MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 2

MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA 2

Summary 
The two-year wait for an away league win in London is over as a high-quality derby is decided by strikes from our Spanish contingent.

Fernando Torres netted for the second time this week to put the Blues into a lead that was levelled up before the interval by Gervinho. There had been fluidity and good open-play passing by both sides in the first half and that continued after the break - but Torres's goal had come from a Mata set-piece and that was the source of the winner, the Chelsea Player of the Year finding the net directly with a free-kick not long after the restart.

Arsenal had further chances, Petr Cech made two good saves, and only wastefulness from substitute Olivier Giroud prevented a stoppage time equaliser, but the home side suffered their first defeat of the season.

If this was the first true test of Chelsea's title credentials this season, the outcome is examination passed.

Team news 
There was just one change from the last league outing, the home win versus Stoke. John Terry returned in place of Gary Cahill. That meant the exciting trio of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard lined up behind Fernando Torres.

Ramires played in a deeper role with John Mikel Obi. Frank Lampard, who returned to the squad after a minor ankle injury, started on the bench.

The Gunners made one change, their skipper Thomas Vermaelen returning in place of Per Mertersacker in central defence. Gervinho played as their central striker.

First half
Plenty of the build-up to this derby centred on what the impact the new signings on both sides would make. Oscar, Hazard and Santi Cazorla were operating in similar areas of the park and it was Arsenal's Spaniard who was first to show, but he fired comfortably over after Gervinho found him at the second time of asking.

That chance came after Ramires had been caught in possession when trying to move the ball on in a crowd, and it was the Brazilian who was wrong-footed by Diaby soon after as the Arsenal man warmed Cech's hands with a shot.

That was the last significant contribution to the afternoon from the big Arsenal midfielder. He was forced off through injury, replaced on 16 minutes by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who played on the right with Aaron Ramsey now dropping deeper.

On 19 minutes, Hazard attacked a pass by Torres and was fouled by Vermaelen. From Mata's free-kick the Blues took the lead. It was a well-placed delivery toward the far post but that does not explain why Laurent Koscielny, who was goal-side of Torres, made no challenge, allowing the Spaniard to volley the ball in around the Frenchman's body.

The Blues were 1-0 up and could have made it 2-0 just three minutes later when Torres again gave Koscielny nightmares but then tumbled as he tried to shoot and missed the ball. Chelsea were sure the Arsenal defender had clipped our centre-forward's heel and it should be a penalty but referee Martin Atkinson disagreed. Initial replays were inconclusive.

Arsenal were winning a fair few set-pieces in our defensive third of the pitch but were not making chances. The first foul deemed worthy of a card was by Ramsey who cut down Oscar in the Chelsea half with 34 minutes played. Oscar followed into the book four minutes later for catching Arteta. It was not his first offence.

In between those yellow cards, Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs overcommitted in a challenge and allowed Hazard to sprint away. Leaving his chaser to slide off the pitch with a highly-skilled cross from behind his standing leg, there was unfortunately no one well-placed to attack the Belgian's ball in.

Di Matteo's men were three minute away from taking a lead into the dressing room at half-time when Gervinho equalised. It took a well-crafted goal to breach our defence, Oxlade Chamberlain centring low into the area and the Ivorian turning sharply before beating Cech with a shot into the top corner.

Arsenal pressed hard for a short spell after but Chelsea recovered to finish the half the stronger. Oscar had a shot touched wide although no corner was given, and then Torres worked his way back from the byline but could only find the sidenetting with his shot.

Second half
Two minutes into the half the referee booked his second Chelsea player, David Luiz judged to have fallen too easily just inside the Arsenal area as Gervinho challenged. Our defender had come up for a corner.

Arsenal had the first shot of the second period with Cazorla, as he had been at the start of the first, off-target, Ashley Cole having cleared a dangerous cross from the edge of our six-yard box.

From the start of this match it looked as if this stage suited Torres and when he attacked Arsenal again, Vermaelen's trip was judged a bookable offence. It looked too far out for a direct attempt by Mata but perhaps considering the inexperience of keeper Vito Mannone, our No. 10 struck the ball with the perfect trajectory to beat the wall and the covering Koscienly, who might have got a slight touch before it finally defeated the Italian stopper at the base of his post. The keeper was possibly distracted by his centre-back's presence.

