What We Learned From The West Ham Match: 1/12/12

It was an afternoon to forget for Chelsea as they ended up losing 3-1 to West Ham in Rafael Benitez’s first match away from home. West Ham deserved to win this match as Chelsea failed to turn up for the 2nd half. Nevertheless, there are a few things to take away from this loss to the Hammers.

1) Football is a game of 2 halves
2) Benitez needs to use his substitutes more effectively
3) Torres must up his game….. a LOT!
4) Moses deserves a few more starts
5) Cesar Azpilicueta is class

1) One of the most elementary lessons of football- it is a game of 2 halves. You can be extremely brilliant in the first half, but if the 2nd half performance isn’t up to scratch, chances are you will be punished. That is exactly what happened to Chelsea today. While we clearly outperformed West Ham in the first half, we didn’t turn up for the 2nd half and West Ham took the game to us. While the result was disappointing, it wasn’t exactly surprising, was it?

2) Benitez had Oscar, Marin and Piazon as attacking options on the bench. He decided to bring on Oscar and Marin when West Ham equalized. Oscar came on for Hazard and Marin for Moses. Hazard hadn’t been at his best, but he has the ability to change a game on his own, while Moses had been one of our best players throughout the match. It would have made more sense if Oscar came on for Mikel and Marin for Torres, hence pushing Moses or Hazard upfront and ensuring that Chelsea went all out. Instead, neither substitution made the desired impact due to Benitez playing it ‘safe’. He needs to be more bold with his subs.

3) Chelsea fans have all but lost patience with Fernando Torres, and today’s performance certainly didn’t help his case. While he was okay in the 1st half, providing the assist for Mata’s goal and having a couple of shots of his own, he was AWOL for most of the 2nd half. While he’s not solely to blame for the loss, we could have salvaged at least a point had he been more clinical. Torres must improve leaps and bounds, and one cannot help but feel that with the January transfer window approaching, the Spaniard’s days at Stamford Bridge are numbered…. in low digits.

4) Victor Moses was handed a start by Benitez and the Nigerian didn’t disappoint. He was heavily involved in the build-up play to the opening goal and was involved in most of Chelsea’s attacks. He looked lively on the wings and the West Ham defence didn’t seem to have any answers to his trickery and pace. Moses hasn’t been a regular starter for Chelsea, but has impressed many with his performances off the bench (his best appearance as a sub was against Shakhtar in the CL when he scored a last-minute winner). He definitely deserves a start every now and then.

5) Cesar Azpilicueta arrived at Chelsea as a promising youngster, but his recent performances in a Chelsea shirt have been nothing short of world-class. He looked rock-solid against City and Fulham, and put in yet another brilliant shift at RB today. He kept Matt Jarvis in his pocket for most of the game and was involved in quite a few of our attacks. The Spaniard is solid at the back while also being threatening in attack, ideal for a wing-back. Dave (the tag he has been affectionately given by Chelsea fans due to his surname) may very well turn out to be one of our best signings of the season.

What else do you think we can take away from this crushing defeat? Do let us know!

Shayne Dias

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LondonsFirst

51 thoughts on “What We Learned From The West Ham Match: 1/12/12

  1. “Torres must improve leaps and bounds”: So far you didnt understand that this torres is not a player anymore long time ago.
    Our ONLY problem is to sack Torres. He was awful again, particularly in second half . Roman has brought disgrace to chelsea. Will he sack benitez?? This stupid owner sacks our hero RDM because of Torres.

    Torres must not involve in any game until January otherwise we will continue to lose. we cannot afford to play with 10 players as Torres doesnt exist on the pitch.

  2. “Torres must improve leaps and bounds”: So far you didnt understand that this torres is not a player anymore long time ago.
    Our ONLY problem is to sack Torres. He was awful again, particularly in second half . Roman has brought disgrace to chelsea. Will he sack benitez?? This stupid owner sacks our hero RDM because of Torres.

    Torres must not involve in any game until January otherwise we will continue to lose. we cannot afford to play with 10 players as Torres doesnt exist on the pitch.

