Blue is the colour of the day and would remain for the next full year as Chelsea are Champions of BPL 09-10 season. They deserve it don’t they? 103 goals scored over a span of 38 games is quite exceptional and the best we’ve seen since 1963.

Chelsea started off the game slowly and looked nervy. Wigan were the better side for the first 15-20 minutes or so even though Nic Anelka gave Chelsea the lead in the opening 6 minutes of the game. However, the game completely changed after Caldwell got himself red-carded when he pulled Lampard’s shirt and fouled him in the box denying the midfielder from a scoring opportunity. Soft but the ref didn’t have another option since the shirt pull was very evident. Lampard made no mistakes and Chelsea went 2-0 ahead, at home, against a 10-man Wigan side. Hence the goal riot was meant to happen. Drogba was the hat-trick hero and won the golden boot with 29 goals for the season. However his shambolic sulk in the first half [when Lampard did not let him take the penalty] would we well forgotten. He did take the one in the second half though, and scored. Ashley Cole finished off the season in style hitting a beautiful volley into the net. 8-0 to Chelsea, 103 goals for Chelsea, Golden Boot for Chelsea and the golden glove too-oh and the BPL title after 4 LONG years. Credit to United to take it down to the wire however I believe the better team won.

Oh for the last time this season, come this way for all your Comments!

After the weekend’s results, Tottenham are a point ahead of Manchester City in the race for fourth place and there can be no denying they have the edge over their rivals going into Wednesday’s big game.

City fans may disagree, given they will be at home when the two clubs meet, but all Spurs have to do is avoid defeat at Eastlands and they should be playing Champions League football next season. With Burnley away for Spurs and West Ham at Upton Park for City next weekend - eminently winnable games for both sides - it pretty much comes down to the midweek clash.

But City have been poor in big games at home this season - they haven’t got the tempo and they rely far too much on Carlos Tevez. If he can be stifled, City can be stopped from playing. Roberto Mancini is a manager under pressure - he absolutely has to win the game and qualify for Champions League whereas there doesn’t seem to be the same pressure on Harry Redknapp.

Spurs have had a good season - including an FA Cup run to the semis - so Harry will certainly be given more time in the hotseat if they fail to snatch fourth. But Mancini came to City to guide them to the Champions League and the club’s owners will not be happy with a mere Europa League spot.

With Spurs not wanting to get beaten, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Redknapp employ a 4-5-1 formation at Eastlands.

He may pack the midfield knowing that he’s not going to be out passed by City. The idea will be to get bodies in there and try to win the ball higher up the park. Defoe can be relied upon as a lone front man as long as he is supported by likes of Modric, Bale, Huddlestone and maybe Kranjcar.

Redknapp should go into the game in quite confident mood. Spurs know how to play away from home - they showed that at Old Trafford, where the scoreline flattered United - and I expect them to make it into next season’s Champions League. If they do, they will thoroughly deserve it. Because honestly, I don’t think City really deserve to play Champions League football. They’re yet a small club, with an even smaller mentality. Their sole objective this season was to overcome their town rivals Manchester United. Which also they couldn’t.

And unlike Manchester United or Arsenal or Liverpool(no, I’m not adding Chelsea!) or maybe even Spurs, Everton and Villa they haven’t really achieved this success due to organic development over a period of time … They haven’t really gone through the grind of developing raw young talent in their academy and bringing the best possible talent through the ranks … They haven’t bought who they have from the net profit generated due to the brand value of the club(which we know is a -ve £billion!), which only develops after achieving consistent results over the period of many, many years. Their brilliant season(as compared to their previous one’s) is a result of some random rich-ass king bored of torturing his people and wanting to play around in the Premier League.

Also, I don’t buy into the conspiracy theory that lifelong Liverpool fan Steven Gerrard deliberately set up Didier Drogba for Chelsea’s first at Anfield over the weekend. So what if he once wanted to move over to London? To suggest he did that to stop Manchester United overtaking his own club’s 18 English league titles is absurd. If he had, he would have just killed his own career. The fact is that the Liverpool captain has had a pathetic season by his own standards and his backpass just defined that - it was nothing more than a poor decision followed by an awful piece of execution. Although i do believe that the act bought some cheer to the Anfield faithfuls.

I’ve always said that the best team over the course of a season wins the league title. So If as expected Chelsea win then great as they have been in the driver’s seat for most of the season. But if United do, then it’ll also be after an equal number of 38 games. Which means, they’ll fully deserve it too!

Just when it all seemed to go back United’s way, Chelsea spanked Stoke 7-0 showing why they were champions and why they still are in the best position to win it back after a 4-year long wait.

