We Ain't Got No History - Matchday 9: Chelsea vs. Manchester CityChampions of Europe!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52884/21_SBN_002_We_Aint_Got_No_History_Favicon_32x32..png2013-10-28T16:15:56+00:00http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/rss/stream/47983872013-10-28T16:15:56+00:002013-10-28T16:15:56+00:00Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Ratings, Three Stars
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<figcaption>Clive Rose</figcaption>
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<b>1. FERNANDO TORRES</b> - FC</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: black;"><i>9.2</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span><b>39</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span><b>10*/15</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots</span><span><b>3*/5</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Take-ons</span><span><b>3/8</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Fouls drawn</span><span><b>4</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i>Nice things</i></span><span><b><i>5</i></b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i>Facepalms</i></span><span><b><i>1</i></b></span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">TORRES! TORRES! TORRES! Stamford Bridge echoed his name. Imagine if that beautiful shot doesn't clang off the crossbar (a second crossbar is as many matches) and instead shimmies in just underneath it! Three years we've waited. I think we, as fans, deserved this one, even the ones like me who had written ol' Nando off over 18 months ago. Thank you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">One goal, one assist. Apparently no successful crosses though, according to Opta. That's a bit strange. And all that after a rather shocking miss that would've surely destroyed him (again) a la the Manchester United miss. But it didn't and in fact it had the exact opposite effect. Didn't even need a mask this time!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">And if you're keeping track, this now makes fives goals in seven starts (one of which was cut short after 10 minutes), fourth Man of the Match award this season (11 appearances), and his eight in his last 23 rated appearances stretching back to last season.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">On the radio this morning Neil Barnett credited Mourinho's preseason training as the biggest influence on the rebirth of Torres. Whatever the reason, whatever he as the manager or Torres as the player himself are doing, please don't stop.</div>
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<b>2. RAMIRES</b> - MC</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: black;"><i>7.8</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span><b>65</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span><b>38/46</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots</span><span><b>0/1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Take-ons</span><span><b>4/5</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span><b>3/5</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Fouls drawn</span><span><b>3</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i>Nice things</i></span><span><b><i>4</i></b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i>Facepalms</i></span><b><i>2</i></b>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">A good game from all-action Ramires, although in my humble yet infallible opinion nowhere near 1.4 points better than <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a> (who once again falls to third worst according to all y'all).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> two midfielders combined to put the Yaya Touré on Yaya Touré, hassling him early and often, fouling if necessary (5 of Chelsea's 11 total and both yellow cards), and generally succeeding in making the big man less of an influence than we know him to be. As they used to say with Shaq, 'you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him.' And while Ramires was chasing, Lampard was backing up and making interceptions (3) and clearances (4/4).</div>
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<b>3. ANDRE SCHURRLE </b>- AML/AMR</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: black;"><i>7.5</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span><b>65</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span><b>31</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span><b>14/16</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots</span><span><b>1*/2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Take-ons</span><span><b>0/4</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span><b>3/4</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances</span><span><b>3/3</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i>Nice things</i></span><span><b><i>1</i></b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i>Facepalms</i></span><b><i>0</i></b>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a