Yeah, we win
TLDR:-Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry say Chelsea plays more solid even when we played badly. Souness praises Costa for his ready-for-battle, physical battle confrontation. Liverpool and Arsenal games next are going be our tests.
-A lot of fans chant "Diego, Diego, Diego" when Diego Costa was being substituted by Batshuayi. I wish Batshuayi gets more playing game time, maybe he need do more work.
-Conte says he happy Costa scored, to make both Costa and Alexis on top of goalscorers chart. Golden Boot next for Costa? Conte says he misses out on Costa funny celebration. Conte says it is tough when you know your title challengers are dropping point before the match. Conte wishes Hull's Ryan Mason well.
-MU and Chelsea in race for £173m (€200m) on the Wales winger Gareth Bale from Real Madrid
-Real Madrid have opened talks about a summer move for Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois but wont include Alvaro Morata exchange to us.
-Our alternative option for Stamford Bridge while it undergoes rebuild new stadium would be Twickenham. But rugby governing body not allows Chelsea to play there. Another option is Wembley Stadium, but Totteham is playing there for the 2017-18 season.
-Stats round-up of Chelsea vs Hull match, Conte vs Mou record.
Graeme SounessFootball Expert & Columnist
Chelsea look more solid and less vulnerable than other Premier League sides, says Graeme Souness
Last Updated: 22/01/17 8:20pm
Source:
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/293...-graeme-sounessChelsea are a level above other Premier League teams because they do not look vulnerable, even when playing badly, says Graeme Souness.
Chelsea earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Hull on Super Sunday, thanks to goals from Gary Cahill and the returning Diego Costa in either half.
The Blues are now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with 16 matches remaining, and Sky Sports pundit Souness says they do not look like conceding when the momentum inevitably turns in games.
Souness said on Super Sunday: "For me, you saw a Chelsea team that were not going to lose that game or that lead. At 1-0 they didn't look too concerned.
"The difference between this Chelsea team and all the others; when the game does turn, and they all do turn, even for a five-minute period, that's when you're vulnerable, and they do not look vulnerable.
"I think the rest of them, the chasing pack, when the game turns and they're not on the front foot, they look vulnerable.
"This Chelsea team are a really, really solid outfit that can win games without being at their best, and they did that today in the second half.
"When a team goes to Liverpool or these other teams, and they have a defensive attitude, Liverpool and others can find a way through and score goals.
"But in doing so they become vulnerable themselves when the game turns, and for me, this is the difference between Chelsea and the rest. "
Chelsea face Liverpool and Arsenal next up in the Premier League, but have no European football to contend with between now and the end of the campaign.
Hull had long periods of pressure in the second half, but Chelsea stood firm, despite a clear penalty appeal from Abel Hernandez after being caught by Marcos Alonso.
Thierry Henry echoed Souness' words, and says Chelsea look like they are bossing the game even without the ball in possession.
"Not only do the other teams look vulnerable, but they also concede. That's important," Henry said.
"We talk about bossing the game defensively, and being on the ball. That Chelsea team can boss the ball in another way; when the other team are on the ball, it looks like they are in control anyway, even though they are defending."
Diego Costa underlines his importance to Chelsea against HullBy Nick Wright
Last Updated: 22/01/17 9:31pm
Source:
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/151...ea-against-hullWe assess Diego Costa's Chelsea comeback after he returned to the starting line-up with a goal and a man-of-the-match performance in their 2-0 win over Hull City at Stamford Bridge…
Diego Costa is rarely far from the headlines, but even by his standards the last fortnight has been hectic. His future at Chelsea was thrown into doubt when he rowed with Antonio Conte over an offer from China before last Saturday's meeting with Leicester, but questions were answered and criticism was silenced with Sunday's match-winning display against Hull.
Costa's low finish from Victor Moses' cut-back in first-half stoppage time was his 15th goal of the season. It helped the Blues open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, and a title challenge that seemed to have struck its first major obstacle suddenly looks stronger than ever.
Costa took aim at his critics with his 'too much talk' celebration, but his all-round performance was an even clearer message to those questioning his commitment. Costa set the tone for the evening when he sent a powerful drive narrowly wide with nine seconds on the clock, and he played like a man with a point to prove right up until he was substituted to a standing ovation in the 86th minute.
