MATCH REPORT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 CHELSEA 1

Summary A spirited second-half display by the visitors earned a draw in the Saturday lunchtime London derby, John Terry levelling after an early Spurs strike.
There was added satisfaction that the point was gained despite the disadvantage of 10 men for the closing stages after Fernando Torres, who was causing the home side plenty of problems, was sent off following a second yellow card.
Tottenham took the lead after 18 minutes and looked capable of increasing their advantage but Chelsea rallied well and could have added to Terry's 64^th-minute set-piece goal in the second period but for good saves from Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris.

Team NewsThere were three changes to the side that began the last league game. David Luiz returned to defence and with Ramires passed fit following a hip strain suffered at Swindon, he moved forward to a wide right position in place of Andre Schurrle.
Frank Lampard returned to midfield alongside John Mikel Obi and Fernando Torres, a Capital One Cup scorer midweek, retained his place up front.
Tottenham were unchanged from their Premier League win at Cardiff.
First halfThe main excitement and incident of the afternoon was saved for the second half, with the first period often a cagey affair with Spurs often on top.



A quickly released pass down the middle towards Eden Hazard threatened to become an early chance but the leaping Belgian couldn't reach the ball with his outstretched leg. Then Lampard hooked a shot not too far over with only a split-second to have a go after Torres caused Spurs some problems.
At the other end Jan Vertonghen had the chance of a clear header at goal from a free-kick but planted it well wide, and David Luiz had to cover diligently and clear after Ashley Cole lost the ball out on the touchline.
In truth though, it was a messy start to the derby, the referee's whistle frequently punctuating the action. Both sides then took turns at a minute or two of more controlled possession and the reward, on 18 minutes, came Spurs way.

TEAM NEWS: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V CHELSEA

Posted on: Sat 28 Sep 2013

Ramires has been passed fit to start and is expected to line up in a wide right position.
Midweek goalscorer Fernando Torres retains his place in attack and David Luiz will partner John Terry in defence. John Mikel Obi and Frank Lampard are the central midfield pair.
Tottenham are unchanged so Roberto Soldado leads their attack with Jermain Defoe returning to the bench.
Chelsea are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
1 Petr Cech; 2 Branislav Ivanovic, 4 David Luiz, 26 John Terry (c), 3 Ashley Cole; 12 John Mikel Obi, 8 Frank Lampard; 7 Ramires, 11 Oscar, 17 Eden Hazard; 9 Fernando Torres.

Substitutes: 23 Mark Schwarzer, 28 Cesar Azpilicueta, 24 Gary Cahill, 5 Michael Essien, 10 Juan Mata, 14 Andre Schurrle, 29 Samuel Eto'o.
Tottenham are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Naughton;Paulinho,Dembele; Townsend, Eriksen, Sigurdsson; Soldado.
Subs: Friedel, Chiriches, Lamela, Holtby, Chadli, Sandro, Defoe.
The referee is Mike Dean.

WOMENS WEEKLY: KIDS GO FREE FOR FINAL GAME

WOMEN'S WEEKLY: KIDS GO FREE FOR FINAL GAME

Posted on: Thu 26 Sep 2013

Chelsea Ladies bring the curtain down on the FA WSL season this Sunday with a home game against Lincoln, and assistant manager Paul Green has been speaking to the official Chelsea website to look ahead to the game and assess the campaign as a whole.
Bristol disappointment
Our most recent encounter saw us fall to a 3-1 home defeat against Bristol Academy earlier this month, but Green doesn't believe the scoreline was a fair reflection of how the game developed, as he explains.
'It was a strange game because in terms of our performance on the ball we were really pleased,' he says. 'We dominated possession, even in the first half, but the story of the game seemed to be that we had lots of the ball and then they would break and score. It happened throughout the first half; they only had three attacks but scored three goals.
'In the second half we were 3-0 down but we played some good stuff. Rosella Ayane scored a brilliant goal and she produced as good a debut performance as I've ever seen at this level, she was outstanding, so that was a major positive.
'In terms of the football we played, we were happy, but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot and conceding sloppy goals which we need to stop.'
Seeking home comforts
Emma Hayes's side have a fantastic opportunity to finish the season on a positive note in front of our own supporters when we welcome Lincoln to Staines Town FC on Sunday.
Having been beaten 2-0 in the away fixture last month, Green anticipates another tough test.
'We need to finish strongly and hopefully get the three points,' he says. 'We've already played Lincoln this season so we know what to expect, they're well organised, disciplined and very competitive, so we know we need to match them physically to get on top in the game. If we don't do that it will be difficult game for us.'
Future looks brightWith the season drawing to a close, Green, coming to the end of his first campaign at the club, offered his thoughts on our overall performance, and he believes while results haven't been perfect, there are certainly positives to take.
'It's been a transitional season but we're happy with the way our style of play is developing, even though it's not always shown in results,' he explains. 'Emma's philosophy of playing out from the back and playing pass-and-move football has really come on and we've managed to integrate a lot of young players into the squad, the likes of Jodie Brett, Hannah Blundell, Drew Spence, Rosella Ayane, they're all schooled in that way of playing so that will pay off long term.
'Overall there have been a lot of positives, we have an exciting future with the current crop of players coming through who have now sampled Super League football and will have that experience ready for next season, but we know we need to strengthen in certain areas and we'll be looking to do that at the end of the season.'
Chelsea Ladies take on Lincoln this Sunday (29 September) at Staines Town FC, kick-off 2pm, for the last game of the Super League season and supporters are invited to come down to Wheatsheaf Park to enjoy an afternoon of football and family entertainment.
The new Chelsea FC mascot Bridget the Lioness will be at the game and the Chelsea Girls Centre of Excellence will be paraded on the pitch at half time. There will also be a half time crossbar challenge and many prizes to be won on the day including a signed shirt.
All of the players including Japanese international Yuki Ogimi and England and Team GB star Eniola Aluko will be available to sign autographs and have photos taken at the end of the game.
Chelsea season ticket holders and members can gain entry to the match for just £1, while supporters under the age of 16 will be admitted to the game for free. Tickets are available on the day priced £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

