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04 04 2007 Chelsea 1 Valencia 1
Before the game we felt that as long as we did not concede any goals we would do well against Valencia. Even a 0-0
draw would not have been too disappointing. Ultimately, the Spaniards scored an amazing goal and after an excellent
game there were few complaints from Chelsea fans. The only worry will be if Valencia will keep up traditions in Spanish
football by rolling around in agony every time they are tackled and time waste at evey opportunity during the away leg. If
the referee is as stern as he was on Wednesday (I was impressed with the Belgian Frank de Bleeckere in any case)
then he needs to nip unsportsmanlike behaviour in the bud.
I feel confident Chelsea can still go through. On Wednesday some of our football was fantastic: but without Maka in
defensive midfield the opposition always looked dangerous in attack. Both sides squandered many chances but a draw
was a fair result.
The game seemed to have a "mosh pit" theme too... how many times did players from both sides land in supporters'
seats when they overran the pitch? Thankfully no Chelsea fans did anything silly to the Valencia players such as when
Andy Townsend had allegedly "hot" tea thrown on him when he tripped and landed in the temporary Shed End playing
for Aston Villa. Ah, memories!
Ballack had a pretty good game for once. Kalou was absent and looked like the Salomon from the beginning of the
season - which is a shame as it seemed as if he had finally found his feet in a Chelsea shirt. The highlight of the game
from Chelsea's point of view was Joe Cole's return. With Robben out Chelsea fans feared we would have no attacking
wingers and at least there is some comfort that the Englishman is back.
You cannot fault Jose for his tactics. He began with three strikers and his intentions were clear. The away leg will be
extremely tight and if we go out again I fear Jose really may be pushed out the door by the soulless characters that run
Chelsea's administration: let's hope we beat Valencia then!
draw would not have been too disappointing. Ultimately, the Spaniards scored an amazing goal and after an excellent
game there were few complaints from Chelsea fans. The only worry will be if Valencia will keep up traditions in Spanish
football by rolling around in agony every time they are tackled and time waste at evey opportunity during the away leg. If
the referee is as stern as he was on Wednesday (I was impressed with the Belgian Frank de Bleeckere in any case)
then he needs to nip unsportsmanlike behaviour in the bud.
I feel confident Chelsea can still go through. On Wednesday some of our football was fantastic: but without Maka in
defensive midfield the opposition always looked dangerous in attack. Both sides squandered many chances but a draw
was a fair result.
The game seemed to have a "mosh pit" theme too... how many times did players from both sides land in supporters'
seats when they overran the pitch? Thankfully no Chelsea fans did anything silly to the Valencia players such as when
Andy Townsend had allegedly "hot" tea thrown on him when he tripped and landed in the temporary Shed End playing
for Aston Villa. Ah, memories!
Ballack had a pretty good game for once. Kalou was absent and looked like the Salomon from the beginning of the
season - which is a shame as it seemed as if he had finally found his feet in a Chelsea shirt. The highlight of the game
from Chelsea's point of view was Joe Cole's return. With Robben out Chelsea fans feared we would have no attacking
wingers and at least there is some comfort that the Englishman is back.
You cannot fault Jose for his tactics. He began with three strikers and his intentions were clear. The away leg will be
extremely tight and if we go out again I fear Jose really may be pushed out the door by the soulless characters that run
Chelsea's administration: let's hope we beat Valencia then!