Yesterday, It was Arsenal Manc too. But the game was i think limited to welcoming back Pat Viera and booing Adebayor. There weren’t more than 3-4 shots, unless i missed a few, but the only thing i can remember is Adebayor getting booed and of course, his horrendous hairstyle. Coming back to football, Arsenal still needs a new back line. Vermalaen of course is brilliant, but the rest aren’t world class. Their crossing even yesterday was as usual woeful and unfortunately it is an important part of the game.

Like every other True Blue, i was glued to the television screen yesterday hoping Bale produces some magic and United are out of it! However, he couldn’t. In fact, he was rubbish at the position where he plays. Just shows the difference between him and Ashley Cole or for that matter even Evra. United scored first when Asse..something gave United a penalty after a terrible terrible tackle in the box. Giggs made no mistakes. Naturally i was delighted when King scored, but my happiness was limited. Nani received a brilliant ball in the box and chipped the ball past Gomes into the net. Take nothing away from the finish, it was magnificent. Although i do not like him, but he’s good, really good. He won a penalty too few minutes later, generous though but was a penalty. Giggs again made no mistakes. It ended 3-1 to United but once again a highly frustrating game for Berbatov.

Now it was Chelsea’s turn to go back to the top of the table. And they did, in style. Kalou scored his first Chelsea Hat-trick, Lampard put in two, Malouda and Sturridge put in one each. Overall a great morale boosting performance. Stoke thrashed 7-0, third time this season we score 7. And I’m a proud Chelsea fan like every other. Unfortunately Drogba couldn’t score, however his contribution was good.

Elsewhere, Liverpool thrashed Burnley out of the BPL by scoring 4 second-half goals against them. They’re now only 2 points off Tottenham who host Bolton next week and are curently fourth. However both ManC and Spurs have a game in hand and it still looks unlikely for Liverpool, but you never know!

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What a season! What a season! It doesn’t get better than this it never would get better than this!

After having almost won the title 3-4 times this season, Chelsea has again blown it away. This time, they’ve lost to an inspired Tottenham side who has defeated two title contenders within 4 days. First Arsenal, now Chelsea. And ironically, they play the third one next week.

Earlier in the day, United shut their loud rivals for good when Scholes scored a last minute header, keeping the title race very much alive. It was a very scrappy game and could have gone either way. There weren’t many clear cut chances for either side. Rooney did start but was taken off in the second half. Showed good signs of recovery too. However, the turning point was the substitution of De Jong.

In the 21:55 Tot-Che game, many would’ve thought that Chelsea will win as they have been winning against Spurs since the past several years. Chelsea have gained the maximum league points against Tottenham, ever since their existence. That wasn’t the case tonight. Not only did “Captain” John Terry get himself sent off for a foolish second yellow card offense, but also gave away a penalty in the start of the game after the ball hit his hand [may be]. Anyway, the penalty was awarded and Defoe made no mistakes. In the first half itself, Bale doubled Tottenham’s lead. He cut ferreira [who I HATE] like a dog and shot the ball past Cech into the net. In the second half, Spurs were decent and played well enough to hang on to their lead. Chelsea showed the usual signs of frustration. Taking full advantage of their counter-attacks, Tottenham had 3-4 clear cut chances of burying the game, however, Cech was brilliant and made some terrific saves to deny Bentley, Defoe, Bale and Pavlyuchenko.

Surely this is the best season we’ve witnessed since a very very long time. It can still go either way. Tottenham as of now look favourites to grab the fourth spot. As for the title,

Remaining Games:

Chelsea:

Stoke - [H]

Liverpool - [A]

Wigan - [H]

United:

Tottenham - [H]

Sunderland - [A]

Stoke - [H]

Naturally the title will be decided by next week itself if Tottenham are to upset United, but the Liverpool-Chelsea game does appear to be the most vital game of the season. If United do defeat Tottenham, Chelsea would require full 3 points against Liverpool, which wouldn’t be easy. I still tip Chelsea to win it.

Of course, you guys can come this way to give your tips!

Last night, a nervy and tired Chelsea sealed the domestic double by going 4 points clear of United after defeating Bolton by a goal. Considering the FA Cup final is against Pompey, it’s pretty much the double they bagged at the Bridge last night.

Although, it must be pointed that Abramovich still looks unhappy with the way his teams been playing football. One of the reasons why the ‘Speacial One’ was sacked was that he didn’t play good attractive football.

The thing about Abramovich is that he thinks exactly like a fan. And this is also what makes him the most demanding boss in the business. Ancelloti, beware!

