THE 39 STEPS

Last night’s match, at a cold and rainy Stamford Bridge, was possibly the most frustrating 90 minutes (97 minutes!) I have had to endure….. A London derby against Big Sam’s faltering West Ham – it should have been a dead cert considering our recent form, and with Arsenal having dropped 2 points at St. Mary’s, it was the perfect opportunity for Mourinho’s men to advance their title challenge.

Chelsea had 39 shots at goal (the most by any team who failed to score in the Premier League since the 2003/4 season), in contrast to West Ham’s solitary attempt.  The match ended 0-0 thanks to resolute defending by the visiting team.

 

The young Spanish keeper Adrian was unbeatable and produced a string of brilliant saves.  He was assisted by a wall of defenders who showed such commitment, fearlessly throwing their bodies in front of the ball and any Blue opponent who happened to be in tow. Even the returning striker, Andy Carroll, spent more time in his own box than Chelsea’s and was pretty impressive in defence. Making his first league start of the season, the injury prone Carroll was a little rusty in attack and fortunately for us fluffed his lines in the goal mouth, squandering a possible and much needed three points for the Hammers.

Martin Keown eloquently described the Hammers performance as full of “determination, belief, desire, heart and the will to win” , not sure if it was a will to win or just a will to survive.  It was not a ‘pretty’ game of football but I have to admit that I stand in admiration of Sam Allerdyce, who used all his experience to create an impenetrable force that withstood the brilliance of the likes of Oscar, Hazard and the much improved Willian.  Even Super Frankie Lampard found himself ineffective after being brought on to impact the game (it is only fair to be honest at this point and say that Frank's failure to score was not solely due to West Ham's tactics, I am saddened to say he too fluffed his lines in front of goal….).

Anyway, it’s done…. No going back…. Now we just have to look forward to our next league game – and yes it is against the team that has been hailed this week as ‘possibly the best team in the world’.  I think that is an exaggeration but am a little cautious about refuting it outright – last time I cast doubt on pundits showering praise and plaudits on Gareth Bale, he went on to command the largest transfer fee in football history!

I must thank my younger daughter for assisting me today in the creation of the ‘word ladder’ which transforms the word ‘steps’ into ‘shots’ in 39 steps.  As soon as I found out Chelsea had 39 shots in last night's game, I was immediately reminded of the Alfred Hitchcock movie of the novel 'The 39 Steps'. Obviously the thriller has very little in common with a Chelsea football game apart from the number 39 (unless you chose to compare the novel's hero with Jose Mourinho: 'Richard Hannay, an all-action hero with a stiff upper lip and a miraculous knack for getting himself out of sticky situations' - the stiff upper lip bit lets the comparison down somewhat!!). Inside my warped brain I visualised a 'word ladder' which converted the word 'steps' into the word 'shots' in 39 steps - as a reflection of the frustration endured during the match, watching shot after shot be blocked or saved or missed - 39 times! 

The only problem was it can be done with as few as 3 steps: 

STEPS STOPS SHOPS SHOTS 

Thank you to my daughter for having the tenacity to persist with such a pointless (and frustrating!) task and finding a solution with 39 steps!  

Talking of frustration, the sight of Juan Mata running around Old Trafford being helpful and effective in their 2-0 win against Cardiff City was hugely frustrating!! He also confirmed two of Vincent Tan’s mythical beliefs: the colour Red and the number eight can be lucky for some!

Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKug2aA_rCc#t=18 if you are missing Mata! Very clever.

“Sometimes there are managers who are not good enough for some groups.”

“But there are also some groups (of players) who are not good enough for the manager. In this case it is the second.”

These were the words of Paolo Di Canio when giving an interview about his time as Sunderland manager.  At first I couldn’t believe I had heard him correctly but then I guess humility has never been his forte.  Also everyone is entitled to ‘their own reality’.

It did get me thinking again about the subject of my last post, Juan Mata.  I guess in Mata’s mind it was the new manager who failed him as a player.  Just in the last half hour the blue Spaniard has been confirmed as a ‘Red’.  He said he couldn’t refuse an offer from a club as great as Manchester United (I don’t feel comfortable mentioning this but I can’t help thinking the Moyes Manchester United is a completely different beast to the Fergie United – I think Mata may find himself hostage to the myth that was Manchester United). I assume the club has guaranteed him much needed game time, which is imperative in order to earn his place in the Spanish National team for the World Cup this Summer.  I do feel a little sad at how everything has turned out for the Spanish playmaker – the internet is flooded with messages and videos from heart broken Blues who feel bereaved by Mata’s move up to Manchester.  Watching some of the videos of his best moments as a Chelsea player, I too found myself welling up…. I just wish he had respected the Club enough not to move to one of their main rivals – but I guess his ‘reality’ was that Chelsea had not shown him the respect he had deserved in the last six months.  Anyway I don’t want to get wrapped up in ‘rights and wrongs’, but I do wish Mata all the best for his future and am sure we will be witnessing the little magician doing what he does best in no time at all.

