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Chelsea Comment: Five Positives From Madrid Ahead Of Manchester Meeting
Confidence is high as Carlo Ancelotti's men look to keep their undefeated run going.
Nov 4, 2009 7:05:07 AM
It was a far from commanding Chelsea performance last night against Atletico Madrid, but the 2-2 draw they came away with was still enough to put them through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
With attention now turning to the massive clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, here are five positives Carlo Ancelotti can take away from the Vicente Calderon ahead of the second big test of his fledgling career in England.
Class A Drogs
The Blues coped well in the 31-year-old's absence for the previous three group games, but the Ivorian's suspension ended just in time for him to appear in the competition and singlehandedly rescue his side a valuable point.
Indeed, it looked like being a barely warranted three points, after Drogba's second goal late on handed his side an undeserved lead.
Although the final touch was lucky - his initial shot was saved by keeper Sergio Asenjo, but rebounded back to him - the build-up was Drogba at his absolute finest, showing power, poise and pace to leave the opposition defenders clutching at straws.
After the game, the Ivorian agreed that he was in the form of his life. His manager admitted he wouldn't swap him for anyone, in an understated manner that is becoming typical of the Italian.
"I don't want to change him for any other striker," Ancelotti said.
"I'm very happy with his behavior and I hope he continues like this."
Considering their own defensive travails last night, Manchester United will wonder how they can possibly deal with Chelsea's No.11 on Sunday, who has now scored 12 goals in 13 games this season.
With Nicolas Anelka also rested for much of the match, United's defense will have to be on top of their game to deal with two razor-sharp forwards.
Set-piece frailty seems to have gone
Difficulty in dealing with set pieces was supposed to be Chelsea's Achilles' heel, especially after Aston Villa exposed it so brutally to come away with a 2-1 win at Villa Park in October.
Against Atletico last night, however, the Blues defense showed that they are at no greater risk to the high ball than any other side. Part of that is once again due to Drogba, who seemed to be everywhere in the first half to clear as Los Colchoneros peppered Petr Cech's goal with in-swinging balls.
But it was equally down to good defensive organization, which is impressive considering that Chelsea have rotated their personnel at the back in recent games.
Alex made his first appearance of the season last night, and Branislav Ivanovic's height was missing from the side, yet still the Blues saw off threats from the dead ball without seeming to miss a beat.
Although Chelsea conceded twice, arguably both came from moments of individual brilliance on the part of Sergio Aguero, rather than defensive errors. Such moments do not happen every week.
United might have been thinking the aerial battle is one they could look to profit from on Sunday, but on last night's evidence it looks like they might need to find another line of attack.
Returning faces
Perhaps most pleasingly for Ancelotti is the fact that he now has almost a full strength squad to call upon, with almost all his players having enjoyed recent first-team football.
Alex played a full 90 minutes in the heart of defense, which adds another option for the Italian at the back. Although the powerful Brazilian is unlikely to start on Sunday, his presence on the bench should spur on whoever does start alongside John Terry (most likely Ricardo Carvalho) to put in an exemplary performance to keep their place.
Elsewhere, Ashley Cole returned after missing the previous three games, and so blew off the cobwebs in what was a rusty performance ahead of Sunday's game.
Return to service | Cole gained a valuable run-out
Good news came this morning as well, as John Obi Mikel declared himself fit for the weekend, despite not traveling to Spain with the rest of the squad.
Having just emerged from a congested period of six games in 17 days, Ancelotti will be delighted that almost all his players have been able to get some rest during that period.
With key players like Anelka and Michael Ballack preserved for much of last night, his first-choice XI should be at the top of their game come Sunday.
United's defensive woes
Four teams had the opportunity to cement early qualification from their group last night, and while all four eventually managed it, it was interesting to see that none seemed to do it with ease.
Bordeaux did run out 2-0 winners against Bayern Munich, but it was a game that talisman Yoann Gourcuff described as a "hold-up".
FC Porto left it late to beat a resilient APOEL Nicosia to join Chelsea in progressing from Group D, while Manchester United rather staggered across the line as they drew 3-3 at Old Trafford with CSKA Moscow.
Coming back from 3-1 down, Sir Alex Ferguson will be rightly proud and encouraged by his team's attacking intensity, with in particular the influence of Wayne Rooney as a late substitute a big bonus.
The new father has a decent goal-scoring record against Chelsea, and looks in the sort of form that could make them pay once again.
Eased aside | United looked poor defensively
Look at me | Will Chelsea move for Aguero?
Diamond geezer | Ballack is key to Blues' formation
The German finally made an appearance last night as a replacement for Michael Essien, who was sailing close to the wind having picked up an earlier booking.
Again, the side lost some impetus without the Ghanaian, who is their rock at the base of midfield.
Without one or two of Essien, Ballack, Drogba and Anelka, Chelsea look a far less formidable proposition. If Ancelotti ever dared rest Terry for a significant match, perhaps we would learn how vital the English captain is to the defensive side of things too.