His starring display came on a day when Chelsea were well below their best, and it was certainly not the first time he has dragged them to victory this season. The 28-year-old accounted for six of their nine shots against Hull, and he would have had a second goal it wasn't for a fine save by Eldin Jakupovic shortly before his substitution.
Conte had spent much of the build-up to the game dismissing fears over Costa's commitment, and his stance was vindicated by the striker's work-rate at Stamford Bridge. Costa chased down lost causes and harried Hull's defenders throughout. None of his team-mates had made more high-intensity sprints (62) when he left the pitch, and he had also clocked the highest top speed and competed the most duels.
"Right from the start, he wanted to calm everyone down," said Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry. "He was saying: 'I'm here, I'm back, don't worry.' He kept the ball well, he was trying to chase everything. He was his usual self. He's not fazed by anything that's happening. He came up with a big goal and the story is about him again tomorrow."
Chants of "Diego, Diego, Diego" rang out around Stamford Bridge as he was replaced by Michy Batshuayi. Costa made a point of applauding the fans, and there were handshakes for every member of Chelsea's coaching staff before he took his seat on the bench. Harmony was restored, and Conte used the opportunity to draw a line under the speculation after the game.
"During the press conference before the game, a lot of people asked me about his form, about his attitude, and I told them that I would take the best decision for the team," he told Sky Sports. "I think after his performance that I made the best decision. It is normal to receive a lot of questions about it, but the most important thing for us is the answer that we give on the pitch."
The answer might have been different without Costa. His goal was his 52nd in 100 appearances for Chelsea. It put him level with Alexis Sanchez at the top of the Premier League scoring charts, and his combination of clinical finishing and tireless work-rate is proving the driving force behind the Blues' title challenge.
"Players like him are like gold dust," said Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness. "In the dressing room there will be a few lesser lights who don't want to get involved in confrontation and the physical side of it, but he's the opposite.
"He's the first one to step up and say: 'Fancy a bit of a battle today, chaps? Because I'm right up for it.' That's what he's like every time he goes out and crosses the white line on matchdays, and I imagine he's just the same in training as well."
Events of the last fortnight were a reminder that Costa can push the limits at times, but no player is more important to Chelsea's title prospects this season. He's back in the headlines for the right reasons this time, and with Liverpool and Arsenal next up in the Premier League, the timing could hardly be better.
Source:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tra...-united-966437918:39
United and Chelsea line up world-record Bale swoopsManchester United and Chelsea are both prepared to break the world-record transfer fee to sign Gareth Bale, according to reports.
Spanish outlet Don Balon say the two Premier League rivals are prepared to splurge £173m (€200m) on the Wales winger.
Bale’s current contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire in 2022.
16:02
Madrid want Courtois - but Morata won't be part of any dealReal Madrid have opened talks about a summer move for Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois – but have ruled out a swap deal involving striker Alvaro Morata, writes Chris Hatherall.
The La Liga leaders have made keeper Courtois their number one target, despite current first-choice Keylor Navas helping the Bernabeu giants to a run of 40 matches without defeat that ended last weekend.
Courtois’ current five-year deal at Stamford Bridge runs out in June 2019 – and so far he has failed to agree an extension.
Real have set aside 30million Euros (£25.9m) to tempt the Belgium international — who spent three seasons on loan from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid — back to the Spanish capital, and preliminary talks are reportedly underway with the Courtois camp.
Conference Call: It will be toughNEWS
Source:
http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/...l-be-tough.htmlAfter watching his side move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Antonio Conte spoke about the importance of capitalising on all of our title rivals, apart from Arsenal, dropping points this weekend.
The Blues went into the game knowing Liverpool, Tottenham and both Manchester clubs had failed to win yesterday, and Conte admitted that added to the pressure.
‘This game wasn’t our best but I think that’s normal because we are in the second part of the season and the points are important for us and the other team,’ said the Italian. ‘They were important for Hull because they are in the relegation zone. We faced a good team with good organisation. They changed their system to play against us.
‘After this weekend you can see that when I say this league is very difficult and no game is easy, that’s the reality.