When Arsenal had the chance to equalise not long after, Cech was this time equal to the challenge, clawing away Podolski's goalbound header after David Luiz and Ivanovic conspired to allow a cross.

That was a good save and it was followed on 72 minutes by an excellent one - Cech readjusting sharply to keep the ball out when a cross from substitute Olivier Giroud deflected off David Luiz. 

Arsenal had been enjoying their best period of the game but as the game entered its final quarter of an hour Chelsea put the pressure back on with successive corners and a free-kick on the edge of the area that Mata couldn't quite get over the wall. 

There was a chance for substitute Victor Moses to seal it with five minutes left but he couldn't keep his volley down after Torres had flicked on.

Possession was proving hard to retain. Before the end Cazorla completed a hat-trick of misdirected shots and then came the big escape. Ramires lost the ball near halfway and two passes later Giroud was in on goal. The Frenchman did the first part well, moving wide of Cech but with plenty to aim at, he found the sidenetting to the dismay of 55,000 Arsenal fans inside the stadium.

'Champions of Europe, we know what we are,' was the only song that rang around the Emirates as the final whistle blew. 

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz (Cahill 80), Terry (c), Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Mata (Bertrand 84), Oscar (Moses 72), Hazard; Torres.
Unused subs Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Romeu, Lampard.
Scorers Torres 19, Mata 52. 
Booked Oscar 38, David Luiz 47, Ramires 90+2.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Mannone; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen (c), Gibbs; Arteta, Diaby (Oxlade-Chamberlain 19); Ramsey (Walcott 66), Cazorla, Podolski (Giroud 66); Gervinho.

Unused subs Martinez, Santos, Mertesacker, Djourou.
Scorer Gervinho 42
Booked Ramsey 34, Vermaelen 52.

Referee Martin Atkinson
Crowd 60,101. - Chelseafc official site

I'M ENJOYING LIFE AT CHELSEA – Victor Moses

I'M ENJOYING LIFE AT CHELSEA – Victor Moses

Nigerian international and Chelsea midfielder, Victor Moses, has said he is enjoying his stay at the side.

In an interview with Chelsea website, Moses said, “Everything is going well at the moment. I’m enjoying life at the club. It’s exciting for me to be back in London and playing for a massive club such as Chelsea, particularly as I’m a London boy, I’m just delighted to be here.

“It’s a quality feeling to be playing alongside some of the most talented players in world football at the moment, and that’s what you need around you. The more you play with this type of players, the more you improve and the more experience you gain.”

Moses, who was prised from Wigan after a bitter row between both clubs, will file out on Tuesday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He has already had two impressive appearances against Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.

His club’s Tuesday night opponents, now playing in the Championship having been relegated from the top-flight last May, head into the game in a rich vein of form and fresh off the back of a 2-0 weekend win at Peterborough, their third straight win, the website says.

Moses played for former club Wigan in a five-goal thriller against Wolves on the final day of last season, and he is expecting another tough encounter on Tuesday night.

“I remember the game, we won 3-2 at the DW Stadium. We went into a 3-0 lead but then Wolves came back and scored twice, but luckily we managed to hold on for an important win.

“They are a good side, it’s not going to be an easy game, but we’ve started the season well. It’s important we keep doing what we’ve been doing, approach the game in the right way and get the win,” he says.

“In recent years, this cup has become a tournament where youngsters and fringe players are often given an opportunity to force their way into the manager’s reckoning.

“Our opening game in last season’s competition – a penalty shoot-out win against Fulham – saw the likes of Ross Turnbull, Ryan Bertrand, Josh McEachran and Romelu Lukaku all feature, but although Moses is grateful for the chances he was afforded as a young player, he insists it’s a trophy which should be taken seriously,” the website says.

“When I was at Crystal Palace and Wigan I played in most of the League Cup games, it’s a good experience for younger players to play in competitive matches.

“It’s a big opportunity as a young player to show the manager that you’re good enough to hold down a regular place in the side.

“It’s an important trophy to win. Winning trophies can help give you the mentality to push on and do well in other competitions such as the Premier League and Champions League, so we just need to keep on winning games.

“It’s a few years since Chelsea have won the competition, so it would be great for the club and the players if we could win it and get it in the trophy cabinet,” he added.

MIKEL SAYS HIS GOALS COMING

MIKEL SAYS HIS GOALS COMING

Chelsea star Mikel Obi believes he will soon score his first goal in the English Premier League after six years.

