Chelsea threw this one away against a spirited Middlesboro side. The Blues should have wrapped this one up before resting on their laurels and lost a valuable three points
Middlesboro started lively but by half time Chelsea looked in total control of this game - after Shevchenko scored his debut premiership goal in the 16th minute after another brilliant move down the left from Wayne Bridge (his second good game in a row for Chelsea). Chelsea sprayed the ball around and played with the swagger of champions and had should have put the game beyond the reach of Boro in that time.
Unfortunately a different team emerged after the break (same eleven players though). We just did not compete with the same energy or passion in the second half and despite having a good goal disallowed and hitting the post allowed the Teesiders more into the game as it went along and two poor defensive moments cost us the three points - the first goal was a free header and the second goal four Chelsea defenders all capitulated together allowing the injury time goal - it is no wonder Mourhino is livid with the performance.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW
Barcelona again - the biggest rivalry in Europe is continued. The draw was not kind with Werder Bremen certainly no pushovers - any two from three with Levski Sofia propping up the rest. Man Utd & Liverpool will be delighted with their easy groups - although Arsenal will be stretched a lot further than last year with some tough opponents.
Matchday 1 - Tuesday Sept 12th: Chelsea v Werder Bremen
Matchday 2 - Wednesday Sept 27nd: Levski Sofia v Chelsea
Matchday 3 - Wednesday Oct 18th: Chelsea v Barcelona
Matchday 4 - Tuesday Oct 31st: Barcelona v Chelsea
Matchday 5 - Wednesday Nov 22nd: Werder Bremen v Chelsea
Matchday 6 - Tuesday Dec 5th: Chelsea v Levski Sofia
Also hot press - Chelsea and Adidas have unveiled their new Euro Champions League Kit. Click here to see it.
Although its probably better to forget this match, Shevchenko's goal is noteworthy as hopefully its his first of many Premiership goals for Chelsea.
Blues' Clues
Blackburn away at the weekend has produced two close games over the past two years - with a 1-0 victory two years ago - when the Butchers of Black Pudding hacked at everything and caused Robben to miss a large chunk of the rest of the season. Last year Blackburn were victorious 1-0 against a Chelsea second eleven - the wednesday after Chelsea had wrapped up the Premiership. This season will be close again 1-0 to Chelsea who will be playing with a differnet staring 11 to the one that threw away the game on wednesday.
So after great results with Arsenal and Liverpool both dropping points at the weekend - we've gone and done it too. Hopefully we can get back on the winning streak again this weekend.
Related Article: Blues Clues