bit of a weird game for the German, for me. In attack, he played almost like a center forward partnering Torres, in defense he pressed a lot and pretty much everywhere on the pitch. His <a href="http://www.fourfourtwo.com/statszone/8-2013/matches/694982/player-stats/66842/OVERALL_02#tabs-wrapper-anchor">Opta stats dashboard</a> looks like one of those abstract artworks where someone just splashes paint randomly on the canvas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">But he made the perfect run for Torres to pick out (although failed to make a similar run when it was Oscar's turn to cross from the same place) and his defensive work-rate was easily higher than Hazard's & Oscar's combined.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Also, a special shout-out to his celebration on the bench for Torres's winner. Here it is in all its <a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/06f0f0523311c4d812a0257eca5292a0/tumblr_mvcjgaqLuc1qdmaaeo3_500.gif">glorious, slo-mo GIF glory</a>. Oh, how I adore thee.</div>
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<p><i>OTHERS:</i><br>Cech (<b>6.7</b>), Ivanovic (<b>7.4</b>), Cahill (<b>6.1</b>), Terry (<b>7.4</b>), A.Cole (<b>7.2</b>), Lampard (<b>6.4</b>), Oscar (<b>6.9</b>), Hazard (<b>6.7</b>)</p>
<p><i>SUBS:</i><br>Willian (<b>6.7</b>), Mikel (<b>6.8</b>), Eto'o (<b>6.1</b>)</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>This match, perhaps unsurprisingly, was distinctly lacking in derpy moments from our boys on Blue, while almost every player had at least one moment in the sun. Whether it was them raising their game for this titanic early season clash of title contenders, or whether it was Mourinho's magic finally getting through their thick skulls, it was a clean, smart, efficient game, for the most part, from Chelsea.</p>
<p>Also, a thumbs up should go to Howard Webb for keeping control of the game, while letting both teams play. Webb gets a lot of stick for whatever reason - he is a referee after all - but this match reasserted his position as easily England's best.</p>
<p><i>NICE THINGS:</i></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Torres (5):</span><ol>
<li><span>33' - beats Clichy around the corner with a hesitation move; perfect low cross for Schürrle to tap in.</span></li>
<li><span>36' - header lays the ball into Schürrle's path, who's unfortunately a yard offside</span></li>
<li><span>37' - fantastic effort after beating Demichelis and losing Zabaleta; no luck as it clangs off the bar (<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXmRcFLIIAAXe7E.jpg">Mourinho's reaction</a> sums it all up)</span></li>
<li><span>59' - lovely skill to pass/flick the ball to Oscar to get out of trouble and relieve the City pressure</span></li>
<li>90' - Hustle is his middle name, scoring "belief goals" is his game</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> <span>Lampard (4):</span><ol>
<li>9' - sticks it to Yaya Touré with a slide tackle; concedes the free kick in a non-threatening position</li>
<li>20' - his second crucial interception/clearance in the penalty area already</li>
<li> 22' - sticks it to <strike>Yaya Touré</strike> Fernandinho with a slide tackle; concedes the free kick in a non-threatening position but get a yellow for his troubles </li>
<li><span>45' - wins the ball with a slide tackle just ahead of Yaya Touré; gets up and clears for a corner with another slide tackle</span></li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> <span>Ramires (4)</span><ol>
<li><span>26' - sticks it to Yaya Touré with a slide tackle; concedes a throw-in in a non-threatening position</span></li>
<li>28' - wins the ball at the near touchline; curls in a mighty pretty, perfectly shaped cross from deep</li>
<li>75' - wins a free kick in a dangerous position with a typical surge through the middle</li>
<li>90+4' - wins the free kick to seal the deal</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> <span>Ivanovic (3):</span><ol>
<li><span>26' - nutmegs <span>David Silva</span></span></li>
<li><span>33' - wins the header near the halfway line from Cech's goal kick, not for the first time</span></li>
<li><span>64' - he's a bag of tricks, that boy</span></li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Hazard (2):<ol>
<li>55' - makes a fool out of Zabaleta who <a href="http://i.minus.com/iI5nsNXNvjSsF.gif">ends up on his backside</a> </li>
<li>56' - plays a medium-range 1-2 with Lampard to get free on the left wing</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>A.Cole (2):<ol>
<li>78' - nice look to pick out Hazard's run, who fluffs the control/first-touch (wasn't so easy, in his defense)</li>
<li>90' - beasting 1-v-1 all game long</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> <span>Onesies</span>
<ul>
<li>Cahill, 3' - first-time volley from Oscar's cross; we've seen him hit those before, this one flew just over the top</li>