But nevertheless, these players' massive importance to the side is an issue that might slightly concern Ancelotti - not this weekend, perhaps, but certainly in the future.
Alex Dimond, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
With attention now turning to the massive clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, here are five positives Carlo Ancelotti can take away from the Vicente Calderon ahead of the second big test of his fledgling career in England.
Class A Drogs
The Blues coped well in the 31-year-old's absence for the previous three group games, but the Ivorian's suspension ended just in time for him to appear in the competition and singlehandedly rescue his side a valuable point.
Indeed, it looked like being a barely warranted three points, after Drogba's second goal late on handed his side an undeserved lead.
Although the final touch was lucky - his initial shot was saved by keeper Sergio Asenjo, but rebounded back to him - the build-up was Drogba at his absolute finest, showing power, poise and pace to leave the opposition defenders clutching at straws.
After the game, the Ivorian agreed that he was in the form of his life. His manager admitted he wouldn't swap him for anyone, in an understated manner that is becoming typical of the Italian.
"I don't want to change him for any other striker," Ancelotti said.
"I'm very happy with his behavior and I hope he continues like this."
Considering their own defensive travails last night, Manchester United will wonder how they can possibly deal with Chelsea's No.11 on Sunday, who has now scored 12 goals in 13 games this season.
Unstoppable force | Drogba is terrorising defences
With Nicolas Anelka also rested for much of the match, United's defense will have to be on top of their game to deal with two razor-sharp forwards.
Set-piece frailty seems to have gone
Difficulty in dealing with set pieces was supposed to be Chelsea's Achilles' heel, especially after Aston Villa exposed it so brutally to come away with a 2-1 win at Villa Park in October.
Against Atletico last night, however, the Blues defense showed that they are at no greater risk to the high ball than any other side. Part of that is once again due to Drogba, who seemed to be everywhere in the first half to clear as Los Colchoneros peppered Petr Cech's goal with in-swinging balls.
But it was equally down to good defensive organization, which is impressive considering that Chelsea have rotated their personnel at the back in recent games.
Alex made his first appearance of the season last night, and Branislav Ivanovic's height was missing from the side, yet still the Blues saw off threats from the dead ball without seeming to miss a beat.
Although Chelsea conceded twice, arguably both came from moments of individual brilliance on the part of Sergio Aguero, rather than defensive errors. Such moments do not happen every week.
United might have been thinking the aerial battle is one they could look to profit from on Sunday, but on last night's evidence it looks like they might need to find another line of attack.
Returning faces
Perhaps most pleasingly for Ancelotti is the fact that he now has almost a full strength squad to call upon, with almost all his players having enjoyed recent first-team football.
Alex played a full 90 minutes in the heart of defense, which adds another option for the Italian at the back. Although the powerful Brazilian is unlikely to start on Sunday, his presence on the bench should spur on whoever does start alongside John Terry (most likely Ricardo Carvalho) to put in an exemplary performance to keep their place.
Elsewhere, Ashley Cole returned after missing the previous three games, and so blew off the cobwebs in what was a rusty performance ahead of Sunday's game.
Return to service | Cole gained a valuable run-out
Good news came this morning as well, as John Obi Mikel declared himself fit for the weekend, despite not traveling to Spain with the rest of the squad.
Having just emerged from a congested period of six games in 17 days, Ancelotti will be delighted that almost all his players have been able to get some rest during that period.
With key players like Anelka and Michael Ballack preserved for much of last night, his first-choice XI should be at the top of their game come Sunday.
United's defensive woes
Four teams had the opportunity to cement early qualification from their group last night, and while all four eventually managed it, it was interesting to see that none seemed to do it with ease.
Bordeaux did run out 2-0 winners against Bayern Munich, but it was a game that talisman Yoann Gourcuff described as a "hold-up".
FC Porto left it late to beat a resilient APOEL Nicosia to join Chelsea in progressing from Group D, while Manchester United rather staggered across the line as they drew 3-3 at Old Trafford with CSKA Moscow.
Coming back from 3-1 down, Sir Alex Ferguson will be rightly proud and encouraged by his team's attacking intensity, with in particular the influence of Wayne Rooney as a late substitute a big bonus.
The new father has a decent goal-scoring record against Chelsea, and looks in the sort of form that could make them pay once again.
Eased aside | United looked poor defensively
But it is at the back that things look worrying for United. Nemanja Vidic will be back for Sunday, but three goals conceded against an average CSKA side suggests there will be many holes for Chelsea's strike force to expertly pick apart.
With a midfield that has looked bereft of creativity in recent weeks, even Ferguson has said that Chelsea will be United's "main challengers" this season, as public an admission as you will get from the Scot that he accepts he has his work cut out.
"It seems they will be the ones to get in front of," he admitted.
With Chelsea already two points clear of United, Sunday's game could prove pivotal if Ferguson's side are to achieve that aim.
