Chelsea 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk: Laid Low

Apologies for the lack of updates this week, but the season of viruses has started and I have been laid low, very low all week and as I write this, I am not feeling any better, perhaps I should have stayed off work, but you gotta put food on the table! Chelsea’s performance on Wednesday wasn’t the best cure one needs, but Victor with his stunning last second header, certainly lifted the spirits.

There is no doubt, Shakhtar are a very good team and they caused Chelsea problems all night with Brazilian Willian, the scorer of both Shakhtar goals all over the place, popping up to sublimely finishing off both his opportunities.

I am still puzzled as to why Captain, Leader, Legend JT didn’t start.

A half-fit Terry is better than no Terry at all and Chelsea’s disorganised and tatty defending proved that point no end, and please tell me what resides in between the ears of David Luiz.

Opinion is divided about Luiz.

There is no doubt he is a talented footballer, but never in a million years is he a central defender.

The Champions of Europe rode on a load of luck as they lifted Big Ears in Munich nearly six months ago and their luck continued as Shakhtar ‘gifted’ Chelsea’s first two goals.

Shakhtar’s ‘keeper Pyatov had gathered a low ball from the feet of Torres in the opening minute. Pyatov then rolled the ball out only to receive the pass back, on clearing, Pyatov smacked the ball against the foot of Torres and the ball bounced into the empty net.

Chelsea’s second gift came as Pyatov cleared the ball from outside of his area with his head, the ball looped to Oscar thirty five yards out and the majestic Brazilian took control before smashing a right footer back into the unguarded net.

At 2-2 and with the clock ticking down, Moses who came on as a sub with ten minutes to go, found himself unmarked and unchallenged in a packed penalty area and he powerfully headed home Chelsea’s winner from a Mata corner.

Jubilation and relief engulfed Stamford Bridge and no sooner had the ref blew his whistle to restart the game, he blew his whistle to end the game.

Chelsea, European Champions and the First London Club to win the Champions League had at he death, put themselves back on track to qualify for the last 16 and continue their journey on the Road to Wembley.

Chelsea: Cech (c), Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Oscar (Moses 80), Mikel, Ramires, Mata, Torres (Sturridge 89), Hazard

Goals: Torres 5, Oscar 39, Moses 90

Booked: Luiz 89

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Sma (c), Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat, Fernandinho, Hubschman, Teixeira (llsinho 77), Mkhitaryan, Willian, Luiz Adriano

Goals: Willian 8,47

Booked: Teixeira 57

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