DAVID LUIZ: NORMAL PHILOSOPHY

David Luiz is well aware of the challenges facing a top side like Chelsea as we pursue trophies on different fronts.
The Brazilian returned to the starting line-up for Tuesday night's win at Swindon Town, one of 10 changes made by Jose Mourinho from Saturday's victory against Fulham. With competition for places as strong as ever, David Luiz views the policy of rotation as completely normal.
'It's a big club, a big club has many, many big players, Chelsea as well,' said the 26-year-old. 'I am just one more player in the team. I want to play football and when I have the opportunity to play I want to enjoy it. I have the privilege of playing for Chelsea.
'We don't need to prove anything, we just to need to show our football,' David Luiz continued. 'Everybody wants to play, everybody has the opportunity to play.
'Last year you can speak about seven players who are staying on the bench, this year is the same. Mourinho chooses his 11 players to play. With his philosophy he tries to make the best job for Chelsea, for me that's normal.'
Attention now turns to White Hart Lane and the second of four consecutive games away from Stamford Bridge. Looking ahead to the match, David Luiz is keen to stress the importance of what promises to be a thrilling London derby, despite the inevitable attention on the two managers' first meeting in opposite dugouts.
'It's Chelsea and Tottenham, not just Mourinho and Villas-Boas. It'll be a fantastic derby. Everyone will watch this game, everybody wants to play this game. It'll be fantastic. Tottenham have a great team, it's always difficult to play against them. This season is the same.'

MATCH REPORT: SWINDON TOWN 0 CHELSEA 2

SummaryChelsea are safely through to the Capital One Cup fourth round thanks to goals from Fernando Torres and Ramires on Tuesday evening.
Two strikes within eight first-half minutes did the damage against a Swindon side on a good run of form capable of playing tidy football but lacking a killer edge.
For much of the game the same could be said of Chelsea, with a number of chances passed up over the 90 minutes, but at the decisive moments, our class, and that of Torres in particular shone through, first when he poked home from close range after Juan Mata's shot had been saved, and then when he turned exquisitely to release substitute Ramires to chip home.
The Brazilian was only involved due to Marco van Ginkel's early injury, which saw the young Dutchman limp off after twisting a knee, and Ramires himself was withdrawn at the break.
In the second half, Swindon had one effort ruled out for offside while Mark Schwarzer saved well on his Chelsea debut before Torres, Willian and Demba Ba all came close to adding to the winning margin. Next up is Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Team newsJose Mourinho made 10 changes from the side which beat Fulham on Saturday, with Gary Cahill the only survivor in the centre of defence. That meant a debut for Schwarzer, our oldest ever debutant at 40, and a first Chelsea appearance in over a year for captain Michael Essien, who was taking the armband for the first time.
As promised by the manager, there were recalls for Cesar Azpilicueta, Ryan Bertrand, David Luiz and Mata, while Van Ginkel and Willian made only their second starts for the Blues.
First halfThere was bad news early on for the Blues, however, as Van Ginkel had to be replaced after just nine minutes following a painful looking fall in which he looked to have twisted his knee. Ramires was the replacement.

Napoli and Juventus battle Chelsea for Monaco winger

Monaco's 19-year0-old winger Lucas Ocampos is attracting a lot of interest with Serie A sides Napoli and Juventus both thought to be interested in singing the Argentine although Chelsea are seen as the favourites to secure the player’s signature.
La Liga giants Barcelona are also thought to be monitoring the player’s situation as are Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United.
According to the Daily Star, Chelsea were in discussions for the player throughout the summer but pulled out after the signing of Willian.
It is now believed that the Stamford Bridge side are looking to revive their interest and move for the player in January and it is thought that this may signal the end for Juan Mata.
Juventus and Napoli are thought to be observing the situation surrounding the youngster and are looking to step in if Chelsea lose momentum in their attempts to sign the player Monaco paid River Plate €13 million for in 2012.