What surprises me the most is that you lot, wether on English blogs or back here in India are yet not considering Arsenal’s chances of getting any League glory. On every single website and in every discussion I can hear, everyone’s been talking about how Chelsea have now won the title and United can only win IF Chelsea drop points in at least 2 games.

A look at the table on the sidebar( -> ) will tell you that it’s Arsenal and not United that are sitting 2nd behind Chelsea (considering they’ll win the game against a 120 minute - Wembley pitch bruised Spurs!). Yet no one, and I mean absolutely no one’s talking up Arsenal’s chances of winning the League. Now that’s some insult at Wenger’s boys who’ve shown tremendous resent and mental strength all season long despite of being written-off on several occassions. There are kids and players who’re crocked for at least 6 months a year! Yet they are 3 points behind leaders Chelsea and were only out of the UCL ’cause of absolute misfortune(they met Barca in the quarters)

Come this way to congratulate Chelsea and to make fun of/sympathise with Arsenal!

Amazing isn’t it! Even after going into administration and 24 hours after getting relegated, Portsmouth have defeated their ex-manager’s team Tottenham 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final at the wembley, Piquionne and Boateng scoring. They face holders Chelsea in the final who defeated Villa 3-0 yesterday. Lampard, Malouda and Drogba all scoring in the second half.

Earlier in the day, United were held 0-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood park. Berbatov was rubbish and missed many opportunities. Valencia showed just why he shouldn’t play for United! He got a glorious opportunity, and could have finished the game, which he squandered by hitting the ball right at Robinson.

So here we go, 5 games away from the title with a 2-point lead and a game against Bolton at SFB in hand, Chelsea are going good! And just another thought, if Pool do manage to finish fourth and go on to win the Europa League Cup, ironically, they will have a better season than Carling Cup winners United. So hence, even after all the criticism, it wouldn’t really be so bad for the Reds.

However, you all can come this way to laugh at Berbatov, Valencia, Harry Redknapp and for some reason Garry Neville! We can praise some teams too.

Poor Chelsea, poor JT, poor Ancelotti. A tough week for the blues ended in a disaster last Sunday after they were held at Blackburn for a 1-1 draw in a game in which they looked really comfortable in the first-half.

Remarkably, knowing how impatient Chelsea is, Ancelotti is still the boss. They’ve lost their ability to come back from any game. This season they’ve hardly been innovative. Once they’re a down in a game, it just gets worse for them. Earlier, under Jose, when they went down, their tactics changed and quickly a way back into the game was found out by the special one. However, Mr. Ancelotti does not seem to be so innovative. Another lackluster performance in the league this week. Another show of no ability to come back after conceding. Another show of frustration by the senior players.

I agree as a Chelsea fan I’m impatient, but this is poor football. Really poor. It’s a fact, we were outclassed by Jose last week and continued the poor form in the league. Winning the Blackburn game was highly essential. Knowing as of now nothing more than a realistic draw can be expected at OT on the 3rd of April, we needed that one point edge over them. Now, to stand a good chance, we HAVE to defeat United at OT considering we’re still left to travel to Anfield and to Tottenham and considering United have comparatively easier fixtures. And of course, please do NOT count out Arsenal, who according to me stand a better chance than us.

So if Chelsea is to win the BPL, they need to be different now. What’s gone cannot come back. CL can be won next year. No point crying over it. Let’s look at what we’re left with, and it’s the Premier League. Let’s not blow it away being discouraged by the Inter defeat.

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What happened to Aaron Ramsey was unforgettable. It was a horror story all over again. In a fit of rage i attacked others. I apologize for that action. But,to say that “it happens” sounds ludicrous to me and it should to you too. Three players, three Arsenal players breaking their legs in five or six years cannot be a coincidence. I admire Ryan Shawcross as a defender.Yes, his record for never being sent off before is admirable, But, it takes just one moment of madness to end a career. Aaron James Ramsey may never play competitive football again, the great Welsh hope may never be the same player if he returns. He could do an Eduardo.

Ryan Shawcross is not a dirty player. Atleast that is what Tony Pulis had to say. I am not saying he is a cheating, lying, Mangy son of a cannibal. I am just saying that by not pulling out of that tackle he has made the whole world shudder and maybe ended a young lad’s dream of playing. Where is FIFA now ? UEFA and Platini had a lot to say about Eduardo’s dive. Now do they have anythinng to say about that tackle? They will not do a thing,the shameless hypocrites. I would not ban him for life or for any period. He did what he had to do and anyways people are all going to now tell us to get over it. So i will just Shrug my shoulders and say “Shit Happens”.