<li>Oscar, 45+2' - lovely first touch to get loose in the box; cross a bit lacking although no one was making the necessary run towards goal</li>
<li>Schürrle, 58' - applies heavy pressure not for the first time, wins the ball</li>
<li>Cech, 65' - with the left-foot save as David Silva wriggles free</li>
<li>Mikel, 78' - sliding interception to stop City counter and set up a Ramires chance in one fell swoop.</li>
<li>Willian, 83' - just how did he manage to keep and cross that ball in?</li>
<li>Eto'o, 88' - tracks back to defensive mid to help out Mikel</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><i>FACEPALMS:</i></p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Ramires (2)</span><ol>
<li><span>52' - foul on Nasri; terrible angle taken, terrible timing, lucky that it wasn't in the box</span></li>
<li>74' - ill-advised rough challenge on David Silva; lucky to not get a second yellow</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> <span>Onesies</span>
<ul>
<li><span>Torres, 29' - dearie me, that was a shocking miss</span></li>
<li>Cahill, 49' - beep, beep, beep, beep; back it up; hold the line, GC!</li>
<li>Terry, 73' - gambles on Agüero run, gets beaten badly; fortunate to not have something more come from that</li>
<li>Hazard, 77' - a terrible waste of a good crossing position near the corner of the box</li>
<li>Willian, 84' - lazy, careless offside by Willian to end to Chelsea's spell of possession</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/28/5038216/its-man-of-the-match-fernando-torress-world-were-just-living-in-itDavid Pasztor2013-10-27T22:05:27+00:002013-10-27T22:05:27+00:00José and José Jr celebrate as one of us
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<img alt="The Special Family" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9Ela6xaiVhX2j5VoKqkXXo8b-h4=/0x1089:2733x2911/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21879357/52772171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Special Family | Ben Radford</figcaption>
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<p>When the TV showed the replay of Fernando Torres's winning goal and the subsequent celebrations by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> sideline, I admit I was a bit baffled by what Mourinho was doing. As Steve Holland, Rui Faria, and the rest of the coaching staff, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard">Frank Lampard</a>, <span>David Luiz</span>, and the rest of the players on <a href="http://edensjuan.tumblr.com/post/65270652268">the bench went nuts</a>, Mourinho turned the other way, ran past Manuel Pellegrini and the City bench and rushed into the stands.</p>
<p>Was Mourinho taunting or showing up the visitors and their coach? Was he having a bit of fun with his forced exile into the stands from last week? Or was he just doing one of those five-second-(calculated)-crazy moments that we know and (usually) love? Was this the less pants-destroying version of his famous knee slide from the last time he faced off versus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>?</p>
<p>Turns out, it's none of those. As he explained in his post-match interview, all he wanted was to celebrate with his son, José Jr. Junior, 14, is a budding goalkeeper who is <a href="http://eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/special-son-jose-mourinho-son-joins-fulham-101030674.html">currently playing in Fulham's academy</a>.</p>
<blockquote> <p>"I want to buy a season ticket for my son but they gave him the season ticket behind the opponents' dugout."</p> <p>"They have to change and give him a ticket behind my dugout. I went for him, I promise. Next match you will see him there again. This is the drama of the last minute. "</p>"[...] This is the emotion of the game, if they [City] believe my son is there, great. If they don't believe that I apologize."<p style="text-align: right;"><em>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho">Jose Mourinho</a>; source: <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3513325/title/final-whistle-verdict-a-great-moment">chelseafc.com</a></em></p> </blockquote>
<p><em>One of us. </em></p>
<p>So why was he all defensive about it, with regards to City's feelings? Well, it seems that Manuel Pellegrini has taken it personally.</p>
<blockquote> <p>"I didn't expect anything else. It is a different way to celebrate from me."</p> <p>"No, I didn't shake hands. Because I didn't want to."</p> <p>"I repeat, I didn't want to shake hands. I don't want to say any more."</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>-Manuel Pellegrini; source: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-2-manchester-city-1-manuel-pellegrini-refuses-handshake-after-wild-jose-mourinho-celebrations-8907667.html">The Independent</a></em></p> </blockquote>
