Birmingham 0 - 2 Chelsea

06/03/2012

Birmingham 0 (0)-(0) 2 Chelsea

                              Mata 54'

                                   Meireles 60'

And so began the Roberto Di-Matteo era at Chelsea football club with a 2-0 victory on just his second full day in charge. The win was by far flawless or a quick fix solution to the recent troubles, but it starts us in good stead  for the up-coming, more challenging opponents. Di-Matteo being in charge may have very little to do with the result tonight, however, it was apparent that that players looked a lot more comfortable and less under pressure. 

Starting Line-up

Di Matteo sent out a some-what shocking starting line up which stuck me as being a side designed to rest key players suggesting that between Abramovich and Di-Matteo, it has been decided that the F.A Cup is not the priority this season. The starting line up included a recall for out of favour winger Salomon Kalou, a continuation of Lampard being benched and Sturridge, Drogba and Essien most notably 'rested'. Chelsea Football Club would never send out a side they didn't think could perform a job and the managers faith in the starting line up was rewarded in the second half where two goals in 6 minutes put the tie beyond Birmingham's reach. 

Salomon Kalou

I will be honest and say that I have given Kalou a bashing over his time at Chelsea for his continued in-ability in a blues shirt. Today however, it was a breath of fresh air to see a Chelsea shirt take on a defender and get round into a decent position. Granted he often failed to deliver once he got into those positions, but his movement caused problems for Birmingham's defence and created openings and space for other players. It is a regular occurrence when playing against Chelsea for the opposing side to play 10 players behind the ball with one large lump up front trying to win free-kicks for his side. In this case Zigic. With such a defensive set up it requires a bit of guts and belief to take on a defender and open up spaces. One problem during the AVB reign was that a Chelsea player would advance forward until they met a defender, before turning and passing sideways or backwards. Although I don't think Kalou is an amazing player, I think he way an important factor in this game. Furthermore, Kalou was somewhat clumsily involved in the first goal, which once had gone in, it required Birmingham to come out of their defensive shells and attack with two up front, ultimately leaving gaps behind which was where Meireles pounced to double the advantage making it comfortable for Chelsea.

Chelsea Dominance

As I mentioned before, Birmingham playing with 1 up front and 10 men behind the ball, this always leads to the attacking side having the fair share of possession. Chances were few and far between in the first half, of which, the best probably fell to Zigic, on the break he did well to manipulate his body to head on target calling Petr Cech into a rare piece of action. The big Czech delt with it expectantly and comfortably. After half time was where Chelsea turned it up a gear by gaining the two goals and troubling their opponents on many more occasions. Fernando Torres having a hot and cold night came more to life in the second half by wining a stone wall penalty which ended up being saved due to a poor, tame effort from Juan Mata. Later on, a burst down the right wing and curled low cross 'on a six-pence' for Sturridge astonishingly didn't go in, adding to his growing list of missed opportunities. A expected final surge from Birmingham came for the final 10 minutes but Luiz and Cahill stood strong keeping a clean sheet together and both playing fantastically well.

Final Thoughts

The appointment of Di-Matteo was never going to be a quick fix but it was uplifting to see a Chelsea victory and another F.A Cup quarter final appearance. Hopefully there is a greater amount of unity in the camp which will be paramount in achieving our end of season goal of 4th place. Everything else that comes along the way is a bonus. 

Player Ratings

Cech 7/10

Seems harsh to only give him a 7 as he kept a clean sheet and saved well from Zigic with very little to do, although a little more aerial dominance would have been welcome.

Bertrand 7/10

The young lad is becoming a more familiar face in defence and had a solid game, no amazing contribution going forward and no mistakes at the back. Bit un-confident at times with rushed clearances but a solid game.

Luiz 7/10

Is he a defender or a midfielder? Well today he was a defender and rarely got caught in the aposing half. Did well to stand up to Zigic who had targeted the rash nature of Luiz, but the Brazilian came out on top.

Cahil 8/10

Big presence in the back line coming across as the leader of the line which has been missed since JT's injury. Dominated in the air preventing numeral crosses/corners from reaching the danger area which was where they scored at the Bridge

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Ivanovic 8/10
Quality game from one of my favourite Chelsea players, contributed in the air defensively in a simular manor to Cahill and also got forward like all good wing backs starting the move for the Meireles goal.

Ramires 6/10

Appeared to swap around with Mata throughout that match to provide width on the right while Mata moved in-field. Good idea on paper but not so good in practice, Ramires is a very good footballer but sadly can't cross making him a waste out on the right.

Mikel 6/10

A defensive midfielder was not requited against such a defensive opposition often resulted in him occupying space preventing Birmingham attacks opposed to him getting involved in the midfield battle.

   

Meireles 8/10 -M.O.M

Fantastic goal to put the game to bed. Struck with brilliant technique and power. Other than the goal, he did well to dog it out in the centre and open up the play left and right with good distribution.

Mata 7/10

The modern Zola had a typically productive match with the opening goal but sadly missing another penalty with a some-what tame effort. As usual, was the most likely Chelsea player to create a goal from start to finish.

Torres 6/10
As mentioned before, a hot and cold night from the Spaniard with a couple of dragged shots and misplaced passes. Desperately needs some luck and confidence. Became most productive in the second half by winning the penalty and setting up good openings including Sturridge's poor miss.

Kalou 7/10

Came out for this game with a point to prove and wont go away wondering what could have been. Beat players consistently throughout the match and drew defenders out of position to cover. Great shame there is no final product from the Ivorian.

Team Average = 7

Thanks for reading and KTBFFH

@Andyb_is_Carefree