Aguero — and Kalou — will have turned Abramovich's head
Okay, so this might not have an immediate impact for Sunday's game with United, but it might play a role in Chelsea's short-term transfer activity.
With Roman Abramovich needing convincing that he needs to spend money in January (assuming, as seems increasingly likely, that the club's transfer embargo is suspended) both Aguero and Salomon Kalou put forward fine cases for the prosecution.
For Aguero, his clear quality will surely have piqued the Russian's interest, especially as his two goals were both of sublime quality.
The billionaire, who apparently came close to agreeing a deal for the 21-year-old in the summer, must surely be considering approaching the Argentina international with an improved offer come January.
With a midfield that has looked bereft of creativity in recent weeks, even Ferguson has said that Chelsea will be United's "main challengers" this season, as public an admission as you will get from the Scot that he accepts he has his work cut out.
"It seems they will be the ones to get in front of," he admitted.
With Chelsea already two points clear of United, Sunday's game could prove pivotal if Ferguson's side are to achieve that aim.
Aguero — and Kalou — will have turned Abramovich's head
Okay, so this might not have an immediate impact for Sunday's game with United, but it might play a role in Chelsea's short-term transfer activity.
With Roman Abramovich needing convincing that he needs to spend money in January (assuming, as seems increasingly likely, that the club's transfer embargo is suspended) both Aguero and Salomon Kalou put forward fine cases for the prosecution.
For Aguero, his clear quality will surely have piqued the Russian's interest, especially as his two goals were both of sublime quality.
The billionaire, who apparently came close to agreeing a deal for the 21-year-old in the summer, must surely be considering approaching the Argentina international with an improved offer come January.
Look at me | Will Chelsea move for Aguero?
Kalou, on the other hand, served up a reminder to the club's staff that they desperately need another top class striker. The young Ivorian has only starred fleetingly this season, and looked woefully outclassed last night.
If an injury befalls either Drogba or Anelka, he does not look capable of filling the void.
Ancelotti, then, will perhaps take a lot of evidence from last night as he looks to persuade his benefactor to open up the checd-book once more.
Whether it is Aguero or not, surely now the 50-year-old will be able to convince the club's owner to sanction a bid for a big name striker.
And one negative, just for luck…
Over-reliance on certain players
If Liverpool are a two-man team that simply cannot survive without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - a knee-jerk assertion if ever there was one - then, on last night's evidence at least, Chelsea might not be too much more.
The Blues looked a shadow of their usual selves for much of the match, and seemed to desperately miss the incisive movement of Anelka up front, whose intelligent style of play opens up channels for the midfield to work in.
Without him, and with Kalou regularly running himself down blind alleys instead, Atletico were able to shut down the midfield with comparative ease.
Similarly, without Ballack as reinforcement the midfield looked less stable than in recent weeks. The German does an unheralded, predominantly defensive duty on the right of the diamond, and it is no coincidence that Chelsea's two league defeats this season have come in the 33-year-old's absence.
Frank Lampard attempted to fill in the role last night, but roamed forward more than the German and consequently struggled to get his full-back, Juliano Belletti, into the game as an attacking force - something Ballack excels at.
If an injury befalls either Drogba or Anelka, he does not look capable of filling the void.
Ancelotti, then, will perhaps take a lot of evidence from last night as he looks to persuade his benefactor to open up the checd-book once more.
Whether it is Aguero or not, surely now the 50-year-old will be able to convince the club's owner to sanction a bid for a big name striker.
And one negative, just for luck…
Over-reliance on certain players
If Liverpool are a two-man team that simply cannot survive without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres - a knee-jerk assertion if ever there was one - then, on last night's evidence at least, Chelsea might not be too much more.
The Blues looked a shadow of their usual selves for much of the match, and seemed to desperately miss the incisive movement of Anelka up front, whose intelligent style of play opens up channels for the midfield to work in.
Without him, and with Kalou regularly running himself down blind alleys instead, Atletico were able to shut down the midfield with comparative ease.
Similarly, without Ballack as reinforcement the midfield looked less stable than in recent weeks. The German does an unheralded, predominantly defensive duty on the right of the diamond, and it is no coincidence that Chelsea's two league defeats this season have come in the 33-year-old's absence.
Frank Lampard attempted to fill in the role last night, but roamed forward more than the German and consequently struggled to get his full-back, Juliano Belletti, into the game as an attacking force - something Ballack excels at.
Diamond geezer | Ballack is key to Blues' formation
The German finally made an appearance last night as a replacement for Michael Essien, who was sailing close to the wind having picked up an earlier booking.
Again, the side lost some impetus without the Ghanaian, who is their rock at the base of midfield.
Without one or two of Essien, Ballack, Drogba and Anelka, Chelsea look a far less formidable proposition. If Ancelotti ever dared rest Terry for a significant match, perhaps we would learn how vital the English captain is to the defensive side of things too.
But nevertheless, these players' massive importance to the side is an issue that might slightly concern Ancelotti - not this weekend, perhaps, but certainly in the future.
Alex Dimond, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
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