FanFootball - English Premier League, Champion's League, La Liga and general soccer news and results.

EPL results English football news Chelsea - FanFootball

EPL: Premiership race goes right down to the wire

May 6th 2008 14:55

Mon, May 5:

Newcastle 0 - 2 Chelsea

SUMMARY:

The destination of the Barclaycard Premiership trophy will be decided on the final day of the season after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle at St. James' Park last night.

Needing a win to stay level on points with leaders Manchester United, Chelsea's Michael Ballack opened the scoring for the visitors in the 60th minute with a header before French winger Florent Malouda wrapped up the win in the 82nd minute.

There were nervous moments for Avram Grant's side as the hosts had good chances of their own with Michael Owen going particularly close to scoring on a number of occasions.

Ultimately, Chelsea had too much class despite the absence of Ashley Cole, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Salomon Kalou from the side that beat Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.

Chelsea will now have to win their final game at home against Bolton and hope that Manchester United draw or lose against Wigan in the corresponding game to clinch the Premiership title.

[Video source: DailyMotion]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: charles - Category: EPL results, English football news, Chelsea, Newcastle United

Email this Post to a Friend

EPL: Chelsea closes gap on Man Utd

April 18th 2008 04:05

Thurs, Apr 17:

Everton 0 - 1 Chelsea

SUMMARY:

Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park overnight to reach within two points of leaders Manchester United albeit having played an extra game. The win keeps the pressure on the reigning Premiers with a possible title decider awaiting the two clubs at Stamford Bridge on April 26.

A first-half goal from midfielder Michael Essien just before the break was the difference between the two sides with the likes of Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Shaun Wright-Phillips returning for the visitors.

Everton 0-1 Chelsea

England midfielder Joe Cole's creativity was badly missed against Wigan on Monday and his return to the side gave the visitors a creative impetus that was lacking in their last game. Despite having 10 shots on goal with 5 of them on target, the home side failed to breach Petr Cech's goal with stern resistance coming from defensive lynchpins John Terry and Carvalho.

As it were, Chelsea grounded out an efficient 1-0 victory that leaves Everton's chances of clawing back a 5-point deficit on bitter rivals Liverpool for the coveted 4th place in tatters.

Arguably, the highlight of the match came afterwards in the post-match conference when Chelsea manager Avram Grant chose to answer questions from the press with short responses only.

Here's a transcription courtesy of Soccernet.com:

A deserved win Avram?
Grant said: 'Yes.'

What particularly pleased you about the performance?
'I'm pleased.'

What in particular pleased you?
After an eight second delay: 'I don't know.'

Is it a relief to win here?
'Yes.'

You seem lost for words by the performance. Are you more satisfied with the performance or the victory?
'Both.'

You seem distracted. Do you have a problem?
'No problem.'

Is there an issue?
'No. I'm ok. I have nothing to say.'

Do you have a message for the Chelsea fans?
'You represent the Chelsea fans?'

They must believe you are still in the title race, do you have a message for them?
'No message.'

Does this result mean you are back in it now?
'I don't know.'

How many steps have you climbed to undertake this press conference?
'I don't know.'

You seem less voluble than usual. Is it because of Sky TV moving the game to a Thursday?
'Maybe it's because of you. I don't know. I am ok.'

You are saying that you don't know if you are still in the title race?
'No.' Is it easier to say nothing Avram?
'I don't what to answer. It is a good question. I don't know what to answer.'

Is this because of Sky?
'No. Sky is ok. I enjoy watching them.'

Is it a protest against newspapers?
'No. Why?'

Why else would you come in and refuse to answer our questions?
'I answer every question.'

You are two points behind Manchester United and you don't know if you are still in the title race?
'No.'

Have you told the players that you don't know if you are back in the title race?
'What I tell the players is something else. You want me to tell you what I say to the players?'

We just want you to answer the question really. Are you in the title race?
'I don't know.'

Would you not like to gain some positive publicity for the result rather than this bizarre silence?
'I'm sorry. You can write whatever you want and I can answer what I want.'

Do you feel under pressure to deliver a trophy. Is that the reason for the monosyllabic answers?
'No.'

Are you upset? Do you feel you have been misrepresented?
'Maybe I have said because it is a bad season.'

Did Michael Essien faint?
'He had some problems, but he is ok.'

Michael Ballack?
'Injured.'

What's his problem?
'Ask the doctor.'

He's not here Avram.
'Well call him then.'

Have you ever played the yes/no game Avram?
.....

[Transcript & Video source: Soccernet.com & DailyMotion]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: charles - Category: EPL results, English football news, Chelsea, Everton

Email this Post to a Friend

EPL: Chelsea's title hopes takes a hit

April 15th 2008 04:17

Mon, Apr 14:

Chelsea 1 - 1 Wigan

SUMMARY:

Manchester United are sitting firmly in the driver's seat for a second successive Premiership title after nearest rivals Chelsea suffered a shock 1-1 draw against Wigan overnight.

The home side were punished by an injury time equaliser from England striker Emile Heskey which means the gap between the 1st and 2nd placed teams on the ladder has now stretched to five points with just four games remaining.

A lethargic Chelsea display capitulated in the dying seconds of the match despite Michael Essien giving the hosts the lead in the 55th minute following good work from France striker Nicolas Anelka. Chelsea had further chances to put the result beyond doubt with Joe Cole going close on a few occasions but their inability to finish off a side in the bottom half of the table came back to haunt them in injury time when Heskey volleyed home a cross from substitute Jason Koumas.

Chelsea will now have to beat Everton on Thursday if the much hyped 'decider' against Manchester United on April 26 is to have any bearing on the outcome of this season.

Watch the video of Heskey's dramatic equaliser here.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: charles - Category: EPL results, English football news, Chelsea, Wigan

Email this Post to a Friend