Alrick

The Jose Bosingwa Effect

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Jose Bosingwa has been under fire recently by fans and pundits alike for his recent performances. Is the criticism valid or is he simply being used as a scapegoat for the poor performances of Chelsea? Let’s take a look at the statistics…

This season in all competitions Chelsea have played 36 matches, winning 19, drawing 9, and losing 8 (66 points total using 3 points per win and 1 point per draw as Cup competitions are not allotted points). Of these 36 matches, Jose Bosingwa has played the full 90 minutes in 22 of them.

In these 22 matches, Chelsea have won 9, drawn 8, and lost 5 – an average of 1.59 points per match. In the 14 matches Bosingwa has NOT played the full 90 minutes, Chelsea have won 10, drawn 1, and lost 3, (an average of 2.21 points per match). To put it succinctly, Chelsea are averaging 0.62 points MORE per game when Bosingwa is not on the pitch the entire match, a 39% increase in points.

A pretty alarming statistic, but one could easily say the difference in points could be due to the coincidental lack of offense when Bosingwa was on the pitch – to those arguments I present the following below…

In the 22 matches Bosingwa has played the full 90 minutes in, Chelsea have a +6 goal differential. In the 14 matches Bosingwa has NOT played the full 90 minutes, Chelsea have a +20 goal differential. That’s more than 3 times the goal differential when Bosingwa isn’t on the pitch the entire match.

Chelsea have kept 12 clean sheets this season in 36 matches – in the matches Bosingwa started and finished (22) Chelsea have keep only 4 clean sheets (thus keeping a clean sheet 18% of the time this occurs). In the matches Bosingwa does NOT play from start to finish Chelsea have kept 8 clean sheets in 14 matches, or 57% of the time. Again, a difference of more than three times as much.

Although Bosingwa did not feature in a couple of the Carling Cup and FA Cup matches which Chelsea won handily the difference is so substantial that even if these matches were thrown out the numbers would clearly tell you starting Bosingwa leads to an increase in goals allowed. In addition, given the goal difference discrepancy one could also argue the offense even plays better WITHOUT Bosingwa on the pitch.

While it’s easy to come to the aid of certain players who are under scrutiny there is simply no defense for Jose Bosingwa – he is clearly a defensive liability and his poor play is a key reason why Chelsea continues to struggle this season.

Alrick

Chelsea concede, Everton score late

46% of the goals Everton have scored were in the final 15 minutes of games. Chelsea have allowed 38% of their goals in the final 15 minutes.

Alrick

Chelsea spend big on managers

Chelsea have spent approximately £64m on manager turnover in the past 4 years, this is equal to 25% of matchday revenue during this time.

Alrick

United – Chelsea stats recap

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A tough draw for Chelsea after having a 3-0 lead, here are some of the key stats from the United – Chelsea match…

Chelsea today against United: 20 shots (8 on target), 80% (274/344) passing, 8 crosses (22 attempted), 7 tackles, 27 interceptions.

It’s interesting to note the defensive styles: United had 21 tackles to Chelsea’s 7, but Chelsea had 28 interceptions to United’s 13. This was likely due to the fact that Chelsea did not have their two top tacklers (Ramires and Romeu) and had traditionally good anticipators of the game in Cahill, Ivanovic and Meireles on the pitch…

Cahill in his Chelsea debut against United: 1 shot, 82% (18/22) passing, 4 interceptions, 1 block, 2 clearances.

Meireles today against United: 3 shots, 89% (47/53) passing, 1 chance created, 2 crosses, 6 interceptions.

Ivanovic today against United: 82% (23/28) passing, 1 chance created, 1 tackle, 5 interceptions, 4 clearances, 4 fouls committed.

Some more player stats…

Torres today against United: 2 shots (both off target), 86% (18/21) passing, 1 assist, 3 chances created.

Mata today against United: 1 goal, 3 shots, 86% (38/44) passing, 3 chances created, 2 crosses, 2 interceptions.

David Luiz today against United: 1 goal, 67% (18/27) passing, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 5 clearances (4 headed).

Malouda today against Chelsea: 3 shots (0 on goal), 78% (28/36) passing, 4 chances created. A case where stats don’t tell it all.

Despite being critical of Torres recently I will say he played better against United and is still one of the better forwards in the game at creating chances for others. Mata and Luiz both had great goals and with Malouda it’s a case where stats don’t tell the whole story as the Chelsea attack slowed to a halt whenever he touched the ball.

Finally I will leave you with this tidbit about Howard Webb as the streak continues…

Chelsea are now winless in 7 matches Howard Webb has officiated against Manchester Clubs (0 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses).

The next Chelsea match will be on February 11th as they travel to Everton.

