In Defense

Unsurprisingly Chelsea, and more to the point, us the fans have come under criticism from the media. The club and Abramovich initially came under fire for once again sacking another manager but even that was not really done with any heart as even the most staunch Chelsea hating journo would have to admit that even though managers have been sacked in large numbers trophies have arrived in even larger numbers, that you cannot deny.

So it was that the focus of the media ritual of digging us out turned to the fans. When Benitez was appointed it was clear that the feeling among Chelsea fans was unanimously negative, you would be hard pushed to find a Chelsea fan who thought it would be a good idea to appoint Benitez. Feelings were high and a match was very close, so it was no surprise to see that feeling voiced in the stands on Sunday. 

The question is, why are we being criticized for that feeling and opinion? Even when you think you have seen it all from the media it was still amazing to see Chelsea fans branded as bullies and cowards by The Times! Apparently when other clubs rally against their club or manager (see any number of examples: Man Utd, Liverpool, Blackburn) their fans are passionate about their club and voicing their opinion in the only way the club will take notice but when it is Chelsea fans it is bullying and cowardice. I have said before and I will say it again about the so called football journalists that they could not analyse a game of football if their life depended on it so they have to resort to these sort of stories.

Basically what we are being told is that as Chelsea fans we have two options either act against Abramovich and make it clear he is not wanted here or accept quietly every decision he makes. Why? Why can't we be perfectly happy with Abramovich but let him and the board know when we are not happy with a choice that has been made? Benitez has in the past directly been critical of us Chelsea fans, of course we are not going to take kindly to that and of course we are not going to be happy if that person takes charge of our club. So another chapter in the ongoing media campaign of negativity about Chelsea rolls on and I am sure this one will last probably for the whole of the season. But one thing is for sure Chelsea fans should not feel bad in any way for defending what their feel about the club they love.

The first game of the Benitez reign was pretty unremarkable, another game where we manage little in the way of attempts on goal, however on this occasion we did manage to keep a clean sheet. Trying to identify any changes in the way we played compared to under Di Matteo it was hard to notice anything. The only real difference was that the full backs and Ramires were slightly less adventurous than they had been. Having said that a draw to the unbeaten champions is not a result to turn your nose up at but the next few games will be more interesting. Games against Fulham and West Ham even though they are fierce competitive games should be games we pick up 3 points. So once again we sit back and wait to see what is served up by the man dubbed a "fat Spanish waiter".

Continuing with the theme of defense the U18's and U21's both kept clean sheets over the weekend. The U18's picking up a 1 - 0 win over Middlesbrough in the fog with John Swift getting the goal. With FA Youth cup coming up this Saturday there will be some concerns over some injuries picked up in that game. The U21's who are now picking up some decent results recorded a 3 - 0 win at Cobham last night, goals coming from Nathan Ake, Islam Feruz and a return to action and goals for Adam Coombes. The U21's are unlikely to qualify for the elite group at U21's level now but will look for more consistant performances in the next stage of the competition.