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Chelsea
v West Bromwich Albion
Stamford Bridge,
West London. 26th October 2002, 3.00pm. |
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At times during this
game, Albion looked comfortable but you always felt that Chelsea
had something more to give. When the first goal went in, you felt
robbed because it was virtually their first shot, but at the same
time it was no surprise. Yes, there were times in the second half
when Albion were unlucky not to score, but Albion must play much
better than this to prevent a quick return to the bankrupt league.
Two changes from the Birmingham game saw the cone-challenged captain
McInnes replace Wallwork, and Dobie replace Hughes up front. The
opening stages were fairly uneventful with the first shot of any
kind not coming until the 23rd minute when a weak Roberts shot was
gathered by Cudicini.
Albion looked comfortable with Hoult untroubled behind a solid defence
and a hardworking midfield. But on 27 minutes, Emmanuel Petit, by
far the classiest player in the game, almost put Zola through. Only
quick thinking by Hoult caused the Italian to run the ball out of
play.
Just seconds later, it was Petit again who played a defence splitting
pass, this time to HASSELBAINK who fired a low shot which Hoult
could only push onto the inside of the post with his leg. Chelsea
were then well on top and Albion's inability to keep the ball was
exploited. Both Petit and Zola could have doubled the home side's
lead before the break.
It was more of the same at the start of the second half. Moore and
Gregan got in good blocks to deny Gronkjaer and Lampard respectively.
On 54 minutes it was two. Hasselbaink broke into the box beating
Balis, Moore and Hoult. But Gilchrist was on the line to clear.
His clearance fell straight to LE SAUX however, and the former England
star made no mistake from twelve yards.
Megson tried to change the Albion fortunes with an almost immediate
substitution. The ineffective Marshall was replaced by Hughes as
the Baggies went 4-3-3. And for a few minutes, it looked to have
been inspired as the visitors finally took the game to their opponents.
Andy Johnson became the first Albion player to hit the woodwork
this season, when he saw a free header from six yards out cannon
back off the left hand post. Seconds later, Clement hit a thunderous
30 yard shot that beat Cudicini but rebounded off the bar. Zola
missed a good chance for Chelsea before Cudicini denied Hughes with
a save from close range.
We know Albion can play but they need to show it more often. They
showed Chelsea too much respect in the first half. With points dropped
against Blues and nothing at Chelsea, the next two games are vital
if we are to stay in touch.
RESULT - CHELSEA 2 WEST BROMWICH
ALBION 0
Marks
Hoult - 6 - Didn't really have much to do, blameless for the goals.
Balis - 6 - Average defensively, attacked well in second half.
Clement - 6 - Did well, unlucky with the shot.
Gilchrist - 7 - Solid performance.
Moore - 6 - Did OK, fell over a bit too much.
Gregan - 6 - Poor game by his standards.
Johnson - 7 - MOM. Excellent game, should have scored with the header,
though.
McInnes - 6 - Lead well, passing let him down.
Marshall - 4 - Poor.
Dobie - 5 - Did little to help JR.
Roberts - 7 - Our only outlet in the first half.
Hughes - 7 - Did well when he came on.
Sigurdsson - 7 - Defence looked better with him.
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Chelsea
(4-4-2):
Cudicini; Melchiot, Gallas, Desailly, Le Saux; Gronkjaer (Terry
80), Petit (Morris 73), Lampard, De Lucas; Zola, Hasselbaink. Subs
not used: Pidgeley (GK), Gudjohnson, Oliveira. |
West
Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Murphy; Gregan (Sigurdsson 67), Moore, Gilchrist; Balis, Marshall
(Hughes 58), McInnes, Johnson, Clement; Roberts, Dobie. Subs not
used: Jensen (GK), Koumas, Wallwork.
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Scoring: Hasselbaink
(30) 1-0, Le Saux (54) 2-0.
Bookings: West Bromwich Albion - Johnson (foul 60).
Referee: S Dunn (Bristol)
Attendance: 40,893 |
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