Chelsea beat Arsenal to enjoy home comfort at last
Blues register vital 2-1 victory over Gunners at Stamford Bridge.
The win against Arsenal was only Chelsea’s second triumph in the last eight games at Stamford Bridge. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
Chelsea won at home for only the second time in eight Premier League matches as they held off London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at a snowy Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Juan Mata gave Chelsea a sixth minute lead before Frank Lampard, whose Chelsea future remains uncertain, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 10 minutes later after Ramires was brought down by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
But Theo Walcott, fresh from signing a new Arsenal contract in midweek, brought the Gunners back into the match in the 58th minute when he outpaced Branislav Ivanovic and then shot powerfully past Petr Cech.
Arsenal pressed for an equaliser but Chelsea clung on to all three points.
Rodgers thrilled by Suarez-Sturridge partnership
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the immediate impact of the partnership between Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, who both scored in the 5-0 win over Norwich City.
“Luis did what he’s done for us all season — he gives 100 per cent in every game and he combines really well with Daniel up front,” said Rodgers.
“We had a real fluidity in our movement at the top end of the field because they’re both players who aren’t just static. Daniel’s got pace and power, but he’s also clever and the flow was good. He gives the opponent someone else to really worry about.
Platt hails City’s Silva service
Manchester City assistant manager David Platt believes David Silva is finally reaping the rewards for his performances after the Spaniard’s double inspired a 2-0 win over Fulham.
“With his performances over the past few months, perhaps all season, he deserves to have had a few more goals under his belt,” said Platt. “But we know how important he is, whether he is scoring goals or not scoring goals. I think it would be harsh to say goals have been lacking.
“He’s in the team for all sorts of reasons, not just his goalscoring ability. His performances of late have been deserving of more goals and I’m pleased for him that he’s got two. He should have had a hat-trick.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2013.
Chelsea won at home for only the second time in eight Premier League matches as they held off London rivals Arsenal 2-1 at a snowy Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Juan Mata gave Chelsea a sixth minute lead before Frank Lampard, whose Chelsea future remains uncertain, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 10 minutes later after Ramires was brought down by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
But Theo Walcott, fresh from signing a new Arsenal contract in midweek, brought the Gunners back into the match in the 58th minute when he outpaced Branislav Ivanovic and then shot powerfully past Petr Cech.
Arsenal pressed for an equaliser but Chelsea clung on to all three points.
Rodgers thrilled by Suarez-Sturridge partnership
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the immediate impact of the partnership between Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, who both scored in the 5-0 win over Norwich City.
“Luis did what he’s done for us all season — he gives 100 per cent in every game and he combines really well with Daniel up front,” said Rodgers.
“We had a real fluidity in our movement at the top end of the field because they’re both players who aren’t just static. Daniel’s got pace and power, but he’s also clever and the flow was good. He gives the opponent someone else to really worry about.
Platt hails City’s Silva service
Manchester City assistant manager David Platt believes David Silva is finally reaping the rewards for his performances after the Spaniard’s double inspired a 2-0 win over Fulham.
“With his performances over the past few months, perhaps all season, he deserves to have had a few more goals under his belt,” said Platt. “But we know how important he is, whether he is scoring goals or not scoring goals. I think it would be harsh to say goals have been lacking.
“He’s in the team for all sorts of reasons, not just his goalscoring ability. His performances of late have been deserving of more goals and I’m pleased for him that he’s got two. He should have had a hat-trick.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2013.