Jose Mourinho: 'Samuel Eto'o is still a great player'

Filed: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 21:00 UK

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that Samuel Eto'o is still a great player despite no longer being up to the same standard as he was earlier in his career.

The striker has not scored since joining Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer and Mourinho admits that it will be hard for him to replicate the form that he showed during his spells at Inter Milan and Barcelona.

"Anzhi? We all know that was for economic reasons," Le10 quotes him as saying.

"When you spend more than 10 years on top of European football, then you go for completely different and unknown challenge with Anzhi, we all know that it is for economic reasons.

"He is no longer the player he was at Barcelona or Inter Milan. I knew he would not have his level, but for me he is a great player."

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table, level on 10 points with Manchester City and Liverpool.

Chelsea coach Mourinho urges Mata to follow Essien example

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told Juan Mata to follow the example of Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien in order to convince him of his worth.

Ghana midfielder Essien, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid under Mourinho, was not named in Chelsea’s Champions League squad and will on Tuesday night make his first appearance of the season at Swindon in the Capital One Cup, when World Cup winner Mata will also feature.
Mourinho has not been swayed by Mata’s reputation as Chelsea player of the year in each of the last two seasons and demands more.
“He’s not the same as Essien,” Mourinho said.
“Essien didn’t play one single minute and I left him out of the Champions League list.”
Mata’s projected appearance at the County Ground will be his fourth of the season for Chelsea, having failed

Transfer rumours and paper review – Tuesday, Sep 24

Here are the main transfer-related stories from Tuesday's newspapers…
Everton have 'put aside' a new deal for Manchester United target Leighton Baines, 28, but manager Roberto Martinez promises a contract will be sorted for the defender. (Daily Mirror)
Arsenal are set to sign Basel defender Fabian Schar, 21, in January as boss Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his backline. (Metro)
Bristol City are interested in signing winger Luke Freeman, 21, in a £300,000 deal from League One rivals Stevenage. (Daily Star)
Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, 21, is wanted on loan by MK Dons and Swindon. (Daily Star)
Sunderland want Watford boss Gianfranco Zola to succeed fellow Italian Paolo Di Canio as manager. (Daily Mirror)
Blackpool manager Paul Ince could also be looked at by Black Cats officials as Di Canio's successor. (Daily Mail)
Unemployed duo Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet, also contenders to replace Di Canio, have serious reservations about taking the job. (The Guardian)
Liverpool are prepared to wait before offering Glen Johnson, 29, a new contract despite the defender entering the final two years of his current deal. (Daily Telegraph)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he does not know when forward Theo Walcott, 24, will be fit to return from a stomach problem. (The Independent)
Wenger still has a £50m transfer pot to spend at Arsenal even after paying £42.5m for 24-year-old midfielder Mesut Ozil. (The Sun)
Manager Owen Coyle has blamed TV schedules for the fact Wigan will have to play a weakened team against Manchester City on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup just two days after their Championship game with Ipswich. (Daily Mail)

Ruud Gullit doubts Jose Mourinho will have same success at Chelsea this time

Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has cast doubt on whether Jose Mourinho can match the success of his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho led the Blues to a clutch of trophies between 2004 and 2007, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
He returned to the club this summer, with fans hoping for repeat performance, but Gullit believes that is unlikely.
‘I have my doubts,’ he said. ‘Not because of his quality, I have my doubts that you can go to a team a second time and that you can do the same things.
‘If he proves me wrong that will be an unbelievable achievement because I don’t often see success in a second spell happening.’
Mourinho couldn’t resist aiming a dig at Gullit following Chelsea’s derby win over Fulham on Saturday, after the Dutchman suggested there was a rift between the Chelsea manager and star man Juan Mata, who was left out of the team for the game.

Left out: Juan Mata, seen here in action for Chelsea against Everton earlier this month, wasn’t named in the team to face Fulham (Pic: PA)

‘Ruud Gullit is a different pundit because he was also a manager,’ Mourinho said. ‘I think he shouldn’t be a very proud manager for what he did in the last three years.’
But Gullit, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 1997, said: ‘That’s good, he needs to protect his players and that is what he does. I don’t take offence to it, the fact that he took the time to speak shows that we were spot on and he wanted to put it straight, in his way, to protect his players.’
Gullit did say however that he was worried a little of Chelsea’s adventure was being taken away.
‘Everybody has difficult results, the only thing I want to see at Chelsea is a little more fun in their game,’ he added. ‘The style is pragmatic just now but they have the players that can play and I would like to see that a little bit more.’