Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle United (Branislav Ivanovic, Alex; Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor)

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After 75 minutes of two blunt attacks bludgeoning each other into a stalemate, and boring the crowd into dreaming about the final whistle, up stepped Chelsea’s saviour. Not the 50 million pound man, Fernando Torres, but a more unlikely hero: David Luiz.

Luiz is the perfect cult figure. He already has a nickname in ‘Sideshow Bob’ – because of his resemblance to the Simpsons character; in his every movement he embodies the likeable exuberance of an energetic teenager; and he is developing a priceless knack for turning big games.

It is ironic that the crucial goals scored by Luiz, which won yesterday’s game against Manchester City, and which sparked a 2-1 comeback victory against Manchester United three weeks ago, are those which look like they may secure the lucrative Champions League football that onlooking owner Roman Abramovich demands. The same Champions League football, that is, which Fernando Torres was bought to provide.

The beauty of Luiz lies in the unrefined tenacity that is a hallmark of his play, and it is this quality that makes him a perfect fit for the tumultuous fashion and frenetic pace in which Premier League games are played. He flies into every tackle as if it were his last, and he drives his team-mates forward as though he was their inspirational captain – a position which he surely may one day hold.

Sunday’s game against Man City was conspicuous by its lack of creativity. A Chelsea side bereft of width were perfect fodder for the sponge-like defensive core of Manchester City, which soaked up the opposition’s direct attacks with ease.

But David Luiz won a free-kick through his desire to make something happen; tripped by Micah Richards whilst desperately searching for space in a final third of the pitch saturated by leaden attackers and defenders. From the resulting ball in, Luiz grabbed his chance and forced home a header to provide the spark that seemed so unlikely to come from anywhere else.

Luiz looks to be one of the most fortunate signings of the season. He was brought in by the Blues not to score goals, but to provide a much needed lift to an ageing and weakening back line. Arguably, it was not even a striker or centre-back that Chelsea needed the most from the January transfer window, but a wide-man.

Chelsea’s tight midfield, not helped by the unbalanced wing-back pairing of Ashley Cole and the ill-suited Branislav Ivanovic, is crying out for some creativity from the wings, particularly from the right flank. It is hard to see Torres, a player who enjoys converting crosses, maximising his talent in this present Chelsea set up – a set up which is starting to look plodding and predictable rather than pacy and powerful.

So how fortunate Chelsea are that they have discovered a player with more strings to his bow than they had imagined, and who may yet save their season. At present David Luiz is almost single-handedly galvanising the Blues. If some of Chelsea’s old guard can muster one last effort and join his revolution then Chelsea may yet prove a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, and In Europe.

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Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has signed a New Contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2016.

The five-and-a-half year deal will come as a boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after losing ground in the title race due to a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Serbian defender has gone from strength-to-strength since signing from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2008, helping the club win two FA Cups and a Premier League title.

Ivanovic is delighted to commit his long-term future to Chelsea, insisting it was not difficult to agree terms with the West London club

“It is good news for me, it is a very big step for me in my career and I want to give my maximum and try to help Chelsea win a lot more trophies,” he told the club’s official website.

“These things take a little time but my first vision was always to stay with Chelsea, there were not a lot of problems because I wanted to stay, the club wanted me to stay and I want to thank everyone who helped with the deal, I am very happy with that.

“I don’t like to think too much about the past because in football you have to get better every day, but from my side maybe the two goals against Liverpool gave me confidence.

“For every player coming to a new country you have to adapt and then you become better and better, but I now feel so comfortable here and I really enjoy being a Chelsea player and my wish was always to stay here.

“Now I think I can give many more good games, the three years has gone very quickly, and I think it has been a success so I hope to carry on getting better and better with Chelsea.”

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Chelsea will rest a number of their first-team regulars against Msk Zilina in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech and striker Nicolas Anelka will be missing, while coach Carlo Ancelotti gives a first-ever start to teenage midfielder Josh McEachran.

The Blues are without injured John Terry (thigh); Frank Lampard (tendon), Yuri Zhirkov (calf), John Mikel Obi (knee), Alex (knee) and Yossi Benayoun (Achilles).

Jeffrey Bruma will play alongside Branislav Ivanovic at the heart of the defence.

Team (from): Turnbull, Hilario, Cech, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Bruma, Ivanovic, Cole, Van Aanholt, Ramires, McEachran, Malouda, Drogba, Kalou, Kakuta, Sturridge, Borini, Sala. (Daily Mail)

Even with an understrength team, Chelsea will expect to secure the point needed to top Group F at home tomorrow night.

In Slovakia, Chelsea triumphed 1-4 thanks to goals from Michael Essien, Daniel Sturridge and a brace from Nicolas Anelka, and in London they will hope to keep up their 100% record in the competition.

