Capital One Cup's First Leg Semi A Bit Embarrassing

"Think. Think. Think. Ok Frank, I think I will put you
on for another CM, non."

About time to take up the mantra of everyone else who exits the competition and say the newly branded Capital One Cup doesn’t matter? Swarth ourselves in that Luke Skywalker in a ton-ton? Feels right, but smells just as gash. There is no glory in being eliminated from any competition, no matter how ‘mickey mouse’ the trophy is.

On a technicality, neither Villa or Chelsea are out of this semi-final. But it never really felt like either were really in it. With Villa facing Bradford City in Tuesday’s match, I opted to just keep on living my life rather than watch - which I’ve clearly now regretted. For no greater moment than Michael Owen letting twitter know that Bradford were “on fire”. That was more awkward than anyone still referring to him as a footballer.

Swansea have showed everyone, that despite the departure of Being Brendan, they are still a formidable addition to the Premier League, maybe even moreso with Michael Laudrup in charge, and Michu leading the line. So despite the 3-1 predictions that were being bandied about (moreso from the previous night’s result than anything else) it was going to be a tough game.

Benitez didn’t field the worst lineup, but stubbornness is doing the club absolutely no favours. Constantly lauded as a tactical savant, his dedication to a single formation is mystifying. The like for like substitutions are going to win no friends in the stands, and rarely win games on the pitch. But this is a man who would make my Irish nan seem easy breezy. Benitez’ obstinance goes so far as his willful rejection of making a change to a problem when he sees it.* The more Chelsea supporters wanted to see Demba Ba come on, the less it was ever going to happen. 

This is awkward ... it's the Capital One Cup now Michael

Completely redundant to point out that supporters and Benitez don’t see eye to eye. (I also opted for the understatement there) However, its mutually beneficial for the club to go out and win matches. With his stint at Chelsea just being used to buffer the CV, Benitez needs to look like he’s capable of winning games. So, why not make the change at the hour mark? Resent running that deep? What exactly did Benitez think Demba Ba could do in ten minutes? He had a fantastic debut and all, but that’s heaping on a tad of pressure, and if that’s one thing this lot aren’t handling well ... 

However, there is some home, Chelsea are far more formidable on the road than they are at home this season. Gone are the 86 matches without a loss at the Bridge, it’s now the season of discontent. And although Benitez himself is not bothered by the Chelsea supporters reaction towards him, its definitely playing out on the pitch amongst the players. Chelsea have won five out of the six away games under the interim manager, while only winning two at home. 

All to play for in the Mickey Mouse Carling Cup Captial One Cup. Now if Chelsea could just arrange for the rest of the season to be played away, they might have a fighting chance. 

jb

*It might be worth someone pointing out to Benitez that the adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ applies only to a winning system. So next time things are looking a bit pony, be brave Rafa. Make the change. Lampard didn’t start. You got that wrong. Fine. Own it. Bring him on at the start of the second half. He’s getting on a bit, and needs a little time ** We’ve all got this management lark down, hoping you will soon too. 

** he clearly doesn’t as he had immediate impact with a ball in that I’ve had my way with already. But Rafa doesn’t need to know that.