<p>We haven't had a good handshake-gate in some time, so hurray for that; but perhaps the City manager should direct his anger towards his own goalkeeper. I wonder if they shook hands post-match.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5035750/jose-mourinho-jose-mourinho-jr-celebrate-torres-winner-as-one-of-usDavid Pasztor2013-10-27T18:59:04+00:002013-10-27T18:59:04+00:00City gift Chelsea a 2-1 win
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PbF7GYs5cOiAYqP13GaWlwowrho=/0x222:4000x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21869925/186033573.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Shaun Botterill</figcaption>
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> versus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> at Stamford Bridge isn't a must-win for the Blues. It's a very-much-like-to-win, granted, but being held to a draw by a title contender isn't a result that will have me throwing (very many) things against the wall. I was resigning myself to writing reminding us all that 1-1 wasn't the worst result and that we shouldn't be too cut up about it when <span>Joe Hart</span> and Matija Nastasic combined to hand <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a> a bizarre late winner. So, instead of a 1-1 draw we were given a 2-1 win against a title rival, and suddenly the picture looks a lot rosier.</p>
<p>I guess we should probably start from the beginning.</p>
<p>Before the late dramatics -- before <span>Andre Schurrle</span> and <span>Sergio Aguero</span> exchanged goals -- we had a tense, exciting opening to the match. Chelsea were dominant in the opening exchanges, thanks partly to City's personnel selection. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110049/martin-demichelis">Martin Demichelis</a> is the kind of centre back who can be gotten at, and in Vincent Kompany's absence the likes of <span>Eden Hazard</span> and Oscar delighted in driving at the visitor's defence, causing all sort of issues.</p>
<p><span>Gary Cahill</span> had an early chance, volleying over the bar when he had plenty of space, but the big miss of the game fell to Torres, who was picked out by Ramires, took the ball down with aplomb, and then blazed well over despite the fact that Hart had started falling down well before he struck his shot. We'd later find out that Torres simply assumed that he was offside and so wasn't trying particularly hard, but it felt at the time like a punch to the gut. And, to be fair, despite the excuse it was a pretty inexcusable miss, especially because City had started coming into the match.</p>
<p>In years past, Torres botching a chance would have resulted in the striker going missing for the rest of the match, but instead New Torres(TM) kept his head up and set up the game's opening goal mere minutes after botching its best chance. On the ball and faced with <span>Gael Clichy</span>, Torres duly demolished the left back, getting to the byline and squaring for Schurrle, who had eluded the comically inept Demichelis and was presented with an easy finish from four yards. He made no mistake, and Chelsea were up 1-0.</p>
<p>The Torres Show continued. Minutes after the Schurrle goal, the striker came within inches of doubling the lead, turning a nothing move into a nearly-goal by spinning away from Demichelis, creating a yard of space, and firing off the angle of post and bar with Hart well beaten.</p>
<p>Eventually the Torres-related-fun had to come to an end, and Aguero gave us a nasty reminder that City aren't just Javi Garcias and Martin Demichelises shortly after halftime, when he seized upon a <span>Samir Nasri</span> pass and fired in first time past a surprised <span>Petr Cech</span>, who will probably tell himself that he could have done better than waving vigourously at the shot.</p>
<p>From then on, Chelsea looked mostly toothless, with the best opportunities to break the deadlock coming from set pieces, which always looed very much like coming off without actually doing so. City, meanwhile, were the more threatening side. Cech redeemed himself for his complicity in the equaliser by saving well from <span>David Silva</span>, but there was a spell in which <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho">Jose Mourinho's</a> unbeaten home record looked under serious threat.</p>
<p>City's industry died down towards the end of the match, and it looked as though both sides were happy enough with a 1-1 draw -- or at least were worried enough about losing that they weren't going to risk what they had by throwing bodies forward. But there was still time for some late drama.</p>
<p>The winner came from basically nothing. In the ninetieth minute, Willian hoofed a long ball forward for Torres to chase after, and Nastasic managed to intercept quite comfortably, nodding back to his keeper to diffuse the danger. Or rather, nodding back to where his keeper <i>should</i> have been -- rather than staying in his six-yard box, Hart had charged out in an attempt to cut out the pass himself.</p>