The Nigeria midfielder came close to breaking his duck against Stoke City on Saturday, but his goal-bound effort was blocked, meaning he has now gone 165 EPL games for ‘The Blues’ without a goal.

Mikel told MTNFootball.com that he is so optimistic that if given the role he played on Saturday more often, he will score goals this season.

“My lack of goals in EPL does not worry me so much, because I have been doing my job well though I wanted to get goals no matter how few but my positions have denied me that, but my role on Saturday against Stoke City was different as I joined the attack often and almost scored,” he said.

“I am sure I will get goals this season if I continue to get such a role. It is a matter of time before I will break the jinx.

“I thought the ball had crossed the goal line on Saturday only for the Stoke defender to throw himself at the shot to block it. I will do more to score this season.”

On the entire game, Mikel said Stoke had a game plan which almost worked, but he was happy Chelsea have maintained their unbeaten run in EPL this term.

HODGSON DISAPPOINTED WITH TERRY RETIREMENT

HODGSON DISAPPOINTED WITH TERRY RETIREMENT

England manager Roy Hodgson has reluctantly accepted John Terry’s retirement from internationals but said he was disappointed in the defender’s decision.

Terry, who appeared before a Football Association tribunal on Monday facing a charge of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, announced on Sunday he was quitting international soccer.

The former England captain, capped 78 times in an international career stretching back to 2003, said the case against him had made his position in the national team untenable as he was cleared in the criminal trial over the affair.

“I’d like to thank John Terry for his commitment to the England team since I became manager,” Hodgson said in an FA statement.

“I am of course disappointed to lose a player of John’s international experience and exceptional ability. I have enjoyed a good relationship with John during my time as England manager and I reluctantly accept his decision.

“I can also confirm that he had the courtesy to call me prior to announcing his retirement from the England team. I’d like to wish John well for the future with Chelsea.”

MIKEL: CHEAP GOAL

MIKEL: CHEAP GOAL

John Mikel Obi admitted that the players had temporarily switched off for the goal which allowed Juventus to rescue a point at Stamford Bridge last night.

On our return to Champions League action, the Blues had raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to an Oscar brace in the space of a couple of first-half minutes, but after hitting back through Arturo Vidal shortly before the break, the Italians equalised nine minutes from time through substitute Fabio Quagliarella after a misplaced pass from Mikel.

'It was a game we should have won,' said a clearly frustrated Mikel. 'We played very well, had more control of the game and looked more dangerous.

'I'm disappointed, it was my pass and I over-hit it. After that we should have reacted properly but we didn't.

'The second goal was a cheap one to give away, we switched off, it was a pass to Eden [Hazard] that didn't quite get there and then we switched off, we should have dealt with it properly.'

As opening fixtures go, facing a resurgent Juventus, who came into the game having not lost in Serie A for 42 matches and unbeaten on the road for 16 months, was always going to be a difficult test.

It was only the third time we'd failed to get our Champions League campaign off to a winning start, but while there was inevitably disappointment after allowing the lead to slip, Mikel stressed the need to remain positive moving forward.

'We started the game well and scored the two goals,' he explained. 'We had possession and had the game under control. They scored their goal, and then we came out for the second half in the same way we started the first.

'2-2 is not bad, we need to keep our heads up. We wanted to win the game but Juventus are a good team, tactically they are very sound, so we knew we had to dig deep to get our goals which is what we did, I'm just disappointed with the way we gave away the second goal.'

The biggest positive was undoubtedly the performance of Oscar, making his first start for the club, who lit up west London with two long-range strikes worthy of the biggest stage.

Mikel paid tribute to the tricky Brazilian, before underlying the importance of not looking too far ahead.

'He's a great player, he's done brilliantly scoring the two goals, but his general play was good as well. Hopefully he's going to be a great player for the club,' said the Nigerian.

'It's going to be difficult, obviously we want to win it again, we want to go as far as we can but there's no kidding about how tough it's going to be. 

'Our first thought is to come out of the group stage and then look forward. Right now we want to take each game as it comes, and the next game is going to be an important one.' - Chelsea fc official site

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 1 STOKE CITY 0

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 1 STOKE CITY 0.

Summary 
Ashley Cole's first goal since May 2010 was enough to send the Blues back to winning ways as he scored late on to settle a keenly fought contest.

The left-back's previous strike had been an icing-on-the-cake moment on the day we won the league by thumping Wigan. This time his effort made the difference between one point and all three and in the context of this season, it could have immense value.

