CHELSEA 4 - SWANSEA 1
£50 MILLION misfit Fernando Torres scored a rare goal to set Chelsea on their way to a 4-1 win against Swansea- and minutes later was sent off. The Spanish striker’s pleas were in vain as ref Mike Dean gave him his marching orders for a two-footed challenge on Mark Gower. Swans boss Brendan Rodgers said: "maybe he was trying too hard."
Fernando Torres continues to be an utter embarrassment for Chelsea.
The scoreline suggests they won at a canter. Not so. But the story will always revolve around the controversial Spaniard. And Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to drop Frank Lampard. Torres is £50million worth of controversy. And little return except pain. He rarely scores, misses by miles and when there’s a chance of redemption he usually fluffs his lines.
After putting Chelsea in front against a gallant Swansea with a goal that was once his trademark, he lost his head and was sent off for a reckless two-footed tackle on Mark Gower just before half-time. Typical of his time at Stamford Bridge, his lunge almost missed – but the intent was there. Mike Dean had no option and Villas-Boas admitted the referee got it right.
Fernando Torres continues to be an utter embarrassment for Chelsea.
The scoreline suggests they won at a canter. Not so. But the story will always revolve around the controversial Spaniard. And Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to drop Frank Lampard. Torres is £50million worth of controversy. And little return except pain. He rarely scores, misses by miles and when there’s a chance of redemption he usually fluffs his lines.
After putting Chelsea in front against a gallant Swansea with a goal that was once his trademark, he lost his head and was sent off for a reckless two-footed tackle on Mark Gower just before half-time. Typical of his time at Stamford Bridge, his lunge almost missed – but the intent was there. Mike Dean had no option and Villas-Boas admitted the referee got it right.
“It looked a good decision by the official. The player made a mistake but has nothing to apologise for,” he said. Swans manager Brendan Rodgers said: “When Torres scored I turned to my bench and said he looked to be getting back to his best. “Perhaps he was trying too hard. He is just trying to show at the moment that he is fighting for everything.” Can Chelsea afford to keep playing someone whose only reason for being selected is that he was bought on an indulgence by owner Roman Abramovich?
For the moment Villas-Boas has that decision taken from his hands as a three-game ban kicks in. He swiftly avoided all further questions on his controversial striker. He said: “This was a great team performance by ten men. His absence now gives others a chance.” Torres’ behaviour overshadowed two goals from Ramires and the fact manager Villas-Boas decided to axe Lampard.
For the moment Villas-Boas has that decision taken from his hands as a three-game ban kicks in. He swiftly avoided all further questions on his controversial striker. He said: “This was a great team performance by ten men. His absence now gives others a chance.” Torres’ behaviour overshadowed two goals from Ramires and the fact manager Villas-Boas decided to axe Lampard.
The new boss showed his teeth by dropping Lampard to the bench. Although the manager said the decision was purely to keep the England international fresh for Wednesday’s trip to Valencia, it’s becoming obvious that he is no longer an automatic first choice. Villas-Boas said: “I need fresh legs for that game. I had to make decisions for the team.” Didier Drogba returned – and was singled out for praise by his manager after he scored in the 94th minute – as Chelsea just about kept Manchester United in their sights.
If they had lost yesterday it would have been their worst start to a season for ten years. But Chelsea also desperately needed this win because they are becoming so predictable. The one-dimensional, defensive Jon Obi Mikel can’t unlock defences, nor the Mohican-sporting Raul Meireles or Ramires. They are workhorses, not thoroughbreds.
Meireles looked totally lost, seemingly not having a defensive or attacking role, while Ramires has still to win over Chelsea fans despite his two goals. Swansea defended well until the 29th minute when they allowed Torres room to breathe. He was unmarked as fellow Spaniard Juan Mata lofted over a pass for him to turn and rifle home from ten yards – a blast from the past.
Chelsea’s second goal was a beauty to behold. Torres, again, pushed a pass to Ashley Cole, who then cleverly sprayed the ball for the racing legs of Ramires to strike home in the 39th minute.
Chelsea finally made the game secure when Ramires raced on to Mikel’s pass in the 75th minute to add his second and their third. Swansea, deservedly, got reward for their brave and fair showing when Ashley Williams headed in from Gower’s free-kick in the 86th minute.
Drogba arrived to an immense welcome and in the final minute turned on sub Salmon Kalou’s pass to score. Rodgers, a former assistant at Stamford Bridge, added: “I am proud of our side. We gave it a go but Chelsea had the experience.”
Meireles looked totally lost, seemingly not having a defensive or attacking role, while Ramires has still to win over Chelsea fans despite his two goals. Swansea defended well until the 29th minute when they allowed Torres room to breathe. He was unmarked as fellow Spaniard Juan Mata lofted over a pass for him to turn and rifle home from ten yards – a blast from the past.
Chelsea’s second goal was a beauty to behold. Torres, again, pushed a pass to Ashley Cole, who then cleverly sprayed the ball for the racing legs of Ramires to strike home in the 39th minute.
Chelsea finally made the game secure when Ramires raced on to Mikel’s pass in the 75th minute to add his second and their third. Swansea, deservedly, got reward for their brave and fair showing when Ashley Williams headed in from Gower’s free-kick in the 86th minute.
Drogba arrived to an immense welcome and in the final minute turned on sub Salmon Kalou’s pass to score. Rodgers, a former assistant at Stamford Bridge, added: “I am proud of our side. We gave it a go but Chelsea had the experience.”
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