Josh McEachran looks a fine talent in midfield, and once he has bulked up with some gym work could be Chelsea’s first youth product for some time to make it through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

He has already seen himself called into the England U21 squad at the age of just 17, and the slower pace of the UEFA Champions League would seem to suit his game more in the immediate future than the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

In addition, Jeffrey Bruma will hope to prove to Carlo Ancelotti that he is the man to solve Chelsea’s defensive crisis, with Blues centre halves Alex and John Terry both struggling with injuries.

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has said the whole team must shoulder the blame for their surprising 3-0 Premier League defeat at home to Sunderland.

“As a team we didn’t play well,” Cech said. “It was not because individuals were missing and the back four was changed – it was everybody’s mistake.

“We were not compact enough, we were just all over the place and that’s why they had those chances and unfortunately for us they took two of them and the third goal I don’t even count as it’s just one of those things that when everything can go wrong does go wrong.” (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea could have lost by even more to Sunderland on Sunday. The three goal margin did not flatter the Black Cats.

However, in fairness to Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues team, they were missing some key players.

John Terry and Alex were out, meaning a centre half partnership of Branislav Ivanovic and Paulo Ferreira had to play, while Michael Essien and Frank Lampard were also absent.

A midfield trio of John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Yuri Zhirkov appears neither balanced nor incisive. Not one of those players is a strong tackler, a creative player, or a big goal threat. Each is a jack of all trades, but a master of none – though Ramires deserves more time to settle to prove his worth.

However, Steve Bruce’s game plan worked brilliantly – and he has clearly learned from his similar tactical approach against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Knowing most of Chelsea’s threat comes through Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda on their left hand side, Bruce asked Kieran Richardson to tail Cole throughout the match, while Nedum Onuoha tracked Malouda.

With no Lampard or Essien in midfield, there was far less threat on the right hand side of the Chelsea midfield, and Jose Bosingwa found himself penned back by the high pressing Sunderland forwards.

This meant Chelsea could not build from the back in their usual fashion, and often resorted to a longer ball in panic.

The question is, once Chelsea get their big players back, would Bruce’s tactics be a universal approach to take them on, or will they be safe in the knowledge that their best is the match for anyone?

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John Terry fears he may be sidelined for MONTHS.

The Chelsea skipper, who has been troubled by a nerve problem in his right leg, last night revealed he has played through the pain barrier since the end of last season – but now wants doctors to find a cure.

Terry said: “It is at a point where I cannot carry on with it.

“I used to be able to make it through games because the adrenalin gets you going and you blank the pain out.

“But now there is no decision to make. After games I’m in agony and not sleeping at all.”

The possible long-term absence of Terry, 29, is a huge loss for boss Carlo Ancelotti whose lack of defensive cover was shown up in Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland.

Terry will discuss his options at the Blues’ training ground today and he may fly to Italy later this week to see a specialist team recommended by Ancelotti.

The England star added: “I’m at my wit’s end. I know I won’t play against Birmingham on Saturday but beyond that there are no clues. It could be weeks, it could be months.” (The Sun)

This is bad news for both Chelsea and England.

Chelsea sold Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid in the summer, and with Alex recovering slowly from his knee problem, there could be more games yet with Paulo Ferreira in central defence alongside Branislav Ivanovic.

Indeed, it could have been worse had the Serbian international been quite justifiably sent off against Sunderland for a last man offence, for a three match suspension against Chelsea’s only remaining established first team centre half would have been hugely damaging.

Surely it is time for Carlo Ancelotti to give Jeffrey Bruma a chance at the back. He might be just 19, but has already earned international recognition with his first cap for the Netherlands, and his time has to be now.

There has been a notable change in Chelsea’s transfer policy in recent transfer windows, which may of course be down to the forthcoming UEFA transfer rule changes, and it has affected their squad – which was previously the best in the league.

Though their first XI is still almost certainly the best in the Premier League, they do not boast top quality talent in reserve – just potential.

On the bench against Sunderland were the aforementioned Bruma, 20 year-old Patrick van Aanholt, 18 year-old Gael Kakuta, 18 year-old Jacopo Sala and Josh McEachran, who is just 17.

Chelsea could really struggle in the Premier League if they suffer more injuries to key players.

As for England, with Rio Ferdinand’s back injuries still a concern, Fabio Capello could be forced to blood the likes of Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones alongside Phil Jagielka or Joleon Lescott at the back.

This might be a blessing in disguise for the national team, who have relied on the old guard for a very long time.

It just depends if the players concerned are able to step up to the plate.

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Chelsea’s Brazilian defender Alex has revealed he wants to finish his career at Stamford Bridge.

“To be here is a good feeling, it’s very important for me and I’m very happy,” said Alex.

“In my career I never expected this, that one day I would come to play in England for a big team like Chelsea and complete 100 games.