As in previous home games this season, Roberto Di Matteo's men produced some very watchable football but only in spells and Stoke came closest to scoring in the first half when they hit woodwork. The visitors couldn't produce any moment so dangerous after the break against an improved Chelsea who had rested big players, but after Oscar had gone close and substitutions had been made, we beat the clock with one of the best moves of the game. 

Team news With this game the middle one of three in a seven-day spell, Di Matteo rotated his side with John Terry and Frank Lampard both starting on the bench. Gary Cahill came into defence and Juan Mata returned to midfield for his first game of September. Oscar retained his place. Petr Cech was captain.

Stoke made one change. Geoff Cameron replaces suspended Andy Wilkinson at right-back.

First half Both teams won a corner in the first five minutes but it was not until Mata knocked over Chelsea's second corner of the game on six minutes that an attempt on goal was made. Torres, who had earlier not made the most of a promising counter-attack, headed over.

On 12 minutes, Hazard fired in a corner from the opposite side and the locks of the flying David Luiz were not too far away from making an important contact at the near post.

Stoke had some good moments, winning their fair share of midfield contests but Chelsea were looking the brighter on a sunny afternoon. Mikel played a disguised pass that gave Oscar the chance to square the ball into the six-yard box but that was cleared.

The Potters' threat from set-pieces was never going to be underestimated but Chelsea were left chasing red and white shirts when Glenn Whelan delivered a peach of a dipping free-kick into our box that Jonathan Walters met first, heading over Cech but thankfully against the crossbar.

On 22 minutes Chelsea had a penalty appeal turned down when Ivanovic found himself playing as a temporary centre-forward and contact was made with Cameron, but it never looked likely to impress referee Michael Oliver, who removed his yellow card from his pocket for the first time soon after. Charlie Adam had more-or-less rugby tackledRamires.

On 25 minutes, Mata produced a moment of inspiration to spot a Torres run and float the ball over the defence. His compatriot brought it down on his chest but then couldn't connect with his boot. Had Torres's best chance to score this game already passed?

David Luiz fired a 28^th minute free-kick on target but it was comfortable for the extremely fluorescent Begovic.

Ten minutes later, Cech couldn't hold a Kightly header as he dropped to the deck to save it, Chelsea having been opened up down our left - but Cahill was on hand to clear upfield.

Chelsea put pressure on in the final minutes of the half, Ivanovic almost burst through to shoot and Hazard craftily teeing up Cole for a cross, but Tony Pulis would probably have been pleased at the whistle with the scoreline and his team's showing so far.

Second halfThe run of not getting penalty decisions continued soon after the restart, this time Oscar the man going down but the contact was not sufficient to convince the ref it wasn't a dive, and our young Brazilian was booked.

He tested Begovic soon after who had to dive to keep out a shot before Mata got his sights wrong in attempting to find the top corner. Instead he found the Matthew Harding lower tier, many rows back. Chelsea at least were pressing Stoke back deep into their half, although the visitors did make it upfield to win a corner that Crouch, challenged byDavid Luiz, couldn't quite reach.

The Blues were flattering to deceive with some quick passing moves in the Stoke half that were consistently failing to turn into chances.

On the hour, Victor Moses was brought on in place of Hazard to pose Stoke a different set of problems. Moments later Pulis introduced Michael Owen for Charlie Adam. The former England marksman lined up deeper than Crouch.

It is often said that it's the shots not caught cleanly that catch keepers out more than well-struck ones, and that was almost the case after Oscar showed great control to worm his way into space. Stamford Bridge anticipated another rocket but instead the shot was a grasscutter that took a slight defection. Begovic only just kept it out.

A Chelsea goal looked on the cards more than at any time in the game. Oscar clipped a shot just wide.

On 76 minutes it was Mikel the man who continued his run and was found by a very good first-time pass by Torres. Cutting inside a defender before lining up to shoot, the Nigerian was denied a magical moment when his effort was blocked.

Two minutes later and Chelsea survived a shot through a crowd and just wide of our far post from substitute Matthew Etherington after Kenwyne Jones had kept alive an over-hit cross.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Lampard was sent on - Mikel making way. The vice-captain was involved in the move that finally broke the deadlock, playing a simple pass to Moses who knocked the ball first-time to Ivanovic ahead. The Serbian crossed low and Mata's contribution was crucial - a little backheel that ran into the path of Cole for a close-range chip into the net, but only after it clipped the head of the keeper.