<p>The result of the misunderstanding was that the back header ended up floated over the goalkeeper, leaving Torres to outrun Demichelis and slot into an empty goal. 2-1 Chelsea, and despite some late scares, that's how it would end. The Blues remain within touching distance of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> in first place, and are now four points clear of City. This was our first really big test of the year, and although we didn't really pass it with flying colours, three points are three points.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5035018/chelsea-vs-manchester-city-final-score-resultGraham MacAree2013-10-27T17:53:06+00:002013-10-27T17:53:06+00:00Chelsea 2 - City 1: Initial Reaction
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y3u0QEUYv4yyN6uOVCklWaoLylg=/0x111:4000x2778/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21865899/186026755.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Shaun Botterill</figcaption>
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<p>Fernando Torres does it again!</p> <p>The Blues got out of the gate pretty well, and could well have been up by several goals before the break. They only managed a single first half strike though, as <span>Andre Schurrle</span> tapped in a beautiful cross from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a>.</p>
<p><span>Sergio Aguero</span> leveled the game early in the second half with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box. I'm sure we'll have more on that particular goal later, but frankly, it was easily avoidable. It was 1-1 nevertheless, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> needed to turn up the pressure again.</p>
<p>There were chances for both sides as the game played out, but in the end both clubs looked like they'd be forced to settle for a point. Then, Fernando Torres happened. Here are a few thoughts after this one:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Many pundits were surprised that Manuel Pellegrini went to a one-striker system for today's game, but anyone who has paid any sort of attention to the way he's managed throughout his career really shouldn't have been surprised. He's generally deployed two strikers against weaker opposition, <a target="_blank" href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/3/4/4040610/potential-chelsea-fc-manager-manuel-pellegrini-tactics-formation-substitutions-profile">and been a little more conservative in big matches in the past</a>. </span></li>
<li><span>Fernando Torres played very well after a shaky start to the game. Here's hoping we're finally to the point where the striker position isn't a glaring weakness.</span></li>
<li><span>When will <span>Gary Cahill</span> learn to keep the line? Sergio Aguero would have been offside for his goal, but Cahill dropped off and played him onside instead. This happens far too often for my liking, and is the main reason I feel that Terry and Luiz are our number one pairing. </span></li>
<li><span>This isn't related to the Chelsea game, but I was absolutely thrilled to see <span>Fabio Borini</span> get the winner today for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> and to see Gus Poyet lead the club to it's first win. Here's hoping that the pair continue to impress and steer the club away from the relegation zone.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kihlZckYTwZpK9AbUHwtbvFuAlVtJVTXzcBXUfrOX_I/viewform?embedded=true" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5034468/chelsea-fc-manchester-city-initial-reaction-and-community-rating-formStephen Schmidt2013-10-27T16:47:34+00:002013-10-27T16:47:34+00:00Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Second Half Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gD3FZs1-hu0FFdqt_NUr_ipbAPs=/0x230:2667x2008/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21856417/186012543.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Rose</figcaption>
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<p>45 minutes in the books, 45 minutes left to go</p> <p>This one was a bit slow to really get going, but the Blues exploded about midway through the first half. <span>Andre Schurrle</span> opened the scoring after a beautiful cross from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a>, and just like that the Blues had the lead.</p>
<p>It was a shaky start for Torres, who fluffed a pair of excellent chances before creating the opening goal. He's been exceptional since that point though, finding spaces everywhere and nearly doubling the <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> lead.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see what changes come during after the halftime break. The Blues have looked excellent for the most part, and <span>Sergio Aguero</span> has looked like he needs a bit of help. Manuel Pellegrini has plenty of attacking options at his disposal though, and I'd be surprised if we go too much further into this contest before we see a change.</p>