  3. Anonymous

    was more difficult to hit the goalkeeper that to score, torres he did it very well! D:

  4. Anonymous

    was more difficult to hit the goalkeeper that to score, torres he did it very well! D:

  5. I stick to my case. Chelsea need a creative midfielder in the pivot. Ramires has a good tackle and has speed,that's all. He doesn't have the vision or passing ability to pick out that decisive pass. Yes he runs forward with the ball but the opposition can also run back quickly and cover. There is no need for one of the attacking trio to pick up the ball deep in a double pivot system. Ramires is an outstanding player but he's better in a 3 man midfield like the 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 systems. Our midfield is completely disjointed.

  6. I stick to my case. Chelsea need a creative midfielder in the pivot. Ramires has a good tackle and has speed,that's all. He doesn't have the vision or passing ability to pick out that decisive pass. Yes he runs forward with the ball but the opposition can also run back quickly and cover. There is no need for one of the attacking trio to pick up the ball deep in a double pivot system. Ramires is an outstanding player but he's better in a 3 man midfield like the 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 systems. Our midfield is completely disjointed.

  7. Anonymous

    Maybe d Rafa magic can't work here.tell him 2 luk 4 a club dat is suitable 2 his style.but not chelsea.

  8. Anonymous

    Maybe d Rafa magic can't work here.tell him 2 luk 4 a club dat is suitable 2 his style.but not chelsea.

  9. Torres is our big problem period,we need lampard and terry back we miss them,sturridge should be playin up front. . . .

  10. Torres is our big problem period,we need lampard and terry back we miss them,sturridge should be playin up front. . . .

  11. Anonymous

    The problem is that most chelsea supporters and owner included support e name Torres to e detriment of the team,,,,that boy lost his class when he ws a liverpool player. Up until we do away with him, the future is fat with more misery and disampointments,,,, its unfortunate to say this but nw i hate Torres. Distroying Chelsea from within is his mission to me. So sad.

  12. Anonymous

    The problem is that most chelsea supporters and owner included support e name Torres to e detriment of the team,,,,that boy lost his class when he ws a liverpool player. Up until we do away with him, the future is fat with more misery and disampointments,,,, its unfortunate to say this but nw i hate Torres. Distroying Chelsea from within is his mission to me. So sad.

  13. Shame man. Do you want a tissue?

  14. Shame man. Do you want a tissue?

  15. Anonymous

    True so true man.. I completely agree with you.. Torres is a fucking bad luck for chelsea.. Ever since he has come, he did nothing.. Always a loner on the pitch he didnt participate in the game at all.. I m disappointed.. Rest him for atleast 3 or 4 matches.. And as u said Bring in moses and marin as for torres and mikel.. Marin has showed what he can do.. He has pace and trickry.. He can be more dangerous than mikel and and can create more chances for moses + he can do extremely well with the mazacar.. Come on Blues

  16. Anonymous

    True so true man.. I completely agree with you.. Torres is a fucking bad luck for chelsea.. Ever since he has come, he did nothing.. Always a loner on the pitch he didnt participate in the game at all.. I m disappointed.. Rest him for atleast 3 or 4 matches.. And as u said Bring in moses and marin as for torres and mikel.. Marin has showed what he can do.. He has pace and trickry.. He can be more dangerous than mikel and and can create more chances for moses + he can do extremely well with the mazacar.. Come on Blues

  17. Anonymous

    Torres and Benitez are the Problems of Chelsea at the Moment. Sack the two and get us a Striker and a Manager.

  18. Anonymous

    Torres and Benitez are the Problems of Chelsea at the Moment. Sack the two and get us a Striker and a Manager.

  19. credits to the write r of this blog i love the way you articulate and as for chelsea when the time to win comes you will

  20. credits to the write r of this blog i love the way you articulate and as for chelsea when the time to win comes you will

