Naismith stuns Chelsea into first defeat of season

Jose Mourinho suffered his first defeat of his second spell as Chelsea manager as Steven Naismith's first-half goal gave Everton a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.
The goal came against the run of play near the end of the first half, with Naismith heading home from close range, but the hosts were deserving of the three points by the end of a keenly fought encounter.
Chelsea gave Samuel Eto'o his first start since arriving from Anzhi Makhachkala in the transfer window, while Gareth Barry made his debut for the hosts. But it was the Cameroon international who made the first impact, heading narrowly over from Ramires' cross after just five minutes.
Juan Mata, making his first start of the season for Chelsea, was also looking lively and linking up well in the early stages of the game, with Ross Barkley, Leon Osman and Barry working hard to contain the visitors' midfield.

livescore- everton 1 chelsea 0

       livescore

everton 1 chelsea 0   ( 84min)

PICTURE SPECIAL: Samuel Eto'o pulls on a Chelsea shirt for FIRST time

The Cameroonian star was given his debut by the Special One against Everton at Goodison Park.
And he very nearly got his Chelsea career off to a dream start only to be denied by a last-ditch block from Gareth Barry.
Eto'o arrives on a one-year deal from Anzhi.
However, it didn't all go to plan as the Blues went into the half-time break one down courtesy of Steven Naismith's strike.

Everton grab the lead over Chelsea just before the break

You could say that the goal from Everton was coming. But if you did say that, you’d be lying. The Toffees took the lead over Chelsea just before the halftime whistle, but it was only after a flurry of wasted chances from the visitors.
Creating a list of the chances that Chelsea were unable to convert would likely take until the end of the second half, rendering this update post moot. But we can talk about some of the more significant chances the Blues had. For instance, in the 30th minute, Samuel Eto’o took advantage of a spectacular mistake by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, pouncing on the loose ball, but Gareth Barry made a spectacular block to deny the new Chelsea forward. Soon after, Eto’o set up Ramires, but Howard managed a fingertip save that time.
Chelsea’s attempts grew more comical. From just outside the area, despite being under little pressure, Andre Schurrle managed to put his shot wide. Shortly after, Branislav Ivanovic got on the end of a corner kick by Juan Mata, but his header went over the bar.
So you would’ve been forgiven for thinking the visitors would take the lead, but instead, it was Everton that went ahead just before the break. Petr Cech turned his attention to the threat of Nikica Jelavic, lurking near the post, but the Croatian headed on to Steven Naismith, who in turn headed past the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Chelsea Prepare to Reconnect with Their Old Friend/Foe the Champions League

This coming Wednesday, Chelsea returns to the Champions League with a match meeting with Swiss champions Basel after their abrupt, though not undeserved exit at the midway point last season. An intriguing trip to Roberto Martinez’s readjusting Everton must be negotiated first this Saturday. Once out of the way, the prospect of life in Europe’s premier club competition can excitedly be anticipated once again. The story of Chelsea over the last decade has been entwined with the Champions League. 2003-04—the first season of Roman Abramovich’s ownership—saw then manager Claudio Ranieri lead his expensively assembled team to the semifinal stage. Wayne Bridge’s late winner at Highbury saw them past Arsenal in the

The end of international boredom (at last)

After an international break that seemed to go on forever, attention finally turns back the Premier League as Jose Mourinho takes Chelsea to Goodison Park on Saturday.
This is a tale of two new managers, with Roberto Martinez only three games into his spell as David Moyes’ successor. It’s been an understated start so far for the Toffees, with draws in each game, and no goals since the opening day 2-2 at Norwich.
In an effort to increase the goal tally Martinez has brought in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, though the Belgian international is ineligible to make his debut against his parent club. Gareth Barry and James McCarthy – the other deadline day signings, could well make their first appearances however.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: TERRY PRAISES ETO'O ADDITION

John terry believes the arrival of Samuel Eto'o can only serve to strengthen Jose Mourinho's squad as we chase glory on four fronts.
Speaking exclusively to Chelsea TV, the Blues' skipper, an ever-present in our Premier League campaign thus far, expressed his delight at having a striker he has played against on numerous occasions added to the group.
'He's looked really sharp in training so far, and so has Willian,' Terry explained. 'You speak to them and they talk about how the intensity of their training (in Russia) is a lot different to how it is here, so for sure it will take them a few weeks to get their full fitness, but once they do they'll both look very good.

“Chelsea is a better club than Tottenham in every aspect” – new signing lauds Mourinho’s Blues

I'm sure every Chelsea fan on the internet knows the Willian story by now. He was on the verge of signing with a certain club in north London run by a certain young Portuguese manager with whom we were previously acquainted before suddenly turning up at Stamford Bridge and signing a five-year contract. It was a surprising reversal, and Tottenham Hotspur were naturally rather annoyed about seeing one of their primary targets poached by the Blues.

