Chelsea vs West Brom: The Apprentice Becomes the Master (Almost)

Language!!

Although the only two losses to West Brom have resulted in a change of manager, Jose could feel fairly confident that his job would be safe no matter the outcome – at least with regards to this fixture. Taking charge of his 100^th Premier League game, it was fitting that he was facing his former assistant. Rather than a rivalry, there was a ridiculous, beautiful love-in. Unconfirmed that Clarke and Mourinho were holding hands while walking out of the tunnel together.

Although Steve Clarke had nothing but admiration and kind words about Jose Mourinho before the match, he had no intention of leaving without all 3 points and certainly set his team up to take them. Arguably Steve Clarke learned as much about management as he did about Jose Mourinho in their time together and was the more tactically sound of the two Chelsea greats.

With Hazard back off the naughty step for losing his passport and missing pre-CL training, he was promised a start against Steve Clarke’s side. And of course, no 100^th PL match of Jose’s would have been complete without Terry or Lampard. So with the exception of Ashley Cole for left-back in training Cesar Azpilicueta, no real surprises in Chelsea’s starting lineup. Almost as predictable as Clarke’s two lines of defense.

If you missed this one, but watched Newcastle, then you’ve pretty much seen this match. The players seemed to be in a post-midweek match haze as they struggled to come up with Juan Mata that creative spark. Luckily just before the half Samuel Eto’o came up for another go’oal. Although not as embarrassing for Liam Ridgewell as it had been for timewaste specialist as Timo Hildebrand had been. But Ridgewell –may- have wanted to watch a review of that game before facing Eto’o himself.

What was needed at the half was a good bollocking and Mikel to shore up the defence and Mata to provide up front. What Chelsea got – after the inevitable equalizer – was Demba Ba. Sure, he scored mid-week, but let’s be honest, that goal surprised no one more than him. Although Chelsea were in need of a goal at this point, Ba definitely probably was not the way to go.

After Shane Long beat Terry and Ivanovic with a header no less, and the only man protecting them had just come off, a second goal from West Brom was on its way. Steve Clarke had spent years preparing for this – and it showed. Although he probably didn’t bank on the absolute gift from Butterfingers Petr Cech, but hey ho. 100 league matches at Stamford Bridge, and this was coming dangerously close to the first defeat. Of course there was a shout for a foul on Branislav Ivanovic, but with the performance on the day, it’s really a moot point. Just about everyone should have done better on that second West Brom goal.

25 seconds separated Mourinho and his record from coming to an end. Luckily Steven Reid got himself a start on Saturday and collided with Ramires in the box. Although the debate will go on with it being at the death of this match, and our sanity, let’s just put it to rest – it wasn’t a dive, it wasn’t a penalty. But it was given. And up steps Hazard freshly off that naughty step fully prepared to get back in Mourinho’s good books. As arguably Chelsea’s best penalty taker* there was no doubt except from the person in the seat next to mine that it would find the back of the net and preserve Mourinho’s record and maybe, just maybe get Chelsea out of another black November. 

Steve Clarke may just know Jose Mourinho better than he knows himself, but on this occasion remained the (unlucky) apprentice.

Although Chelsea dropped a couple of points, they weren't alone. Tottenham, Arsenal, and even Manchester City decided to join the points dropping party this weekend. Whether it was the anticipation of the international break, or the thrill of a Super Duper Sunday which saw winnable matches make a star of  Phil Bardsley! A draw at home isn't quite as bad as it could have been for Chelsea.

jb x

* Dear Frank, if you’re reading this, and you obviously are, try and not be jealous. I still love you best. And each and every one of your penalties has been special.