It seems an appropriate time to welcome the imminent arrival of Mohamed Salah, the 21 year old Egyptian midfielder from Swiss Champions Basel.  I am assuming his transfer will complete without any complications (in the guise of Brendan Rodgers!).  Salah is a talented player who has scored against Chelsea in their last three meetings with Basel.  I feel confident he will be a worthy replacement for Juan Mata and that the club is more than capable of handling any political challenges which may arise from Salah’s signing.

“Eto’o is now E’three”, I heard a fan shouting behind me as Samuel Eto’o entered history books by scoring a hat-trick against Manchester United last Sunday afternoon at the Bridge.  I was privileged to witness our 3-1 victory over the troubled Manchester side.  Chelsea started the game slowly.  I don't think going into half time with a 2-0 lead was a true reflection of the game, but in the second half the blues dominated and the final score was well deserved.  I feel compelled to mention the barbaric tackle made on Gary Cahill by Raphael, which only drew a yellow card from the ref who had already rashly red carded a frustrated Nemanja Vidic.  It does seem that Premiership referees are making more and more mistakes in response to the ever increasing pressures of the job. Anyway I can’t complain, the final result was great (it would have been a little better had Petr Cech kept yet another clean sheet which was denied him by our nemesis, Chicharito - who always scores against  us)!  Not only did Mourinho keep his unbeaten home record in the Premier League, but the win over Moyes' men marked Jose Mourinho’s 100^th win in the Premiership, setting a new record when he reached the landmark in double quick time – it took him 142 games, 20 less than Sir Alex Ferguson.  In fairness to Manchester United, they were missing Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie through injury but the team as a whole looked lacking in confidence.  Morale was low.
 

This lack of belief displayed by David Moyes' Manchester United became even more obvious in their midweek Capital one second leg semi-final against Sunderland.  I don’t have time to discuss the game properly as there is so much to say – if you get a chance at least try to watch the second half of extra time followed by the penalty shoot- out…. The pundits are hailing it as the worst penalty shoot-out of all time.  What is more alarming is that we are pinning our World Cup hopes on some of the players involved in this infamously horrendous display. (Note to Paolo Di Canio: the Black Cats were good enough to beat Manchester United with Gus Poyet at the helm....)

Well maybe the arrival of Mata will help boost morale at Old Trafford (and take some weight off the young shoulders of Adnan Januzaj, who has been carrying the team).  After all the arrival of Mesut Ozil did wonders for Arsene Wenger’s then faltering Arsenal.  It could go either way I think – depending on whether Mata’s acquisition was merely an act of desperation by a failing manager of a club in crisis, or a canny and considered move to bring in a needed playmaker who the club feels will fit into their ethos.  I tend to think the former to be the case, which could mean that the one-man rescue mission may fail but it is football after all so you can always expect the unexpected.

(I used to like M&M's till I saw this photo!!)

I am off to the Bridge again tomorrow for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup against Stoke.  I am again ever hopeful of a win.  (It worked last week!!)

Will Mata survive the Oscar season?

I just got back from a few days in Spain celebrating my other half’s 50th – the weather was uncharacteristically cold and wet giving us the perfect excuse to spend many an hour eating (of course I watched the Hull game, another clean sheet, congrats Petr Cech on the his record breaking 209 clean sheets and to Eden Hazard for being awarded his third consecutive 'Man of the Match').  One of our regular haunts was a traditional Spanish bar which not only had delicious tapas but also housed a couple of large plasma screens constantly broadcasting football games.  Not surprisingly the clientele was predominantly male and the atmosphere was intense; concentrated silence interspersed with raucous excitement.  It was the perfect place for any football fan!  Whilst plucking succulent, fleshy leaves, dripping in melted butter, from my ember grilled artichoke, I noticed the image of a boyish Fernando Torres, donning the distinctive red and white stripe of the Athletico Madrid shirt.  The TV channel was doing the usual fill before a match, showing historical clips from previous meetings of the two sides – which happened to be Athletico and Barca.  Seeing images of a young and happy Torres in his native land, looking like he was going to conquer the world, reminded me of the drama surrounding the Chelsea Spaniards…..