Etherington made a lung-busting covering run to deny Moses as the former Wigan man, playing for the first time at the Bridge, charged half the length of the pitch towards goal.

However Cole's goal was enough, the game ending in bad-tempered fashion after David Luiz had been booked for catching Walters with a studs-up challenge. 

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech (c); Ivanovic, David Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Mikel (Lampard 80); Mata (Terry 87), Oscar, Hazard (Moses 60); Torres.
Unused subs Turnbull, Azpilicueta, , Bertrand, Romeu, ,.
Scorer Cole 84.
Booked Oscar 49, David Luiz 90+2.

Stoke (4-5-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross (c), Huth, Wilson; Walters, Whelan, Adam (Owen 63), Nzonzi, Kightly (Etherington 71); Crouch (Jones 74).
Unused subs Sorensen, Upson, Shotton, Whitehead.
Booked Adam 22

Referee Michael Oliver
Crowd 41,112 - chelseafc official site.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 JUVENTUS 2

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 JUVENTUS 2

SummaryOur defence of the Champions League trophy began in disappointing style as we threw away a two-goal lead, drawing 2-2 with Juventus on what was only the third occasion in which we'd failed to win our opening group game.

Everything was going according to plan when Oscar drove us in front, via the aid of a deflection, in the 30^th minute, and two minutes later we looked to be heading for a comfortable victory when the youngster doubled our advantage with a sublime strike which gave Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

Juventus reduced the deficit five minutes later when Arturo Vidal fired home, and while the Blues had a legitimate penalty claim waved away after the break when Eden Hazard was tripped inside the penalty area, the visitors always looked dangerous.

The equaliser came nine minutes from time when the substitute Fabio Quagliarella raced on to Claudio Marchisio's pass to secure a point.

Attention now turns towards a Premier League clash at home to Stoke City on Saturday where we will be looking to get back to winning ways and maintain our place at the top of the league.

Team newsRoberto Di Matteo made only one change to the Chelsea team which drew 0-0 at Loftus Road on Saturday, withOscar being handed his first start for the club since joining in the summer, Ryan Bertrand the player making way.David Luiz partnered captain John Terry in central defence, while Fernando Torres, withdrawn against Queens Park Rangers, retained his place in the side as the lone striker, making his 50^th start for the club. Juan Mata, who missed the weekend's game after being given some time off, returned to the squad, although the Spaniard had to be content with a place on the bench. Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, missed out after picking up a hamstring strain.

First halfIt was a bright start from the Blues, with two corners forced inside the opening couple of minutes, and while the first was easily cleared, David Luiz went close from the second, although the defender couldn't get enough power behind his header to seriously trouble Buffon.

Juventus, though, unlike many Italian sides playing away from home, were happy to push men forward early on, and it required a smart David Luiz block to prevent Mirko Vucinic from slipping his strike partner Sebastian Giovinco through on goal.

The play flowed back and forth as both sides attempted to gain an early advantage, but it was the visitors who had the first real sight of goal, Marchisio racing on to a Leonardo Bonucci clearance in the 21^st minute, only to be denied by the lightning quick reflexes of Petr Cech, who raced off his line to parry the midfielder's effort.

The Chelsea defence was breached again moments later as Stephan Lichtsteiner played in Vucinic, but with the goal at his mercy the Montenegro international somehow scuffed his effort into the side-netting.

It was an opportunity the Italians were made to pay for on the half-hour mark as Chelsea took the lead. Oscarpounced on a loose ball 25 yards from goal, and as the youngster struck from distance, his effort took a wicked deflection off Bonucci and flew past the stranded Buffon.

Two minutes later, with the supporters still on their feet celebrating his first strike, Oscar doubled his tally for the night with one of the goals of the season so far, spinning on the edge of the box and bending an absolute peach of a strike into the top corner.

Di Matteo had opted to ease the 20-year-old into the side gradually over the course of the opening few weeks of the campaign, but in the space of a couple of minutes he had given the Stamford Bridge faithful a glimpse of his unquestionable abilities.

Five minutes later, however, the away side were back in the game courtesy of a powerful, low strike into the bottom corner by Vidal, a goal which, in truth, they will have felt their first half performance merited.

