Summary A third European final in a row for Chelsea looked to be heading for extra-time after a Benfica penalty had levelled up Fernando Torres’s second-half goal, but with stoppage time underway, Branislav Ivanovic’s superb header won the Europa League. Both halves followed a similar pattern, more possession and territorial advantage for the Portuguese side butFrank Lampard came […]
Tag Archives: Rafa Benitez
What now for John Terry?
Chelsea’s club captain may yet defy the sceptics suggesting he might be cast aside and secure his future under a new manager. The scenario can be painted even now. The camera will be focused on Rafael Benítez as the Kop bellow their anthem while, on the fringes of all the hullabaloo, John Terry shuffles into his seat […]
What will Rafael Benitez’s successor inherit at Chelsea?
Yesterday’s defeat has killed off any lingering prospect of Rafa Benitez staying on at Stamford Bridge. But what will his successor inherit? 1. The Premier League title must, and can, be won The bare minimum for a Chelsea manager is the title, fail to win that and history suggests you will be fired. That however, ought […]
Why Benítez could yet end up as manager of the year
In the wake of guiding Chelsea past Manchester United and into the FA Cup semi-finals, Rafael Benítez was asked whether he’d like a little recognition for his efforts. “I don’t need credit,” came the deadpan reply. “The players and staff were happy and the fans were pleased. I’m quite happy with that.” Benítez has his […]
Benetiz’s tactical changes vs United
Spaniard’s substitutions enabled Ramires, Oscar, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata to overload their opponents in the central areas. Benítez’s favourite buzzword is “compact” but in the opening stages Chelsea were a rabble, strung out across the Old Trafford pitch. The centre-backs were terrified of Javier Hernández’s pace, so dropped deep (which wasn’t enough to prevent […]
Super Sunday
Sunday sees two massive games in the English Premier League taking place. Chelsea host Arsenal in the early kick-off, whereas Spurs are set to entertain the Red Devils. Both games are expected to be fairly open attacking encounters, with all of the teams involved having defensive issues of late. TKTG scouts the web and provides […]
Ba can replace troubled Torres as Chelsea’s main man
The Newcastle striker was at Stamford Bridge to witness QPR’s shock win, and will surely fancy his chances of taking the Spaniard’s place as the Blues’ primary attacker Demba Ba will have been more than an interested observer as he sat in the Stamford Bridge stands on Wednesday night. Before Chelsea made their interest official, the 27-year-old’s representatives […]
Why Rafael Benítez may never be accepted by Chelsea fans
Affection remains for Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge, making it a tough introduction for ‘Rafa the Blue’ Rafael Benítez pretended to busy himself with the seating arrangements on his bench, Roman Abramovich staring out impassively from his box high up in the west stand while the mutiny rippled round the arena. Neither betrayed a […]
Juan matters more this season
Juan Mata has had a great year, guiding Chelsea towards the club’s first Champions League trophy and scoring the last goal that helped Spain lift this summer’s European Championship. The Spaniard’s contribution to his club was phenomenal last season, during which he scored 12 goals & assisted another 20, in all competitions. In the 2012/13 […]
Off with his head – Abramovich sacks Di Matteo
After steering Chelsea to a historic Champions League trophy that had eluded owner Roman Abramovich since he bought the club, Chelsea have sacked Roberto Di Matteo. Ironically, it was after a 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the same competition and the prospect of being knocked-out in the group stages that led to his sacking. TKTG […]
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