Alrick

Mata is Chelsea key player

Juan Mata leads Chelsea in: assists (10), chances created (80 – next best is Lampard with 48), crosses (50), and through balls (13) (Premier League and Champions League combined).

Alrick

Cahill has decent debut

Gary Cahill in his Chelsea debut against United: 1 shot, 82% (18/22) passing, 4 interceptions, 1 block, 2 clearances.

Alrick

Howard Webb streak continues

Chelsea are now winless in 7 matches Howard Webb has officiated against Manchester Clubs (0 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses).

Alrick

5 must know facts for the United – Chelsea match

United Chelsea logos

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United Chelsea logos

The United – Chelsea match is on Sunday and thanks to both powerhouses having off seasons (and off the field issues) it’s become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as it could decide the fate of both teams. Here are 5 must know facts about the match you can use while watching with friends and family!

1. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 9 Premier League home games against Manchester United, winning 6 and drawing 3.

This should give Chelsea fans confidence knowing that a result at home against United is not only possible but but based on previous history quite likely. United did win their last match at Stamford Bridge though with a 1-0 victory in the Champions League quarterfinal on April 6th 2011.

2. Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in only 25% (5 out of 20) of the matches Jose Bosingwa has played in.

This is far lower than the clean sheet percentage for Chelsea throughout the entire season (32% – 11 out of 34 matches) and supports the notion he is a defensive liability. With Bosingwa set to possibly feature at left back in place of Ashley Cole he could be in for a long day against an in-form Antonio Valencia (3 goals and 9 assist in his last 11 matches).

3. Chelsea have failed to score a goal in live action in 347 minutes.

The last goal was from Frank Lampard against Sunderland, who is questionable to feature in the match. Chelsea have scored 2 goals during this timespan, but one was a penalty and the other deemed an own goal. Especially if Bosingwa plays, Chelsea will need to find the back of the net somehow.

4. Manchester United have been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup by the end of January for the first time in their history.

This certainly has been a strange season for Manchester United in that the Europa League will be their only other competition as the end of the season approaches. This means in previous years when squad rotation and depth was critical for United to succeed both on a domestic and continental level now they can field their best players for the majority of the Premier League season.

5. Chelsea’s record against Manchester clubs when Howard Webb is the official: 0 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses.

Yes, Howard Webb will be the official of the match on Sunday and his Manchester bias is quite clear. The fact Chelsea with all their success in the past have not won a single match against a Manchester side when Webb is the official is very surprising and certainly will worry Chelsea fans regarding the way he calls the game.

I’m obviously hoping for a Chelsea win but given the form of the two clubs and players available United has the upper hand on paper. With this said, the match is at Stamford Bridge and although it’s not the fortress it once was you know the home fans will be fired up for this match.

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Alrick

AVB praises Mourinho and Madrid

“At the moment, there is not a vacancy at (Chelsea), that is the most important thing. And (Jose Mourinho) is not available at the moment. He’s tied to the best club in the world.” – AVB (Eurosport)

Alrick

Chelsea – Swansea stats recap

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Chelsea played Swansea yesterday and it was far from a convincing performance, especially in the first half…

Chelsea’s first half against Swansea: 10 shots (3 on target), 86% (160/187) passing, 43.9% possession, 3 successful crosses.

Chelsea have completed only 160 passes in the first half compared to Swansea’s 208.

The side looked flat and lacked any sort of a creative spark – to be quite honest Chelsea were totally outplayed by Swansea. The second half was better, especially when Florent Malouda was subbed out for Romelu Lukaku. I’m saying this not because Lukaku made an impact, but because Malouda simply didn’t…

Malouda today against Swansea: 0 shots, 84% (38/45) passing, 1 chance created, 1 successful cross (7 attempted), 1 tackle, 1 interception.

I’m not one to question the manager’s every decision, but AVB playing Malouda in the middle isn’t working. Chelsea have “scored” just 2 goals in their last 3 matches – a penalty and an own goal. It’s not all Malouda’s fault but in my opinion it’s no coincidence. When Malouda went off, Juan Mata was able to get more involved in the game…

Mata today against Swansea: 2 shots, 88% (42/48) passing, 4 chances created, 4 successful crosses (out of 14).

Chelsea were lucky to get a goal gifted to them at the end of the game to get a vital point from a Swansea team which has impressed this year. I will take 4 out of 6 points from Swansea this season given their current form. Final team stats…

Chelsea today against Swansea: 19 shots (4 on goal), 84% (412/490) passing, 53.7% possession, 10 completed crosses (FOURTY THREE attempted).

Comparing these stats to the first half really emphasizes the difference between the two halves…