  21. Anonymous

    We lost focus today…

  22. Anonymous

    We lost focus today…

  23. Anonymous

    What we learned,what we learned. Haven't we learned enough shit,torres ad mikel are both jokes sell these guys bring luiz to DM hazard need a week rest or even 2weeks marin Moses can play Der Oscar can also take a break 4 piazon Mata is d only player dat has no replacement ad dats y January mcechran need 2 be call back mike is awful he just stay back no defence ramires do d defence ad attack mikel ad torres are both useless in d team its like chelsea playing 9 man hazard has d team on him so as Mata come on its not fair if d trophy comes dis torres ad mikel will both enjoy it wat nonsense ad bullshit 2 so January mcechran called back ad banzema ad cavani in ad y is chelsea not using sturridge upfront i prefer him 2 torres he showed dat against west brom do he miss chance be its better and interesting Dan no shot on goal torres only pass ad most of em are useless David luiz pass are better Dan mikel so y use him ad piazon is tall clinical so he fits a striker pair him an sturridge chance ad goal good bt not no shooting(i watch bamford gave in youth ad he is a shooting strike who has eyes 4 goal Dan Torres he sickening mi ad we re losing point also watt!!!! Hard shit) so learn not what we learned we keep on learning nt improving most especially torres ad mikel am tired ad bring back RDM he is a chelsea player and a fan bt Rafael benitez is just a coach dat does nt care bt RDM cares dat wat we talking abt. RAFA OUTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBERTO DI MATTEO INNNNNN!!!!!!!!!! I MISS HIM ALWAYS HELPING

  24. Anonymous

    What we learned,what we learned. Haven't we learned enough shit,torres ad mikel are both jokes sell these guys bring luiz to DM hazard need a week rest or even 2weeks marin Moses can play Der Oscar can also take a break 4 piazon Mata is d only player dat has no replacement ad dats y January mcechran need 2 be call back mike is awful he just stay back no defence ramires do d defence ad attack mikel ad torres are both useless in d team its like chelsea playing 9 man hazard has d team on him so as Mata come on its not fair if d trophy comes dis torres ad mikel will both enjoy it wat nonsense ad bullshit 2 so January mcechran called back ad banzema ad cavani in ad y is chelsea not using sturridge upfront i prefer him 2 torres he showed dat against west brom do he miss chance be its better and interesting Dan no shot on goal torres only pass ad most of em are useless David luiz pass are better Dan mikel so y use him ad piazon is tall clinical so he fits a striker pair him an sturridge chance ad goal good bt not no shooting(i watch bamford gave in youth ad he is a shooting strike who has eyes 4 goal Dan Torres he sickening mi ad we re losing point also watt!!!! Hard shit) so learn not what we learned we keep on learning nt improving most especially torres ad mikel am tired ad bring back RDM he is a chelsea player and a fan bt Rafael benitez is just a coach dat does nt care bt RDM cares dat wat we talking abt. RAFA OUTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBERTO DI MATTEO INNNNNN!!!!!!!!!! I MISS HIM ALWAYS HELPING

  25. Anonymous

    Ever heard of a fullstop? Besides,the stuff you say is wack.

  26. Anonymous

    Ever heard of a fullstop? Besides,the stuff you say is wack.

  27. Zane. man you are blinded in love for torres. i dont know why…..
    what have you seen in him, which we all others fail to catch.

    its true supporting torres has broken this chelsea team apart.
    i supported him enough till october 2012. but not anymore. he has had his opportunities but has failed miserably.

  28. Zane. man you are blinded in love for torres. i dont know why…..
    what have you seen in him, which we all others fail to catch.

    its true supporting torres has broken this chelsea team apart.
    i supported him enough till october 2012. but not anymore. he has had his opportunities but has failed miserably.

  29. this post is funny…

  30. this post is funny…

  31. Can just remind abrahamovic this is not fenando torres fc…..dat guy doesn't deserve a start yet you sack any coach who doesn't make use of him….torres sucks, benitez is worst and τ̲̅ȍȍ coward in him approach play and sub!!!

  32. Can just remind abrahamovic this is not fenando torres fc…..dat guy doesn't deserve a start yet you sack any coach who doesn't make use of him….torres sucks, benitez is worst and τ̲̅ȍȍ coward in him approach play and sub!!!

  33. Sack rafa and give duty to steve holland…we need a deep lying midfielder like modric and natural goalscorer like falcao…mikel and ramires doesnt create any chances…mikel wasting our counterattacking chances…

  34. Sack rafa and give duty to steve holland…we need a deep lying midfielder like modric and natural goalscorer like falcao…mikel and ramires doesnt create any chances…mikel wasting our counterattacking chances…

  35. The substitutions are rubbish…what the hell rafa thinking when he substitute moses and hazard when we are losing…he should have swap rami with oscar and tores with marin…moses will be a good threat than tores as striker…

  36. The substitutions are rubbish…what the hell rafa thinking when he substitute moses and hazard when we are losing…he should have swap rami with oscar and tores with marin…moses will be a good threat than tores as striker…

  37. Anonymous

    I think the whole team was awful in the 2nd half. Romeo should have been introduced in the game to help stem the aerial bombardment of West Ham players. The battle was lost when Diame and Taylor joined the party. Ramirez needs to improve with his passes in the final third, as he is class at winning possession from opponents.