‘A lot of our opponents dropped points. It’s not easy to play the last game of the weekend and know the results of the other teams. In different aspects there was pressure on us. We had to exploit this weekend and it’s not easy.’
Diego Costa, making his 100th appearance for Chelsea, returned to the starting line-up and opened the scoring in the first half
‘You must tell me if I did well to put Diego in the starting 11. I told you in the press conference [on Friday] I have to make the best decision for the team, and if he wasn’t ready to play, or my choice was bad, it’s my fault, not the player’s fault.
‘He played a very good game with a good attitude. Now it’s important to rest because he used a lot of physical and mental energy. Tomorrow we have a day off and then we start to prepare for the FA Cup.’
Conte was asked if he knew the reasons behind the striker’s goal celebration
‘Honestly, I didn’t see it because I was celebrating on the bench. Sometimes when we score its very dangerous for my staff. It’s important to score a goal and celebrate in any way, Diego played a good game and I hope with his performance he finished the speculation about him. We showed we are a team with great unity. That’s the real value because we stayed at the top of the table.
‘Diego has two years left on his contract. He’s very happy to stay with us and play for Chelsea. Now we must concentrate on the present and not look too far ahead. If we do that we risk losing the present, and that’s more important than the future.’
He was also asked if the title was ours to lose after the weekend’s results
‘No. In my experience as a footballer I won and lost titles four games from the end. Now, we have an eight-point lead and there are 16 games to play. We have good experience and understand this league will be very tough until the end. To win this type of game and exploit the situation with other teams dropping points is important, but I’m sure it will be tough until the end. To be in this position is fantastic because at the start of the season nobody would have thought it.’
Conte sent best wishes on behalf of Chelsea Football Club to Hull City’s Ryan Mason.
Hull manager Marco Silva confirmed in his post-match media conference that the midfielder was taken to hospital following an accidental clash of heads with Gary Cahill during the match.
Conte said: ‘Everyone at Chelsea wants to wish Ryan Mason the best because it was a bad accident with Gary.
‘Everyone at Chelsea, we hope to see him on the pitch very soon. I hope he recovers very soon.’
Speaking in a TV interview immediately after the final whistle, Cahill also sent his best wishes to Mason.
Twickenham not an option for Chelsea, rugby bosses say21 January 2017
From the section London
Source:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-38704699Chelsea Football Club will not be able play any games at Twickenham when their west London ground is being rebuilt, rugby's governing body has said.
The club will have to leave their Stamford Bridge home for up to three years during the construction of a new £500m 60,000-seat stadium.
Twickenham was an option being considered by the club but a spokesperson for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said it would not happen.
Chelsea have declined to comment.
Wembley Stadium is thought to be another possible venue being considered by the club.
But Tottenham Hotspur have been given the option to temporarily relocate to the national stadium for the 2017-18 season.
Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has also raised concerns about the "potential abuse" of the "national treasure" if either club turns Wembley into their temporary home.
Chelsea could stay at Stamford Bridge while redevelopment work takes place but this is thought to be the most expensive option.
The club have been granted permission to demolish their current ground and replace it with one designed by architects Herzog and de Meuron.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan will still have the final say on whether the development goes ahead.
Stats round-upSource:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/38499571http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/38499571
Stats round-upChelsea 2-0 Hull
Posted at
3:12
Here's a few post-match stats to get your teeth around on this nippy Sunday evening.
In his 100th Chelsea game in all competitions, Diego Costa scored his 52nd goal for the club.
Costa’s strike was the latest first-half goal in the Premier League since exact goal times have been recorded by Opta (2006-07 – 51:35).
This is the fourth time a club has had 55+ points after 22 Premier League games, with Chelsea being responsible for three of those (also 2004-05 and 2005-06).
Hull have now gone 20 Premier League games without a clean sheet, since beating Swansea 2-0 back in August.
The Blues have now won 1002 Premier League points at home, becoming the third club to reach four figures in the competition (Man Utd 1116 and Arsenal 1019).
Antonio Conte has the same number of points from his first 22 Premier League games that Jose Mourinho had in his (55).
hahaha...
Jan 15 2017, 12:55 AM
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