<p>As with the first half, keep things relatively clean and don't direct or link to illegal streams. Let's go Blues!</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5034392/chelsea-vs-manchester-city-second-half-overflow-discussionStephen Schmidt2013-10-27T15:09:07+00:002013-10-27T15:09:07+00:00Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Lineups & Game Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aZRFDewvTAtYFtUPymxq2vqbZTc=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21856409/186012119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Rose</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>These two teams will likely occupy the top two spots in the Premier League at the end of the season, and will meet at Stamford Bridge today.</p> <p>Today's game isn't going to change the order at the top of the Premier League table, but a six-pointer between the two teams most fans would call title favorites is always a massive game. <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> have had some tough league games already, traveling to Old Trafford, Goodison Park, and White Hart Lane. They've taken only two points from those fixtures, and will hope for more in their first big test at home,</p>
<p>The managers have submitted their lineup cards already, and here are the squads that they've chosen:</p>
<p><b>Chelsea XI:</b> <span>Petr Cech</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Branislav Ivanovic</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry" class="sbn-auto-link">John Terry</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <span>Ashley Cole</span>, Ramires, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a>, <span>Andre Schurrle</span>, Oscar, <span>Eden Hazard</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a></p>
<p><b>Chelsea Bench:</b> <span>Mark Schwarzer</span>, <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span>, <span>David Luiz</span>, <span>John Obi Mikel</span>, <span>Juan Mata</span>, Willian, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110144/samuel-eto-o" class="sbn-auto-link">Samuel Eto'o</a></p>
<p><b><a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> XI:</b> <span>Joe Hart</span>, <span>Pablo Zabaleta</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110049/martin-demichelis" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Demichelis</a>, Matija Nastasic, <span>Gael Clichy</span>, Javi Garcia, Fernandinho, <span>Samir Nasri</span>, <span>Yaya Toure</span>, <span>David Silva</span>, <span>Sergio Aguero</span></p>
<p><b>Manchester City Bench: </b>Micah<b> </b>Richards, <span>James Milner</span>, Alvero Negredo, <span>Edin Dzeko</span>, Aleksander Kolarov, Jesus Navas, <span>Costel Pantilimon</span></p>
<p>As always, keep things civil and please don't link or direct to any illegal streams. Enjoy the game, and let's go Blues!</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/27/5034336/chelsea-vs-manchester-city-lineups-and-open-discussionStephen Schmidt2013-10-26T09:15:01+01:002013-10-26T09:15:01+01:00Chelsea vs. Manchester City: Preview
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HYo2EKLBuEC8JhRdROTu6Dt1qWA=/0x179:4000x2846/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21789391/169489980.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Riding a seven-match undefeated streak, Chelsea go for their fifth win in a row on Sunday versus the Premier League favorites.</p> <p>This was several years ago now, but there was a time in the mid to late '00s<b>*</b> when it seemed like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> were always playing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>. Every couple weeks, Gerrard & Co would show their faces and it would be annoying. Later, most memorably when <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> was in charge, it would be <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> who'd always turn up, usually at the worst possible times. Nowadays, it's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> whom we get to face at a rather alarming rate, a rate that's almost as fast as Jesús Navas or as big as <span>Yaya Toure</span>.</p>
<p><i><b>*</b> I prefer 'aughts' just as they did during the first decade of the 1900s</i></p>
<p>Now I don't know what the actual frequency of encounters actually was - and if they were significantly more common than most other teams we got to face on a regular basis - but I suspect the reason they stick so vividly in memory is because Chelsea struggled and struggled often in many of these matches. Liverpool and their ghost goal, United and their constant exploitation of our right backs, City and their sheer power and domination - these were not our most glorious moments, that's for sure.</p>
<p>Last season, Chelsea faced Manchester City no less than six times. This fixture opened our season (2-3 loss in the Community Shield) and ended it as well (a pair of post-season friendly defeats, 3-4 and 3-5, in the USA). Of the six matches, Chelsea managed five losses and one incredibly dour, frustrating, eyeball-scratching (for more than just reasons of on-pitch product) 0-0 draw. Basically, Manchester City owned us.</p>
