Sunday, 11 January 2015

Chelsea vs Newcastle: The One Where Time Was Wasted

So many happy faces
Despite the recent emergence of Newcastle as Chelsea’s ‘bogey’ team, the home side looked like they should have romped to an easy victory -- on paper. But it never really does work out that way, does it?! Promises of random squad rotation and dodgy keepers abounded. But somehow Newcastle's lengthy list of injries was all but forgotten with Tim Krul recovring in time to make his first appearance since November, along with Jamie Carragher's first choice manager -- Fabricio Coloccini.

Luckily for Chelsea, John Carver was still in charge of the North East side so to speak. The tactics he chose to impart were a) let Rémy Cabella do whatever he wants because he basically can. And b) time waste at each and every given opportunity - from minute 1 -- even if you’re chasing the game. The time wasting went from frustrating to baffling as it was the only real mark that Newcastle left on the game (outside of Cabella’s brilliant performance).

A special mention goes to Jack Colback who not only fully engaged with the time wasting - but  revelled in the reception he received from the home side when he strolled leisurely over to take a corner. A cheeky little smile and wink saw encouraged optimum booing levels which he delighted in. He may have been a little too occupied with his ‘crowd pleasing’ antics to take a sound corner, and offered not much beyond a daisy cutter.

And although I’m quick to complain about all the time wasting - it might have worked in Chelsea’s favour. Those were some very tired legs trying to grind out a result against a subpar Newcastle. The holiday schedule and memories of the New Year’s Day massacre seem to have taken a toll on much of the starting lineup.

Not tested often, but a little more than he really should have been, Cech was unsurprisingly solid whenever faced with a shot. Cech only went and notched up his 224th clean sheet for Chelsea - as you do. Or he does ... The last goal he conceded in the Premier League was back in March last year - to John Terry. Cheers for that JT.

Other honourable mentions to the performances of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Kurt Zouma. Costa spent a little too much time out of position, but considering his goal and the magnificent run he made for what should have been a second - it can be overlooked. Eden Hazard was troublesome and magnificent. He more than compensated for Oscar. And of course, Kurt Zouma put in another solid performance - offering Gary Cahill some serious competition for his position.

Not a classic performance, but it never needs to be. The result’s the thing!



jb xx

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