Money Citeh 2-1 Chelsea: Who Didn't Turn Up? Hands Up

I thought AvB was back in the hotseat watching Chelsea succumb to yet ANOTHER late goal as The Blues recent resurgence in form crashed around them at a packed Etihad. And watching the agony nf some of the faces of the Money Citeh fans, you would have thought Citeh were on the verge of relegation and NOT challenging to buy the Premier League title.

Apart from Money Citeh’s early thrusts which saw Nasri hit the bar and later Balotelli gifted a simple one on one after a Super Frank mistake (not Super last night… eh Frank?), Chelsea had Silva, Aguero in their pockets, just like they did at Stamford Bridge, but alas The Blues forgot our nemesis namely Carlos Tevez.

Chelsea defended resolutely and determinedly and even managed to create a few half chances, namely a poor Mata shot in the first half that copied many of the Citeh high blasters over the bar.

With Chelsea’s ‘missing’ midfield, ie Meireles and Super Frank (not Super last night… eh Frank?), Torres’ chances of adding to his double from the weekend was very limited.

The poor bloke became the water-carrier, going back to retrieve the ball before being allowed to carry it, and on a couple of occasions his 2^nd touch let him down after completing brilliant first touches and it was no surprise when Torres was dragged off, he didn’t look the best pleased.

Chelsea took the lead when Gary Cahill, who is now beginning to look like a class act, swept home from close range to score his 2^nd goal in as many games.

For me, Essien’s unprofessionalism cost Chelsea at least a point as he foolishly raised his arms in the penalty area as Zabaleta tried to produce a desperate cross.

Much maligned Tevez came on as a late sub as Citeh, chasing Utd’s coat-tails, became desperate to secure the three points and it was Tevez that weaved past a dozing Super Frank (not Super last night…. Eh Frank?) before threading the ball through to Nasri who delicately chipped over Cech into the unguarded net.

Apparently Super Frank is due to appear in a charity comedy sketch with the cast of Outnumbered. Last night I thought he was!

Money Citeh: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards (c), K Toure, Clichy, Silva (Dzeko 75), De Jong (Tevez 65), Y Toure, Nasri, Aguero, Balotelli (Barry h/t).

Goals: Aguero 77 pen, Nasri 85

Booked: Nasri 85

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 19), Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard (c), Ramires, Meireles (Essien 58), Mata, Torres (Drogba 72).

Goal: Cahill 59

Booked: Mata 43, Lampard 57

NEXT UP: Tottenham (H) Saturday 24/3/2012, K.O.12.45pm

TWITTER: @WVOMChelsea