<p>So, the big question then is, can Mourinho change that? The confidence is there. The tactical know-how, attacking prowess, and defensive solidity are (in varying degrees) there. The midfield isn't there, but that's just how we roll lately, so we're just going to have to deal with it.</p>
<p>Can we do it? Yes, we can. Will we do it? <i>Wellllllll...</i></p>
<p><b>Date/Time: </b> Sunday, October 27, 2013, 16:00 GMT; 12pm EDT; 9:30pm IST</p>
<p><b>Venue/Location:</b> Stamford Bridge, SW6</p>
<p><b>Forecast: </b> Mostly sunny with an early shower; should be dry at game time with rain coming late, possibly</p>
<p><b>On TV:</b> Sky Sports 1 (UK); NBCSN (USA); ESPN HD, Star Cricket (India); <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/821554/chelsea-vs-manchester-city/">elsewhere</a></p>
<p><b>Online: </b> <a href="http://go.sky.com">Sky Go</a>, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nowtv.com%2Fsports&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fweaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com%2F2013%2F10%2F26%2F5030616%2Fchelsea-vs-manchester-city-squad-news-tv-streaming-information-preview" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NOW TV</a> (UK); <a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> (USA)</p>
<p><b>Chelsea squad news: </b> <span>Ashley Cole</span> has been deemed <a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5027526/ashley-cole-fit-to-face-city">fully fit</a>, which means that Marco van Ginkel is the only player unavailable for selection (despite that ominous icepack on Schürrle's ankle on Tuesday). Meanwhile, both Torres & Eto'o seem to have found their goalscoring boots, while the defense have been pitching clean sheets with increasing regularity. Lampard & Ramires have formed a winning, if not entirely convincing partnership in the middle, while up front <span>Eden Hazard</span> and Oscar have been lighting it up. When the passing is accurate and the tempo is appropriate, Chelsea look very good.</p>
<p><b>Manchester City squad news:</b> <span>Vincent Kompany</span> is a huge loss in the heart of the visitors' defense - three goals conceded to Villa and Bayern each notwithstanding - especially given Javi Garcia's less than convincing show midweek. Then again, when your defense is screened by Yaya Touré, less-than-convincing can be more than enough. When the big man is in the mood, he's unstoppable. And speaking of in-form, <span>Sergio Aguero</span> has seven goals in his last five, six in seven league appearances this season, and nine in ten matches overall. With Álvaro Negredo and <span>Edin Dzeko</span> chipping in a few as well, it's no wonder that City are the highest scoring team in the Premier League.</p>
<p><b>View from the enemy:</b> <a href="http://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Bitter and Blue</a></p>
<p><b>Previously: </b> In addition to our struggles versus the Blues of another color last season, Chelsea have only won two of the last ten competitive meetings between the two sides - one of which needed a <span>Gael Clichy</span> red card (that's the one where Balotelli scored inside of two minutes) and the other of which netted a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlSFivmemyw">goal of the season for Ramires</a>.</p>
<p>Interestingly, as <a href="https://twitter.com/rickglanvill">Rick Glanvill</a> points out in <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3509621/title/pre-match-briefing-chelsea-v-manchester-city---part-one">his preview</a>, the timing of this match echoes Mourinho's first season, when Chelsea, two points off of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> pace in second place after eight matches, traveled to the Eastlands to suffer José's first defeat as Chelsea manager thanks to a penalty kick by none other than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110246/nicolas-anelka">Nicolas Anelka</a> (he <i>can</i> score them, it seems in retrospect). Despite that loss, Chelsea of course recovered to win the title, which would be the only consolation I could take from a similar defeat this Sunday.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/26/5030616/chelsea-vs-manchester-city-squad-news-tv-streaming-information-previewDavid Pasztor2013-10-25T19:21:48+01:002013-10-25T19:21:48+01:00FIFA 14 predicts the Chelsea-City match