Buoyed by their sudden reprieve, Juventus sensed unease in the Blues defence as the half drew to a close, and they were almost level with the last kick of the half, Andrea Pirlo's free-kick sailing inches past Cech's right-hand post.

Second halfChelsea, unchanged from the first half, came out after the break eager to restore our two-goal advantage, and shortly after Ramires narrowly failed to connect with a Hazard cross, Buffon saved low down to his right from an impressiveBranislav Ivanovic effort.

The veteran Italian goalkeeper was called into action again moments later when he did well to save a thumping Frank Lampard free-kick as we stepped up the pressure.

The referee, who had incensed the home supporters with a string of decisions in the opening 45 minutes, did little to enhance his standing with them when he denied the Blues what appeared to be a certain penalty as Hazard was brought down inside the box by Chiellini.

Juventus were growing into the game as the half wore on, and after Lampard lost possession just outside our own penalty area, David Luiz made a stunning last-gasp block to deny Marchisio as he looked to pull the trigger.

Sensing the visitors were beginning to take control of proceedings, Di Matteo made his first substitution of the night, replacing Ramires with Ryan Bertrand, a switch which saw Hazard move out to the right-hand side and Bertrand play ahead of Ashley Cole on the left.

Soon after it was Oscar making way, the Brazilian suffering after being caught by a late tackle minutes earlier, with Mata coming on to play in behind Torres.

The Spaniard's impact was almost instant, but after linking up well with Hazard his left-footed strike flew wide of Buffon's post, and from the subsequent attack Juventus were level.

Marchisio picked up possession midway inside the Chelsea half and was afforded far too much time to slide his pass into the path of the substitute Fabio Qualiarella, who took one touch before calmly rolling the ball through the legs of the advancing Cech, sending the travelling hordes behind the goal delirious.

As the clock ticked down it was Juventus firmly in the ascendancy, and Quagliarella almost turned the game completely on its head when he turned on the edge of the box and crashed a strike against the bar with what was the last attempt on goal.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry (c), Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires (Bertrand 68), Oscar (Mata 74), Hazard; Torres.
Unused substitutes: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Romeu, Moses.
Scorers Oscar 31, 33
Booked Ramires 59

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon (c); Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Isla 76), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic (Matri 87), Giovinco (Quagliarella 74).
Unused substitutes: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Marrone
Scorers Vidal 37, Quagliarella 80
Booked Vidal 65

Referee Pedro Proenca (Portugal)
Crowd 40,918 - Chelseafc fficial site.

WHO'S YOUR NUMBER ONE CHELSEA PLAYER?

WHO'S YOUR NUMBER ONE?

Chelsea magazine will be turning 100 soon and to commemorate the milestone, we want fans to help select the 100 greatest Blues players of all time.

The landmark edition of the club's official monthly publication will hit the stands at the start of November and we are looking for as many supporters as possible to get involved with the vote.

You might look at what current stars such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech have contributed to our trophy-laden recent years and think that one of those players should come out on top. Perhaps Didier Drogba's penchant for big goals in big games will see you give the Ivorian the nod or were Gianfranco Zola's silky skills the highlight of your Blues-watching days?

Many of you might still favour other players from yesteryear, such as Dennis Wise, Kerry Dixon, Charlie Cooke, Peter Bonetti or Jimmy Greaves. Or will Peter Osgood always remain the King of Stamford Bridge to you?

Of course, the choice is completely yours, so get thinking, then get voting. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled across all the club's media platforms, with regular stories appearing on the official website, social media, Chelsea TV and the matchday programme. You can also expect some of our current players to have their say via Twitter using #CFC100.

Voting commences on Monday 17 September and closes on Monday 1 October and could not be simpler. Just follow this link, fill out the simple form and enter the name of your favourite Chelsea player of all time. Alternatively you can send your vote to us by emailing cfc.magazine@trinitymirror.com or post your vote to Chelsea magazine, 3rd Floor Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS. - Chelseafc official site.

DI MATTEO: CHANCES WILL COME

Di Matteo Chelsea FC

DI MATTEO: CHANCES WILL COME

Saturday at Loftus Road was the first time Chelsea failed to score in a match this season but Roberto Di Matteo has reiterated his faith in his strike force as he looks back on the game.

Fernando Torres, the starting centre-forward, endured a frustrating afternoon, one which was brought to an end when he was replaced by Daniel Sturridge with 10 minutes remaining.