    As for Torres, he needs to start playing with the academy to boost his confidence, cos he needs a full dosage of it. Who says he shouldn't have scored a begging second half chance that rebounded to him?

    I have no blame for Benitez cos he will always play like Benitez (safety first), was not the ideal replacement for our RDM who was playing the expansive, entertaining football with the lads. It was rather unfortunate that he was given the boot rather than the striker he needed

  38. Anonymous

    I think the whole team was awful in the 2nd half. Romeo should have been introduced in the game to help stem the aerial bombardment of West Ham players. The battle was lost when Diame and Taylor joined the party. Ramirez needs to improve with his passes in the final third, as he is class at winning possession from opponents.

    As for Torres, he needs to start playing with the academy to boost his confidence, cos he needs a full dosage of it. Who says he shouldn't have scored a begging second half chance that rebounded to him?

    I have no blame for Benitez cos he will always play like Benitez (safety first), was not the ideal replacement for our RDM who was playing the expansive, entertaining football with the lads. It was rather unfortunate that he was given the boot rather than the striker he needed

  39. We need to buy at least two strikers because we are in a mess. Spent a lot of money on torres but he is rubbish since he cannot score. I know we are already out of champions league am sure Juventus will draw with shakter. Oh! how i wish di mateo was still in his post. Abramovich has destroyed the season for us by sucking dimateo. How can one seperate sugar from sand. I fear we may end up sixth on the table. We are in crisis as at now the entire team.

  40. We need to buy at least two strikers because we are in a mess. Spent a lot of money on torres but he is rubbish since he cannot score. I know we are already out of champions league am sure Juventus will draw with shakter. Oh! how i wish di mateo was still in his post. Abramovich has destroyed the season for us by sucking dimateo. How can one seperate sugar from sand. I fear we may end up sixth on the table. We are in crisis as at now the entire team.

  41. I'm not blinded by love of Torres. That isn't the case. I can't remember the last time I defended him actually. I think it was when Sherry starting doing tactical analysis' etc. I do support him because I'm a ChelseaFC supporter and I want what is best for every player and the club. Torres actually has more chances now under Benitez and to be honest,I still have hope if the people at the club will start realise that our midfield (double pivot) is dead. Torres simply can't be the Torres we knew without a passing midfield. I do agree though that we should get in a new striker,one that will give Torres competition.

  42. I'm not blinded by love of Torres. That isn't the case. I can't remember the last time I defended him actually. I think it was when Sherry starting doing tactical analysis' etc. I do support him because I'm a ChelseaFC supporter and I want what is best for every player and the club. Torres actually has more chances now under Benitez and to be honest,I still have hope if the people at the club will start realise that our midfield (double pivot) is dead. Torres simply can't be the Torres we knew without a passing midfield. I do agree though that we should get in a new striker,one that will give Torres competition.

  43. Anonymous

    i think we should play lampard as our false 9. he has everything Torres lackes in front of goal

  44. Anonymous

    i think we should play lampard as our false 9. he has everything Torres lackes in front of goal

  45. Anonymous

    Just like said b4 mikel is a joke, Rafael should be give at least a chance. Hazard needs a a week or 2 rest, Mata is d only player dat has no replacement ad again we all no midfielder has pas bt nt ramires,ad dat tall, yellow card slow, lazy player called mikel.musonda is better Dan him ad i commented ad de say its wack middle finger for dat person

  46. Anonymous

    Just like said b4 mikel is a joke, Rafael should be give at least a chance. Hazard needs a a week or 2 rest, Mata is d only player dat has no replacement ad again we all no midfielder has pas bt nt ramires,ad dat tall, yellow card slow, lazy player called mikel.musonda is better Dan him ad i commented ad de say its wack middle finger for dat person

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