We have all got used to the hype surrounding Fernando Torres and his erratic form since he moved to Chelsea.  What has come as more of a shock to the footballing world is Mourinho’s treatment of Juan Mata, the two time winner of the Chelsea Player of the Year award. There are daily speculations of when Mata will leave Chelsea and which club he will be joining.

In contrast to the adulation afforded to Mourinho by Chelsea fans, Spanish fans don’t think much of the Portugese Manager after his stint at Real Madrid, where he managed to alienate almost all the players, starting with the legendary Iker Casillas.  The general consensus is that Jose hates all things Spanish (as would be expected of a Portugese!).  In fact when Mourinho returned to Chelsea last Summer, the Spanish tabloids ran stories on how his first move would be to get rid of Torres, Mata and Azpilicueta (the fourth Spanish musketeer, Oriol Romeu went under the radar as he was on a season long loan to Valencia).  My younger daughter’s Spanish boyfriend also felt compelled to regularly reinforce these speculations.  So I must admit it came as no surprise to me when Mourinho benched the Spaniards at the start of the season.  (There is also a rational explanation for such a decision – Spain had reached the finals of the Confederations Cup in Brazil  and the players had missed out on a necessary rest period – ironically Fernando Torres won the golden boot for scoring the most goals during the tournament!)

With time and Jose’s inclusion of Torres and Azpilicueta (or Dave as he is fondly known by the fans) in the team, I have decided that Juan Mata’s ‘Spanishness’ is not the problem!!  If anything,  when  Mourinho started selecting Dave as left back (even though his natural position is right back), in preference to Ashley Cole, one could almost make a case for Jose favouring the Spaniards.

The question dividing the footballing community is what is Mourinho’s issue with Mata?

Mourinho himself has made it clear that he prefers Oscar in the number 10 position.  He has also commented on Mata’s failings in a defensive capacity.  It seems reasonable that Mourinho would want his players to be effective all over the pitch and not just in the top third.  I have to be honest and admit that I myself have had my own issues with Mata.

Firstly, my older daughter, who is at least a foot taller than the Spanish play maker, is absolutely obsessed by him – she says things like ‘I want to have his babies!’ – I can’t mention any of her other desires as they are quite X-rated.  As a result of this strange fascination, it is hugely annoying to watch any Chelsea match with her featuring Mata.  I have endured two and a half years of her screeching ‘Juuuuuuuuuaaaaaaannnnnnn’ in the highest pitch her vocal chords will permit, every time the Spaniard even approaches the ball.  The side effects of her obsession have been the fact that Mata’s presence on the pitch has been highlighted for me whether he is living up to his reputation as a ‘magician’ or falling short of it.
 

My second issue with Mata has arisen as a result of this added scrutiny brought on by my daughter’s obsession.  Having watched him so closely, I found myself criticising him more and more often.  At times he looked as fragile as a feather, blowing over at the slightest contact.  Mata's insistence to use his favoured left foot, often resulted in his taking too many touches and missing important chances. I don’t dispute he has an amazing touch but  there were times when he would repeatedly lose the ball and not be able to win it back.  Until Mourinho’s arrival this season I thought I was going mad because all anyone would say about Mata was how amazing he was – no one seemed to be watching the same player as I was.  On the flip side, having recognised Mata’s failings, I never thought they were enough to justify his continuous presence on the bench.

August 27^th 2011 – Stamford Bridge – Chelsea v Norwich - 67 minutes Juan Mata makes his debut  - 90 + minutes Juan Mata goes on to score his first goal for Chelsea – I was at the Bridge – it was a sunny afternoon and Mata was full of promise (as was AVB and the other debutante Romelu Lukaku!)  - football is a fickle world…..

Talking of fickle – I’m off to Stamford Bridge tomorrow – Chelsea is hosting Manchester United with David Moyes at the helm.  I honestly don’t know which way it will go but am ever hopeful…..

Obi One can Obi....

....keep it up?!!  (I know very lame, but really wanted to go with the Star Wars theme!)

What a way to start the New Year:

Two consecutive wins, two successive clean sheets and John Obi Mikel scored his fourth Chelsea goal on his 300^th appearance for the club!

The hectic December fixture list has taken its toll on some clubs but so far Mourinho’s men have not only won their last four games (as well as drawing with Arsenal, which is no mean feat in the post Ozil Emirates Stadium!) but somehow seem strengthened and focussed by the intensity of the last few weeks.

