know better as rape is not something to be taken lightly.
Who was the Chelsea left back who got accused of rape in Chiswick a few years back?
The case was dropped then wasn't it?
Pots and kettles dixie.
As for Peter Storey running a brothel. He was performing a public service in many peoples eyes. It didn't do anyone any harm and didn't involve under age sex either.
And as far as I am aware Peter Storey didn't abuse American tourists in a bar in a Heathrow hotel on th night of the Twin Towers attack like Lampard and his cronies did.
I respect Storey far more than Lampard and his mates.
And he´s the one who started giving it large...
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Which was extremely lucky for Chelsea as Chelsea would then probably have been at about the level of Barnet for the last 90 years.
AND how on earth can you say "We weren´t given permission to "move into" Fulham! If anything, Fulham would have taken you over - not the other way round!
You were going into liquidation under whatver of the numerous names your club has had during it´s chequered history.
Talk about twisting the argument to suit - you definitely are Arsenal aren´t you?!
Norris wasn´t going to get Fulham (London´s oldest club by the way) anywhere because Chelsea were getting the crowds in.
So Norris saved you from liquidation, moved you up to north London because he felt the economy was better than in SE London, bribed you up to the first and hey presto!
Just think, if it wasn´t for Chelsea, Arsenal wouldn´t exist and you´d be a Spurs fan!
Now kneel and proffer your thanks!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:02:13:16:12:41 by dixon9.
Gooners are only jealous cos we got the money four years ago and Gooners sold out to corporate to get a new stadium.
The argument the comments are dead ffs!!!
Corporate has taken over Woolwich Arsenal and under the Arsenal brand has benefitted European and African football.... think on!!
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
We´ll be facing Huddersfield in the cup soon - back to back champions and a one time power in football. If Sky had that match they probably wouldn´t even mention it.
All this history needn´t be a major factor - but some fans ought to button it before they start slating others if they know f all or believe football began when the PL was formed.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:02:13:23:48:57 by dixon9.
If it wasn't for Norris Chelsea would have been relegated that season but Norris got Chelsea a reprieve by pointing out that ManU had match fixed. As it was only Tottenham went down.
Arsenal weren't going anywhere near liquidation (unlike Chelsea 4 years ago) when we moved up here and it IS true we weren't given permission to move into Fulham.
Chelsea can count themselves very fortunate we didn't.
Not that you made much of it mind you.
Chelsea were about to take the league/Liverpool/Man Utd to court for fixing their match so that we would go down! The league didn´t want a scandal - we didn´t need Norris for that!
And oh yes you were going into liquidation old son! Read the history books mate! And as for us we were NEVER going to go bust - no spending for a few seasons granted - but not liquidation. We also had 4-5 buyers all queueing up anyway as I´m sure you´re aware.
Just think - if it wasn´t for us (or a little dog in fact) - you´d be a Spurs fan!
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Bates was the most relieved man going when he got an offer from Abramovich.
2 weeks from administration, assets sold off, relegation, no way of paying back the £90m.
You were in a far worse position than Leeds, and without a buyer, liquidation would have been inevitable.
Norris saved your bacon in 1919 and now Abramovich has done it and is STILL doing it.
Chelsea play at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal play at Emirates
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
We allowed a sponsor to attach their name to our ground for several years in return for £100m.
Better that than having a sugar daddy save your bacon & then bankroll you to trophies.
Quote:Simon68
You didn't have 4 or 5 buyers queuing up.
Bates was the most relieved man going when he got an offer from Abramovich.
2 weeks from administration, assets sold off, relegation, no way of paying back the £90m.
You were in a far worse position than Leeds, and without a buyer, liquidation would have been inevitable.
Norris saved your bacon in 1919 and now Abramovich has done it and is STILL doing it.
All BS Simon - and you know it.
We had a hold on over the league because of the match fixing scandal between Liverpool and Man Utd - we didn´t need Norris for anything.
And it was Norris who saved YOUR bacon - he was chairman of Fulham, Chelsea were getting the crowds so he went of to SE London (your clubs TRUE home) and SAVED you from liquidation and moved you up to north London. Then curruption saved your bacon and you are the ONLY club not to have earned the right to be in the top flight on the field of play. Norris was eventually banned from football and escaped jail by a whisker!
History is interesting isn´t it?!!!
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
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