What’s Left To Play For This Season?

After the Sunderland defeat, many questions have been asked and many fingers have been pointed in all sorts of directions. From the manager, to the referee, players, and FA, the blame lies somewhere for fans. What is in it for the rest of the season and next season?

First, Mourinho, many say got the tactics wrong or lineup wrong. It is nonsense. For a team with 31 shots, 15 on target(ESPN) and 62% possession, it is hard to find many reasons to blame the manager.  Maybe preparation was done wrong, overlooking the opposition as we face an away trip to Madrid on Tuesday. Maybe it was a brilliant job by Gus Poyet, but still these things then have to be sorted out by the ones doing the magic on the pitch: the players.

For one, it was not our worst performance of the season, nor our best. With an early goal and 1-0 lead just inside 15 minutes, it seemed a sure 3 points to the Blues of West London. After the goal, it seemed maybe the players had this one wrapped up and it would be an easy rout. Sunderland thought otherwise, just a few minutes later, Connor Wickham equalized. Still, the players may have thought the goal will come, but it never did as shot after shot was wide, over, or saved.

To sum up our finishing, take a look at the wide strike by Demba Ba on 65 minutes. As he has a goal all to himself, he strikes with his left foot, but loses his footing and from just 8 yards misses 10+ yards wide. The shots and misses like that have cost us so dearly this season, in matches like Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and even Everton. But much of the blame has not been towards the players either today, in fact the match officials have been called into question today.

Mike Dean, long time Premier League referee, has had a few blunders as do all refs. Today he had a few. The first, Ramires’ blatant backhand to Larsson’s face. No doubt if he sees the incident, it’s a straight red, poor decision for Ramires. It seems to be a reoccurring theme for the player as of late, when games get tough, he loses his temper. Nevertheless, the incident should have ended in a straight red card to Ramires. Second, there seemed to be a few handball decisions in the box, not given to Chelsea. On one occasion, the Sunderland player even extends his fingers from a clenched fist to a flat hand, no penalty given. Unlucky for us.

Lastly, the penalty given to Sunderland. As Azpilicueta carries the ball on the side of the Chelsea box, he loses his footing and Altidore steals the ball. Seconds after, “Dave” recovers to then make a challenge on Altidore, as he goes to ground he seems sure to keep a safe distance and instead block the ensuing cross. Instead, Altidore steps into Azpilicueta, loses his footing, goes to ground, and the call is given. To many, there is more out of it from Altidore than what Azpilicueta actually slid in for. This can never be a penalty. Not ever. This isn’t the first time a decision has gone against us this season. This decision ultimately will most likely kill off Chelsea’s premier league title hopes. Luckily, Chelsea are into the last four of the Champions League.

Chelsea will travel to Madrid, Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Semi final. Here they will most likely get a good look at a possible future player for Chelsea: Diego Costa. As well as, get a glimpse of Thibaut Courtois, the on-loan keeper who has impressed in his three year haul in Madrid. It will be an interesting contest and is sure to excite lots of viewers. Chelsea should throw all their eggs into this basket because realistically it’s probably the last chance at silverware in the 2013/14 season.

As for next season, we should see lots of change, as Mourinho is not happy with his forward line, as well as others in the team. We could see lots of players leaving the club as many rumors roam the papers and internet. These players include but do not limit to: Torres, Ba, Eto’o, Oscar, Lampard, Ramires, Mikel, Cole, Luiz, and more such as loanees Kakuta and Kalas.For that lot, we could see a return of anywhere from £75,000,000-£125,000,000. Thus enhancing our summer spending where we could see players brought in like Costa, Shaw, Moreno, Bony, Benatia, Kroos, or Reus.

It looks to be an exciting end to the year as we approach World Cup 2014 in Brazil. And even more exciting a very successful 2014/15 Chelsea season. Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!

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