As I am writing this post I have the Capital One semi-final between Sunderland and Manchester United on in the back ground.  Normally I would be watching such a tie intently but somehow the fact that it should have been us against United has made me reticent to watch.  Not saying Sunderland don’t deserve to be there  - just suffering a bit from what my girls call FOMO (for those of you who like me need to resort  to the Urban dictionary, it means Fear Of Missing Out)!

 GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!

Sunderland go 1-0 up in the added minute of the first half…………………. My default position to such news would be celebration.  It is not a secret that I have never been a big fan of Manchester United.  I am experiencing very mixed and unusual feelings of empathy for MU supporters.  This could either be evidence that I am truly menopausal or that I am not the kind of person who kicks someone when they are down.  It could also be sympathy for Moyes who is in the firing line.  I was always a fan of Moyes during his time at Everton and feel he was handed a poisoned chalice when given the impossible job of succeeding the legendary Alex Ferguson.  I hope the fans will be patient while he tries to fill a large pair of Scottish boots!

Goal L Yes Manchester United equalised and now I am feeling even more conflicted for having wasted my energies on the Red Devils.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!

Fabio Borini strikes in a penalty for Sunderland, 2-1 and now I am feeling………

STOP – I can’t continue this train of thought – it is far too annoying  but a great example of the consuming and exhilarating nature of football.  Especially this season, where no result can be predicted or expected.

This leads me nicely onto a bit of a political rant.  Through my life I have taken little interest in politics and have never been affiliated with any political group or dogma.  This could have been a result of having a Fascist father and a Communist sister!!!

(90 min at the Stadium of Light – 5 minutes Fergie time – Sunderland have parked the bus – Gus Poyet is looking even more crazed than usual – the Black Cats are hanging on by their newly sharpened claws thanks to Poyet improving their pre match preparation  habits – Full time – another loss for Manchester United (at least away from Old Trafford this time – two days ago they suffered their fifth defeat this season at Old Trafford – the Fortress is no longer……) I digress again – last time I promise – especially as the distracting match is over!!)

Back to my political rant:

The advent of the BT Sport Channel has been a catalyst for my rant.  Having subscribed to Sky Sports and Chelsea TV (Chelsea TV is possibly more of a luxury than a necessity) I absolutely begrudge having to pay yet another subscription in order to view what should be every sports fan’s ultimate right (admittedly I wouldn't have to if I had BT internet!). I have been privileged enough to afford my Sky subscription but have always wondered about those who can’t – every person with a TV in the UK already pays a licence fee to watch their television.  In these times of austerity it seems shocking that people are being deprived of the few pleasures in life.  To say the entitlement to Sport viewing is as essential as free health care may be going a bit too far – but I don’t think it is way off the mark – rising ticket prices have alienated many fans who would normally benefit from a weekly free therapy session venting their frustrations on the terraces.  And now the fans are being pushed out of their arm chairs as well.  With BT Sport having out bid Sky and ITV for all live UK rights to Champion’s League and Europa League in 2015 there will be no universally accessible European football on TV.  It is not just football – most lucrative sports are now pay per view….. fans are an essential component of competitive sport and the grass roots fans are being squeezed out……. Something needs to change……

FOOTBALL FOR ALL!!!

Rant over – my younger daughter’s Spanish boyfriend (yes the same one from last year – still going strong) has just asked me if I am writing a novel!  They are no longer in their love (some would say shag) pad!! – He is supposed to be back at University in Spain but miraculously I find him in our kitchen most mornings!  He is very pleasant to have around, especially as he regularly unloads the dishwasher, which is more than my daughters do (even though I leave post it notes out reminding them where the dish washer is!).  The only time I have an issue with him is when he bets on a team playing Chelsea and then loudly supports the opposition through the course of what is usually a fairly tense ninety minutes anyway!

Before the novel becomes unreadable, I must quickly mention my delight at the start of the Premiership’s involvement in this season's FA Cup.  It is good to see that most top-flight managers are giving the Cup the respect it deserves by fielding strong teams while giving youngsters a run out.  I was disappointed to hear Paul Lambert quoted as saying most Premiership managers could do without the cup if they were being honest.   I thoroughly enjoyed Chelsea’s cup tie with Derby and know Derby fans did too. The third round this season has again thrown up a load of David v Goliath ties in a way no other competition in the world can. Brendan Rodgers had the opportunity to kiss his son Anton as he walked off the pitch after their teams clashed in the magical competition.  Young Jamie Paterson scored a hat trick in Nottingham Forest’s 5-0 defeat of the struggling West Ham.  Swansea City made history again by defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time ever.  I could go on and on but the point is what is there not to like about the Cup???