No, I do not believe in coincidence.But, i do believe that people should now hang their heads in shame. I am not angry anymore at Shawcross,atleast he looked apologetic,the mug…

Tony Pulis on the other hand, he is a disgraceful welsh muppet.

- Vinod Sub-Zero Narasimhan

List of the top 25 paid footballers published by a Portuguese finance firm:

25] Deco (Chelsea) £5.2mn

24] Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla) £5.2mn

23] Victor Valdez (Barcelona) £5.2mn

22] Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) £5.2mn

21] Robinho (Manchester City) £5.2mn

20] Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £5.2mn

19] Kolo Toure (Manchester City) £5.6mn

18] Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) £5.6mn

17] Raul (Real Madrid) £5.6mn

16] Michael Ballack (Chelsea) £5.6mn

15] Daniel Alves (Barcelona) £6.1mn

14] Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) £6.5mn

13] Ronaldinho (AC Milan) £6.5mn

12] Xavi (Barcelona) £6.5mn

11] Thierry Henry (Barcelona) £6.5mn Read the rest of this entry »

Once again, Arsenal have been defeated by Drogba. He scored twice as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 to put the Blues back on top of the Premier League. How hard do they find to defend against him? All it took Chelsea, errr.. Drogba, was two shots on target to defeat a possession keeping Arsenal side. What Arsenal have done the best this season, which no other club has:

1. Wasted unlimited possession.

2. Complained, Complained and Complained - Mr. Wenger of course.

3. Almost scored.

4. Been unbelievably predictable.

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Back in 2005, when the Glazer family’s takeover of Manchester United was marked by supporters wearing black to the Cup Final, some of the more militant fan elements spoke about how the Florida dynasty were a bunch of thieves, stealing from the Reds’ heritage. It is hard, reading the latest set of accounts to emerge from Old Trafford, to suggest such a view was wrong.

In one sense, five years of Glazerdom appears barely to have affected United. During the time of their involvement, one Champions League, three successive titles, a couple of League Cups and a world club championship have been popped into the trophy room. So why is it, then, that the club is heading for the brown stuff?

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s all happening here. It does not get better than this. Chelsea Football Club were heading for their first defeat of the season at the bridge till the 72nd minute until Ivanovic finally put the ball into the box which clearly Paulo Ferreira could not, and Drogba, as usual, was there to put it into the net. The second goal came in 2 minutes later when poor Smalling put the ball into his own net after sturridge’s cracking shot was well saved by Schwarzer. Somehow, some way, they are still top. Are they good or are the others just too bad, that’s for fans to decide.

It’s been a bad new year for Aston Villa. After having been thrashed 3-0 by Fabregas at the emirates, they have now lost to Liverpool. Villa, who could’ve been only 4 points behind leaders Chelsea had they won their previous 2, now find themseves 2 points behind 4th place Tottenham.

Spurs look good and steady like never before. They’ve won 3 out of their last 4 and look the strongest fourth place contendors as of now. They defeated relegation candidates West Ham United 2-0 at home. Defoe and Modric both scoring.

Now let’s come to Manchester City. They’ve defeated both Wolves and Stoke in the past week under new manager Roberto Mancini who now believes his team and win the premier league. Why not?

I’ve nothing more to write. Come this way to make fun of City.

Nothing is more entertaining/eventful than this. Nothing. Not even our news channels.

Manchester United, the team which does not have a defence, got humiliated 3-0 at Fulham. Their worst defeat of the season. 

Avram Grant proved not only can he defeat 4th place contendors Liverpool with the best team of EPL but also with the worst. Every week I think Liverpool cannot get worse but they surprise me in the next. In fact I’m too bored of making fun of them now.

City sack Hughes. Hours after his team won [did not draw, WIN] 4-3 against Sunderland, City have announced the appointment of Roberto Mancini who would be at the Eastlands for three-and-half years.

Coming back to Champions United, Fulham thrashed them 3-0 to inflict their 5th Premier League defeat of the season. I completely agree that they’ve major defensive problems with most of their defenders injured and that conceding 3 goals was expected, but, how did the manage to lose 3-0?? They had most of their best attacking players-Rooney, Owen, Berba, Giggs, Anderson, Valencia, Park, etc. How couldn’t any of them score even one goal? In fact, United’s attack was non-existent in the first half. Not only are they having defensive problems, but I also feel they need better attackers too. They’ve not replaced Ronaldo. He made the difference. A big difference. If you start the season without a player who once scored almost half of your overall goals, losing 5 games in the 1st half of the season should not be surprising. Anyway I still wish them luck!

Elsewhere, Arsenal defeated Hull City 3-0 with Almunia actually making saves. Both Villa and Totenham too registered wins.

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