PORTSMOUTH vs CHELSEA
FA Barclays Premier League
Saturday, February 2 at Fratton Park, Portsmouth.
Portsmouth (4-4-2): James; Johnson, Campbell (c), Hreidarsson, Pamarot; Hughes, Davis (Mvuemba 67), Diarra, Kranjcar; Baros, Defoe.
Scorer Defoe 63,
Unused subs: Ashdown, Aubey, Lauren, Mendes.
Manager Harry Redknapp.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Belletti,, Alex, Ben-Haim, A Cole; Wright-Phillips, Makelele (c), Ballack; J Cole, Anelka, Malouda (Pizarro 73).
Scorer Anelka 54.
Unused subs: Cudicini, Ferreira, Bridge, Sidwell.
Manager/first team coach : Avram Grant
Result : Portsmouth 1 Chelsea 1
Chelsea games at Fratton Park featuring some new face in home team side. that include ex-Chelsea, Lassana Diarra, mover from Arsenal.along over with Glen Johnson, this make 2 ex-Blues play made a debut in Pompey line-up in this match. also, Pompey lining up his forward with his new signing Jermain Defoe and Milan Baros. Defoe come from Spurs to Pompey with undisclosed fee while Baros spending his loan period at Pompey.
At the away side, Chelsea lining up his “African Cup formation” player as regular. just with some changing in defend where Ashley Cole replacing Bridge, Belleti replacing Ferreira and Ben Haim replacing the suspended Carvalho. Claude Makelele being appointed as the captain like the match before. the defend midfielder has shown good quality playing in midfield despite his age.
after the kick of in first half, both sides playing their potential to get a lead. both teams put an effort to breach in their opponent defend. Chelsea’s first try come from his German’s midfielder, Micheal Ballack after 6 minute of kickoff. 5 minute later Pompey bring up a try, an effort by Diarra but it being comfortably hold by Petr Cech. after that, few series of attacking produced by each side but till the half time, the score are level. Chelsea end the first half with a free kick, a corner and few attempt while Portsmouth with a corner and 2 bookings.
Second half pace become more interesting. Portsmouth firstly put a dangerous effort but successfully hold by Cech. in minutes 51, an on goal try from a one two by Ashley Cole and SWP was been block by Hreidarsson but it later on being succeed by Anelka on the minutes of 54.Chelsea put a lead after 54minutes of game play. however, Chelsea victory been disrupted few minutes later as Pompey’s new signing forward, Defoe put the ball inside Chelsea’s net after receive an opportunity from Milan Baros.
Game pace after the moments become more interesting. both team want to capture a win in this match. adding a boost on attacking , both team making a chance to their formation. home side bring in Arnold Mvuemba replaces Sean Davis in midfield while Chelsea bring Pizarro replacing Malouda. then few dangerous attempt by both side seen but occurs no goal. after the 90 minutes of play, Portsmouth tied 1-1 with Chelsea. this bring 13 match undefeated after the lost against Arsenal last Dec. Statically the match consist :
Shots on target: Portsmouth 3 Chelsea 8
Corners: Portsmouth 4 Chelsea 8
Fouls: Portsmouth 16 Chelsea 11
Offsides: Portsmouth 3 Chelsea 5
the official match reports can be read here>>