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<img alt="Even Jose Mourinho was put to sleep by FIFA 14's latest match prediction" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qI1MAMd06CI2fVzSDoyo70nvG8s=/0x29:528x381/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21765427/gyi0063259942.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Even Jose Mourinho was put to sleep by FIFA 14's latest match prediction | Denis Doyle</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......</p> <p>So far, our FIFA 14 crystal ball has had mixed results. The video game predicted a <a target="_blank" href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/2/4794690/previewing-sundays-chelsea-norwich-match-through-the-lens-of-fifa-14">3-2 victory over Norwich City</a> and a <a target="_blank" href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/19/4853802/chelsea-vs-cardiff-city-peering-through-the-fifa-14-crystal-ball">0-0 draw with Cardiff City</a>. The Norwich prediction was pretty close to the actual 3-1 result, but EA Sports dropped the ball with their Cardiff prediction.</p>
<p>This week, we asked FIFA 14 to predict the results of our upcoming match with yet another City, and here's what they came up with.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mMzy-FKBuf4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Some match lights (most of them low) -</p>
<ul>
<li><span>As in previous weeks, FIFA 14 continues to impress me with their seemingly magical abilities to keep track of what goes on here in the real world and make it part of the game. Prior to the match, Martin Tyler and <span>Alan Smith</span> highlight the fact that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a> has been improving and specifically point to how well he's done in European competitions. This is the third week I've noticed this and it still amazes me. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnWqcJJxDOA">What is this magic</a>?!</span></li>
<li><span>Fake Mourinho apparently felt that Ashley Cole's avatar needed a bit more rest, and he decided to stick with Bertrand's avatar at left back. He also decided to pair Mikel's avatar with Ramires' (a bit of a change from the Rampard partnership we usually see). Mikel's avatar didn't waste any time justifying the selection, as he found Oscar in the box with a beautiful pass in the 3rd minute. Alas, nothing was to come of it. Mikel's avatar also made some nice (albeit incredibly out of position) runs into the box. </span></li>
<li><span>Sergio Aguero's avatar picked up an injury and had to be subbed off in the 35th minute. Fake Pelligrini and the pixelated City fanbase must be extremely nervous about the prospect of being without their top scorer.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> only managed 38% possession during the first half and failed to record a single shot. Lampard's avatar came on for Mikel's to start the second half, no doubt to try and add a bit of offence to the proceedings.</span></li>
<li><span>EA Sports might be letting go of it's petty vendetta against <span>David Luiz</span>. Perhaps it was due to the virtual lack of offensive threats posed by <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a>, but Luiz' avatar did not appear to make any ridiculous errors this week. In fact, he blocked what could have been the winning goal in the 90th minute.</span></li>
<li><span>Despite this match being a bit boring due to the lack of any real chances, I thought the video game did a great job of depicting what actually happens in a match when two teams are clearly content with playing for a draw. Hopefully, the real thing will be much more exciting on Sunday and the club doesn't sell itself short by settling for just one point.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span>As always, if you have any comments or suggestions about these videos, we'll be sure to pass it along to our video editor, </span><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/FonzieGamingHD?feature=watch" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">FonzieGamingHD</a> (who, due to his editing skills, managed to turn this lemon into lemonade).</span></p>
<p> </p>
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<p><h4>More from We Ain't Got No History:</h4><ul><li><a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5027672/chelsea-fc-vs-manchester-city-you-choose-the-squad?utm_source=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chelsea FC vs. Manchester City: You choose the squad</a></li><li><a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5027526/ashley-cole-fit-to-face-city?utm_source=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ashley Cole fit to face City</a></li><li><a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/24/5025426/mourinho-fine-fa-anthony-taylor?utm_source=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Mourinho fined by FA</a></li><li><a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/24/5024658/thursday-europa-league-open-thread?utm_source=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Thursday Europa League Open Thread</a></li><li><a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/24/5023592/charly-musonda-two-more-sign-professional-deals?utm_source=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Charly Musonda, two more sign professional deals</a></li></ul></p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/10/25/5028618/chelsea-fc-vs-manchester-city-what-fifa-14-has-to-sayJake Cohen