After this auspicious start to his time at Chelsea, Willian's decided to make us like him even more, quite literally adding (truthful) insult to injury:
I always wanted to go to Chelsea. Chelsea presented an offer and it was always my dream to go there.
Chelsea is a better club than Tottenham in every aspect. I have spoken with my fellow Brazilians at the club, especially David Luiz. I am also happy to play for Jose Mourinho. That was definitive in my decision.

Toure: Chelsea star tried to persuade me to join

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure claims Ivory Coast teammate Didier Drogba tried to persuade him to join Chelsea in 2005, say the Express.
Approached
The former Barcelona midfielder reveals he was approached by Chelsea for a possible switch to Stamford Bridge in 2005.
The 6ft 3 Ivorian who was plying his trade with Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk at the time was reportedly subject of an approach from Chelsea.
Despite Ivorian teammate Drogba reportedly trying to encourage Toure to join him at Chelsea, it was thought that at the time the pair had a very strained relationship.

They must be putting something in the water at Liverpool!

Liverpool and Chelsea supporters are having a debate inside the Football Transfer Tavern over two centre forwards both sets of fans know very well.
The start to the season Liverpool have had has rubbed further salt into the wounds of Chelsea and Fernando Torres.
Poor old Fernando has not been able to catch a break since his switch to Chelsea. Despite winning virtually every medal there is to win, including the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup since his £50 million switch to Stamford Bridge, Torres still finds himself the subject of ridicule on a constant basis.
It’s another make or break season for the Spaniard, with the general feeling being that if Jose Mourinho can’t bring him back to his best, then nobody can!
Torres looked a genuine world class striker during his Liverpool days, despite never picking up a medal. Meanwhile, his career has gone polar opposite to that of Liverpool’s latest centre forward Daniel Sturridge – a former team-mate of Torres at Stamford Bridge.
Sturridge never quite fulfilled his potential in West London, often feeling frustrated at lack of first team opportunities in a central strikers’ role.
He has since blossomed in that position following his switch to Anfield, and has hit three winners in the opening three Premier League games to send the Reds top of the league.
Meanwhile Fernando is still searching for his first league goal of the season. There’s a long way to go, but the way things are at present… you have to laugh.
what do u think?

Cahill: The rise of Chelsea's classy international centre-back

The work of Gary Cahill, left, for England against Ukraine Tuesday was the latest in a string of strong performances in defence.

     

If there was one consolation for Chelsea supporters (and England fans) who endured the national side's stultifying performance against Ukraine Tuesday --in which Roy Hodgson’s boys creepy-crawled their way closer to World Cup qualification in a scoreless draw -- it was the stellar performance of Blues defenders Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole.

Barcelona plan a move to get Chelsea star Petr Cech

The Spanish giants have already made an enquiry for the keeper as they line up a successor to Victor Valdes.

Cech has held talks with boss Jose Mourinho and is understood to be tempted to leave for a new challenge after nine years at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho’s return to Chelsea helped persuade Cech to stay put for the time being. The 31-year-old was desperate to work with Mourinho again and the pair have already held talks in which the Blues boss indicated he is under pressure to bring through Chelsea’s next generation of stars.

Mourinho still rates Cech as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

INTERNATIONALS: LAMPARD REACHES HIS TON

Frank lampard won his 100th England cap on Tuesday night, helping his country to a potentially vital draw away to Ukraine.
Joining Lampard in the England line-up were defenders Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole, with Cahill in particular impressing in central defence, as both players made timly interceptions to preserve England's clean sheet.
The headlines though will belong to Lampard, who became the eighth player to reach 100 England caps, and the midfielder, who had a relatively quiet evening, almost headed a winner in injury time at the end of a tight but fiercely contested encounter. The draw leaves England top of Group H with two games remaining.

Samuel Eto'o quits Cameroon?

striker Samuel Eto'o reportedly told Cameroon teammates last weekend that he has decided to quit the national side, just moments after winning a crucial World Cup qualifier against Libya.

Eto'o played just over an hour in Cameroon's 1-0 home win on Sunday, which ensured safe passage to the next stage of qualification, a two-legged playoff with a trip to Brazil at stake.

Despite that success the 32-year-old has cited personal issues as a reason to retire from Indomitable Lions duty following tension with coach Volker Finke, according to L'Equipe.

Finke refused to either confirm or deny the reports following Sunday's success over Libya, imploring Eto'o to clarify the situation himself.

He told reporters: "Samuel Eto'o is a great player and it is better that he should be the one to explain things.

"He is the only one who can explain why he took the decision."

Eto'o has threatened to end his 16-year Cameroon career on more than one occasion in the past, but has still gone on to play 114 times for his country.

Lampard closing in on milestone

Frank Lampard admits he will feel a sense of vindication if he wins his 100th cap in England's crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine tonight.

