Chelsea 5 - 2 Leicester

18/03/2012

Chelsea 5 (2)-(0) 2 Leicester

                                                   Cahill 12'              Beckford77'

                                                   Kalou 17'              Marshall 88'

                                                   Torres 67', 85'

                                                   Meireles 90+1'

There is absolutely no escaping the main talking point of this match..... A goal for Saloman Kalou! I know, who would have thought that such a terribly out of form forward would come up trumps for Chelsea. Unbelievable scenes!

Torres

All jokes aside, fantastic news to see Fernando Torres back on the score sheet. Not only that, to add to his brace, he also bagged a double assist setting up Kalou and Meireles. Like the age old saying, you wait ages for one bus, then two come along at once. We can only hope now that he kicks on from here and re-discovers a bit of form to aid us through the final stages of the season towards a possible 4th place spot and perhaps even the F.A cup. His first goal wasn't the best goal he will ever score but he has found space inside the box and taken his first touch well reducing what was required with the second. The two touch finish was completed with a dragged side footed pass into the bottom corner queuing celebrations of absolute relief. Coming towards the final 5 minutes of the match he doubled his tally with a deft 'flicked-on' header from a front post corner. He used the used the pace from the cross to flash the attempt across goal into the far corner. His appreciations went towards his former Liverpool team-mate Meireles who took the corner and also had previously set up his first goal. From the start of the game Torres played with a little more freedom seeing him becoming an integral part of every attack resulting in him actually being the most productive player. He was the provider of Kalou's goal early on in the first half with a great burst of pace down the right touchline and a perfectly waited ball across. Kalou received and waited for the keeper to go to ground before placing it beyond his reach. Torres final contribution in the match was to simply and unselfishly, set up his provider Meireles for a simple tap in by rolling the ball across the face of the box. The chance for a hat-rick was on, but he showed great professionalism by passing to the player in the best possible position.

Good Start

It is always nice to get an early goal to set the tone to reduce nerves and avoid a shut out tactic from the away side. The only goal which didn't involve Torres was the first where a Juan Mata corner was met by Cahill who showed the most desire and rose highest to power head the ball in from point blank range.  The keeper probably should have come and collected but Cahill punished the mistake and went off to celebrate by dedicating the goal to Fabrice Muamba - his former Bolton team mate. Everyone's thoughts in football are for Muamba and his family and we all wish him the best.

The only negatives

2-0 at half time and more or less comfortable, changes began to conserve those who are likely to play against City on Wednesday. Juan Mata was replaced on half time followed by Ivanovic a bit later on. Once these substitutions had been made, the match started to get a more of an exhibition feel where Chelsea were only really performing in 2nd/3rd gear. It could just be a coincidence, but interestingly as soon as Ivanovic was replaced, just a minute later Leicester scored the first of their two goals with a slightly fortunate rebound off the post after a long distance strike. Beckford was on hand and reacted first to instantly convert into the unguarded net. The second goal was another long range effort, this time finding the correct side of the post from Leicester's point of view. The 30 yard strike from the newly introduced substitute rocketed in off the post. It was truly a beautiful strike - I'm sure he'll remember that one for the rest of his life.

Wednesday

Despite his brace today, I doubt Torres will start Wednesday night against Manchester City - quite rightly too. Drogba was rested for a reason today, because he played 120 minutes of football v Napoli midweek, Di Matteo wanted to rest him to ensure full match fitness for against City. Regardless, I still think Torres shouldn't start because, after gaining this bit of confidence against a (no disrespect to Leicester) lesser side, the last thing he needs is to go away to an already difficult match and struggle. Granted we paid £50 million for the player and he should be up to repeat his actions but looking at the situation realistically, going away to the best team in the league, we are going to struggle as a squad to even score one goal anyway. Saving this new found bit of confidence will be far more useful in another tie.

Complete change

Torres's performance today was a true representation of the complete turn around that has occurred since the departure of AVB. Di Matteo has somehow released some of the pressure and shackles from the players who all play with new found confidence and freedom. This change was epitomised today by Fernando Torres and I couldn't be more happy for him and the club. Chelsea will be going to Wembley this season - from the brink of failure to possible success.

The Draw

Finally the semi final draw took place later this evening and pits us against either Tottenham or Bolton. While the other side sees Liverpool take on Everton or Sunderland. Therefore, we are probably looking at a Tottenham semi final and a Liverpool final if we get there.

Player Ratings

Cech - 7/10

Absolutely nothing he could do for either of the two goals today, both were well stuck long shots that beat the big Czech all ends up. Other than that, once again, became spectator for large portions of the match.

Bertrand - 8/10

The future is extremely bright at left back for Chelsea. Still needs to improve defensively and I haven't really seen him be tested rigorously in the air like Cole is on a regular occasion. However, going forward, I would argue that he is better than Cole as he beats a player and gets the ball whipped in from a decent position.

Cahill - 7/10

Great leap to send us on our way to Wembley for the first goal. Defended well for the majority of the match but could arguably be to blame at the first goal as he was the closest to Beckford on the re-bound. Much prefer the Ivanovic or JT partner to Luiz.

Ivanovic - 8/10

Another solid performance, this time at his native centre back position. He personally got a clean sheet as both goals came after he was substituted so nothing to criticise there.

Boswinga - 7/10

Massively un-eventful match for Boswinga, never really got involved and therefore made no mistakes. Trying to remember his contributions but literally couldn't name a time he touched the ball other than a throw in. A 7 is a safe score given I have no idea.

Miereles - 8/10

A much better performance from this hot and cold player. Set up Torres twice more like in the Liverpool days and had the favour returned to put the cherry on top of the team performance with a goal of his own.

Mikel - 7/10

Did what all good defensive midfielder's do and just screened the back four for protection and covered out of position players. Hardly a glamorous role and will often go un-noticed but Mikel performed usually well and kept the balance in the side. 

Mata - 7/10

Set up the first goal but was surplus to requirements at half time given the busy schedule. Will hope for a more productive night on Wednesday as his fellow Spaniard stole the show today..... His record for scoring in every round of the F.A cup this season came to an end. - Chelsea legend Peter Osgood still the only player ever to achieve this.

Kalou - 7/10

Another encouraging performance against a Championship side, needs to translate that success into premier league fixtures in order to remain at Chelsea. Took his goal well showing natural finishing ability to wait for the keeper to ground before taking the easy goal.

Sturridge - 7/10

Called 'Mr. Greedy' by the commentator on the match today and quite rightly too. Does well to get into decent positions particularly near the bi line and either doesn't produce or takes the completely wrong option (often a shot from an impossible angle to the near post). Frustrating but there will be bigger games for the young English forward. 

Torres - 9/10 M.O.M

Two goals and two assists truly earns him the man of the match for this game. Showed complete polar opposite demeanour perhaps a better relationship with the manager is the key. Hope so much that he become prolific now.