Spurs vs Chelsea: The One With a Flying Bib

Diego Costa takes warm-ups literally not seriously

During his first stint with the club, Jose Mourinho had a group of players that he branded as ‘untouchable’. Less than a year later he found himself out of work. So JoMo 2.0 has given the 'untouchables' a swerve and  opted for more regular and surprising benchings. The affable little Juan Mata was the first and most prolific to get the 2.0 treatment - on far too regular a basis for my liking, but I digress. His little beardy face popping up over the seats in front of him, wishing he could just go out and play with all his friends. *sigh*

Cut to this season and Mourinho hasn’t just seen fit to kick puppies sideline loveable little characters but to take on some of the bigger personalities. While not an unreasonable decision this week based on form, it was still surprising to see that Diego Costa was fully fit named on the bench and Chelsea would set out to play without a recognised striker. Not unlike much of the season really, but that’s a whole separate matter.

Chelsea vs Tottenham: A Masterclass in Tim Sherwood

Samuel Eto'o: consummate performer/occasional goalscorer 

With Tim Sherwood preparing his squad by noting what a poor record they have at Stamford Bridge, what could possibly go wrong? Well, outside of the massive Champions League flag being displayed for those that travelled from the far reaches of North London it started fairly well for Sherwood FC. Vertonghen tormenter Torres had to pull out of the match due to problem in and around his bathing suit parts. And with no Chelsea player managing a goal after scoring a hat-trick this season, Spurs had to be chuffed that OAP Samuel Eto'o would be taking his place.

Fulham vs Tottenham: Behind Enemy Lines

Wrongly assumed I'd be sat next to Ron Jeremy

Sometimes a writer* has to go deep undercover to get the story, to bring the truth to the public. It can involve doing a whole manner of things which are out of character or simply horrifying to be a part of. Last night was that very moment for me. Being such a diligent employee responsible individual key contributor to the office it was impossible for me to abandon my duties in the middle of the week for a trip to the north east. Cheers to the clever clogs at the FA for that scheduling tour de force.

Despite my glamorous plans to watch Sunderland vs Chelsea through a dodgy internet stream completely upstanding methods, a free ticket was on offer for this glamour tie, and was even on the way home. When I opted to give up the comforts of my own home to stand in the cold with a co-worker for two hours, I was under the impression that it was going to be some sort of hospitality situation. Maybe some pre-match tipple and a bite before we all sit in cushioned reclining seats in the heart of Putney while The Berba stands next to us playing his pan flute ....

Manchester United v Chelsea: The Chelsea Smile Returns

This man is incapable of not laughing

Chelsea faced Manchester United for the FIFTH time this season. FIFTH. It was like Benitez’ dream come true. In part as it’s a team that the interim one can beat winning the last four of five League meetings with United. Unlike Reading where he’s won one of his last five in all competitions with the Championship incumbents.

With United already securing the title and failing to be able to match Mourinho’s points record, United were left with nothing to play for except pride. And Ferguson’s lineup pretty much said as much. As the lineups were released, North London wondered what they’d ever done to SAF to warrant such a lineup. I hate to be the one to break it to North London, but I’m afraid it’s not all about you. Ferguson is far too self involved for such matters and his only concern is ensuring his onlookers play enough games to get themselves a medal too.

Sharing is Caring: Chelsea v West Ham

200 Not Out. No Big Deal

Although it must have been tempting for The Interim One to tinker the hell out of the lineup as Chelsea faced a club who've only gained 14 points in 16 matches, Benitez went for the subtle 4 changes approach. It would be silly to let Fernando Torres play now that he's got a goal behind him and would have been facing the club that he's scored more goals against then any other club. But no matter, in Benitez terms, it was a decent lineup.

Many of those at the game had travelled from far and wide. Brentford. As the Chelsea Under-19s continued to embarrass teams in the NextGen Series. And with a mudhole there in place of a pitch, you can see why Griffin Park was picked to host part of the tournament. Once these players get to be man sized, they could be a real threat on pitches with grass and everything. Those that didn't make the trip, of course, had a full day of drinking in them on St Paddy's day to make nice with friendly neighbours West Ham. 

Kicking Off the Europa League and Not In Style

Hazard: will not be judged for wearing gloves

The final sixteen would look a lot different in the very much respected somewhat revered Europa League if it weren't for a left footed shot in the dying seconds from a Belgian. Not one, but two of England's four clubs would have found themselves more than a little embarrassed at their progress towards European glory the Europa League tin cup.

Third Round of the FA Cup ... Before all the Replays Arsenal and United

When Frank went up to lift the FA Cup...
Sign him up!!

Magic of the cup... cupset ... er, insert generic footballing cliche here. Thought I’d get them all out of the way before I bang on about some of the high and lowlights from the latest edition of Budweiser’s Third Round of the FA Cup. Other poor American lagers are available. The highs, the lows, the hands .... We had it all.

Southampton v Chelsea

Chelsea scored 5 goals, 2 from the new boy in town. Sound familiar? It’s all so 2010. Demba Ba has taken his role as Sturridge’s replacement very seriously and began his Chelsea career in the exact same manner. Chelsea supporters of course will be hoping that he plays a bit better with others and learns the fine art of passing as well as poaching.