Chelsea FC
Much was expected of Chelsea last season as they had added to their already impressive squad, the likes of Andrei Shevchenko, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole, all, world class performers. They unfortunately let go of players like Damien Duff, Robert Huth and most especially William Gallas.
The biggest problem I had with them initially was how they were going to fit in all their players into a system that would work sufficiently well to form a great team. My fears were never allayed as throughout they played with a lot of commitment and passion, with a never-say-die attitude but with little guile and coherence in their play.
It was usually hoof the ball up to Drogba, let him outmuscle his opponent and either score a spectacular goal or make an opening. Their midfield was packed with power players in the shape of Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Obi Mikel and Makele.
I could not for the life of me understand why they were made favourites to win the champions league as to me, to win the champions league, you need 1 or 2 players with that "je ne sai quoi" quality, the touch of va va va voom. Chelsea do not have that anybody in their ranks with that quality. Joe Cole and Arjen Robben are good but not what I would call va va va voom.
They were unlucky with injuries at various times to Cech, Terry, Cole, Bridge, Joe Cole, Robben, Carvalho and Essien. They also have a lot of what I would term deadwood in their squad like Geremi who in the champions league semi final against Liverpool, his only task was to come on and score a penalty and he goes on and misses.
He had been extremely poor all season as was Ferreira and Boularhouz, who was a shocker. Kallou and Mikel Obi did not impress me that much at all. Cudicini, I fault was a complete let down, he had stayed at Chelsea, even if he is good enough to be first choice at most other teams, he finally has his chance to help his club then he gets himself injured, allowing Hilario to be number 1 with mixed results. The biggest disappointments though were no doubt Sheva and ballack, with Ballack often playing on cruise control.
They did however have some high points, including winning the Worthington cup, winning the Fa Cup, going to the Mestalla and winning, thereby becoming the first foreign team to do so. The low points were losing 2-1 at Middlesboro, drawing at home to Villa, Bolton, Fulham and Reading and drawing away to Villa and Newcastle, results which ultimately cost them their championship.
Losing on penalties to Liverpool in the champions league though was the topper. At Anfield, they showed very little ambition and most of their play was Ashley getting the ball and just launching towards Drogba.
Impressive performances came from Michael Essien, who was just immense, Ricardo Carvalho who was also supreme in very adverse conditions and Diarra, who impressed me at right back.
Player of the season was undoubtedly Didier Drogba who was just magnificent, the only down side for me is his tendencies to stay down on the ground for a more time than he should. Mourinho, with all he had to deal with last season, injuries, problems with Abramovich and his squad not being good enough, gets my vote for manager of the season. To achieve what he did whilst dealing with a lot of distractions, takes a very special one.
Ratings 7/10
For more Football news visit http://www.footballclubsblog.com
My name is Dennis and have written a number of articles on how to make it big online.
Learn more on how to become successful online by going here and clicking on 'my web page' NOW
Source: www.articlesphere.com