“I’m very happy and hope to stay here for a long, long time and play for 200 or 300 games. This season I have been here longer than PSV, it feels like home and I hope I can stay here for the rest of my career.” (Daily Telegraph)

With Ricardo Carvalho moving to Real Madrid in the summer, a place opened up alongside John Terry in Chelsea’s central defence.

Branislav Ivanovic has switched between right back and centre back this season due to injuries to both Alex and Jose Bosingwa, but realistically it is between he and the Brazilian competing for the second centre back role in the Blues’ starting XI.

Both are assured in defence both in the air and on the deck, but Alex’s powerful shot and propensity to score rockets of free kicks makes him a valuable asset for Chelsea.

Although Jeffrey Bruma is gradually being integrating into first team matters, Alex and Ivanovic have assured there is no need for Chelsea fans to worry about the Blues’ defence for a while yet.

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Chelsea are planning an audacious move for Bayern Munich right back Philipp Lahm. Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a huge admirer of the German international and is known to have harboured hopes of capturing the Bayern Munich man this summer.

The 26 year old has plied his trade at the Bavarian club since the age of 11, bar a two year period on loan to Stuttgart, and may well be ready for a new challenge, especially as his side appear to be in free fall this term having collected just two wins thus far this season.

Ancelotti has been linked with moves for replacement right backs despite the consistent displays from Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic. The Stamford Bridge boss is hoping to tempt Lahm to west London with a significant pay increase but knows that Louis Van Gaal will fight tooth and nail to keep the pint sized attack minded wide man.

Philipp Lahm can operate either as a standard right back or in a more advanced wing back role and can also play out on the left. A move for the vastly experienced Munich born star could cost as much as £24m but with Roman Abramovich’s backing such a fee would not represent a problem for the Premier League champions.

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IMScouting reports that Juventus are interested in signing Branislav Ivanovic. The defender’s contract is up in 2012 and there is speculation that the Blues would rather sell him now than let him walk away for nothing in two years time. Juventus believe they can lure the Serb to Italy because he shares his agents with their winger Milos Krasic and this would make any potential deal easier.

Footylatest.com reports that Chelsea and Arsenal are ready to battle it out for German star Bastian Schweinsteiger and Dutch full-back Gregory Van Der Wiel.

The midfielder is considered one of the world’s best holding players but he is apparently unhappy at Bayern Munich and he is looking to move on next summer. Ajax’s van der Wiel, meanwhile, has also attracted attention from Juventus and AC Milan and he would cost around £10m. Whether Ajax choose to sell in January will depend on whether or not they progress in Europe. (A Different League)

Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic has been a big success at right back and it would seem unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti would simply look to sell him to Juventus because his contract runs out in two years time. The powerfully built 26 year old has become a regular fixture in the Stamford Bridge starting eleven under the Italian’s guidance after an indifferent start to his Blues career under previous bosses Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink.

However that said, Gregory Van Der Wiel is a top notch up and coming alternative who appears to be getting the attention of a number of Europe’s elite with the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal also paying close attention to the 22 year old who played five our of seven games as Holland finished runners up at the 2010 World Cup.

The attack minded full back is apparently strongly linked away from cash strapped Ajax and could well be heading for a Premier League move.

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Ajax admit they will be powerless to stop Gregory Van Der Wiel leaving in January if a ‘sensible’ bid came in.
talkSPORT revealed earlier this summer the Dutch full-back was being tracked by Chelsea but they were desperate to keep hold of him in the transfer window.
Manager Martin Jol has a lack of funds at his disposal and has been told player departures are a main way in which he can improve his situation at the Amsterdam Arena.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to be monitoring van der Wiel this season and officials at Ajax claim they are aware of interest from another Premier League club.
And now Ajax insiders are bracing themselves for a bid in January – with a bid for the 22-year-old between £12-£15m likely to make them listen.
A source close to the club has confirmed that two Premier League teams have requested ‘representative passes’ to watch Ajax matches this season, with van der Wiel likely to be the main attraction.
Luis Suarez, the free-scoring Ajax striker, remains settled in Holland for now but the future of Dutchman van der Wiel is not as certain. (TalkSPORT)

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly very keen on the young Dutch full back and the Stamford Bridge boss is keen on building for the future and a move for the Ajax right back makes a great deal of sense. Arsenal are also tracking Gregory Van Der Wiel and a bidding war may ensue come January.

The Amsterdam born youngster has been a regular for the past two seasons and is a very combative wide man who also has good positional sense and knows how to defend. He is also able to pop up with the odd goal here and there and Martin Jol will be loathed to lose him but may opt to sell him rather than Luis Suarez, a player who arguably is more important to the Dutch side who have financial problems to contend with.

Although the Premier League champions have been using Branislav Ivanovic very effectively in the right side spot a move for the Netherlands international would still be a wise one for the future.

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