 

Despite being one of the most successful goalscoring midfielders English football has ever produced, Lampard, a member of a generation of players regarded as underachievers at international level, has not received universal acclaim.
Off the pitch he is intelligent, eloquent and diplomatic; and on it he has scored a record 204 goals for Chelsea and 29 goals in 99 appearances for England. But all the same, there has been plenty of criticism to deal with throughout his career.
As recently as last year there were suggestions he was past his best as Chelsea stalled on offering the 35-year-old a new contract.
But Lampard responded in style, just as he had done earlier in his England career when fans at Wembley booed him during a particularly difficult time in 2007 - a time when the midfielder admits he briefly considered retiring from international football. Lampard also admits if England, currently top of Group H as they prepare to face third-placed Ukraine, reach the World Cup in Brazil it is likely to be his farewell tournament.
"Realistically I think so," he said.

Chelsea's Strength in Depth Means That They Will Win the Premier League

Certain Chelsea players have been making headlines over the international break, but unfortunately it has not been for the reasons that they would have hoped.

It has been reported (via The Daily Mail) that both Oscar and Eden Hazard have picked up injuries while on international duty for Brazil and Belgium respectively, and there is a further question mark (via Fox News) over Samuel Eto'o after he was substituted for Cameroon against Libya—although it has since been announced that the player has retired from international football, his fitness remains unclear.
In seasons past, such news would be enough to devastate any Chelsea fan, and indeed, any club would be anxious about the prospect of missing players of this caliber

Lampard still crucial to England, says Zidane

Frank Lampard is still a crucial part of the England football team, even though he is 35 and about to claim his 100th international cap, according to France legend Zinedine Zidane.    Zidane has told the BBC Sport Match of the Day Kickabout show that he feels Lampard is a key player for the Three Lions.
Lampard is set to feature in England’s crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Ukraine on Tuesday night. The travellers need a win in Kiev as they currently sit second in Group H, level on points with leaders Montenegro and a point clear of Tuesday’s hosts. A win in mid-week would see England jump to the top of the table with two games to go.

Although England have tough fixtures up ahead against Poland and Montenegro, 41-year-old Zidane has claimed he believes the Three Lions will make it to Brazil. The former Real Madrid and Juventus ace said: “I am sure that they will make it to the World Cup as they are a very good team.” Zidane won the World Cup with France in their home tournament in 1998, beating Brazil 3-1 in the final. The same side then went on to lift the European title in 2000.

INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP: NIGERIA TOP GROUP AND RAMIRES SHINES

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victor moses was on target as Nigeria secured top spot in African World Cup qualifying Group F with a 2-0 win over Malawi in Calabar.
The Super Eagles, for whom John Mikel Obi played the full 90 minutes, dominated for large parts of the game, and sealed the win with a goal either side of the break.
Emmanuel Emenike, top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, gave the hosts the lead just before half-time with a wonderful chip, and Malawi's task was made all the more difficult early in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty after James Sangala was adjudged to have brought down Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Samuel Eto'o latest Chelsea player to pick up a knock on international duty

Earlier today, Cameroon defeated Libya 1-0 to seal the top spot in Group I of the CAF World Cup 2014 qualifying second round.  Alongside Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Ethiopia, they will now enter a draw for a third round playoff to determine Africa's five qualifiers for next year's main event.

So that's good news for Cameroon and Chelsea's latest recruit Samuel Eto'o, but there are bits of sobering information that are starting to filter out of Yaoundé.  Namely that following a heavy challenge, Eto'o had to limp off the pitch on the hour mark to be replaced by young striker Jacques Zoua.

While there are no "official" sources reporting it just yet, trustworthy and friendly Twitter sources have confirmed as much.  Much like the knocks picked up by Oscar and Eden Hazard, it doesn't sound like Eto'o's injury is super-concerning, but it's not exactly good timing as we look to establish just what the striker's role will be in the Chelsea squad.
I'd say something about Romelu Lukaku here, but hopefully this injury won't be anything long-lasting or major.

José Mourinho – The Old Chelsea vs The New Chelsea – A Comparison

‘The Special One’, José Mourinho, is now ‘The Happy One’ at Chelsea FC. TheHardTackle compares the current squad against previous Chelsea squads and analyses how The Blues will line up this season.

 

Before the differences between Jose Mourinho’s Old Chelsea and the current one are laid out it must be kept in mind that Chelsea have only played 3 league games and that in no way would give us the full picture of what Mourinho’s New Chelsea will be like, it will however give us a faint idea of what to expect from his new Chelsea.

Early days and league domination

The Old Chelsea under José Mourinho can be looked at in two different parts, before Drogba and after Drogba. When Mourinho inherited Ranieri’s squad he already had many experienced and good players in Frank Lampard, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Damien Duff, Joe Cole and an able Captain in John Terry, what he did not have was players of his choice but Roman’s investments took care of that very well, Mourinho brought in a few of his players from Porto in the form of Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira along with Tiago to strengthen the Midfield but his most important signing would turn out to be then Marseille and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.