The Spanish striker opted to head straight to the changing room but while Di Matteo could understand the disappointment, the Italian also explained that with a heavy schedule in the coming weeks, the full depth of his squad will need to be utilised.

'Players are generally not happy to come off, he [Torres] showed a bit of frustration but it's not a problem for us, we move on and focus on the next game,' Di Matteo said.

'Against QPR it was difficult to create a lot of chances, we had a lot of corners and a couple of very good opportunities, but sometimes if you have five or six chances you have to take one and score that goal, especially away from home because usually at home you will create more.

'I thought we played very well, especially in the first half when we were very strong. We created some good chances. Hazard and Torres both had chances but QPR's new goalkeeper [Julio Cesar] was worth the money they paid.

'Torres worked very well and he had a chance to score in the first half and a half-decent chance in the second half as well, he played his part in the game,' noted Di Matteo.

'We can't put too much pressure on one player, we are a team and everybody has responsibility and we are looking for other players to score goals as well, Hazard had two great chances and on another day he might have scored.

'We've only played four league games up to now, and including QPR we have a run of seven games in 21 days, so there will be a chance for everybody.'

As an attacking unit, we improved following the introduction of Sturridge and debutant Victor Moses, who offered pace and width as legs tired in the closing stages.

Sturridge is yet to start in the league thus far this season, but Di Matteo, who expects to welcome Juan Mata back into the squad for Wednesday's visit of Juventus in the Champions League, offered words of encouragement to the 23-year-old.

'I thought the substitutions that we made had a big impact on the game, they were very lively when they came on, so we have options.

'The biggest help for Sturridge will be to play more minutes and show his qualities, but as long as he keeps on training well he will get chances to play. I've played him wide, and he came on through the middle, but he will get more chances.

'Mata will be available for selection for Wednesday, it's probably too early for [Marko] Marin. We've got some knocks and bruises so we will assess the players.' - Chelseafc official site.

CHELSEA: GOOD SPIRIT, GOOD DERBY

Di Matteo

CHELSEA: GOOD SPIRIT, GOOD DERBY

It was not the win to show clearly the players had put the defeat in Monaco behind them but Roberto Di Matteo was still content with the performance level, if not the result from a difficult derby at Loftus Road.

The Chelsea manager, in common with his players at the time and the Chelsea fans watching from a packed away end, believed at least one penalty should have been awarded in our favour, Ryan Nelsen appearing to wrestle John Terry to the ground at a set-piece and Eden Hazard being tripped in the box, but it was chances not taken that the Italian highlighted first.

On the game overall 

'The only disappointment was we didn't score the goal with the chances we created because all in all, the performance was very good,' Di Matteo said.

'Playing at Loftus Road is always difficult because of the history and the rivalry of the clubs. We controlled the game very well, we created a number of chances and it was just the goal that was missing. One goal would have probably been enough for us to win the game.

'I am not concerned because we created chances. It is the first game we haven't scored, we normally do, and we will continue to do so if we create chances.'

On the decisions not to give Chelsea a penalty in the first half

'The one with JT and Nelsen looked a stonewall penalty to me. I have watched the replay. I know the ref doesn't have the replay and I don't know if he didn't see it or saw it and didn't think it was.

'The one on Hazard he was in a good position for and there was some contact but maybe he didn't think it was enough. It is a difficult job to be a referee. It is easy for us because we have the replays.'

On concentrating on the game given the high-profile build-up

'Both sets of players have shown a great attitude. They focused on the football, showed how professional they are and they played the game in the right spirit. It was a good derby to watch.

'Our players didn't have a problem with their focus and were very concentrated. We didn't concede much and with the penalties and the chances, on another day we could have scored.'

'We handled it very well and we were very professional and I was very pleased with the way they played.'

Looking towards the Champions League match midweek

'We need to assess the players tomorrow but it doesn't look like we had any major issues, just a couple of knocks. We will now shift our energy to Wednesday's game.'

Rangers manager Mark Hughes was just as happy with his team's display as his former team-mate at Chelsea had been with his.

'I thought we were excellent,' said Hughes. 'In terms of control of the game we were able to do that comfortably for long periods. Last time out here in the Premier League we didn't do so well but there were a couple of clear-cut chances today and it was an improvement on what we did at Man City.

'It was a game played in good spirit and it was very competitive. Chelsea had to perform today to stay in the game and I imagine they will be pleased with their point.' - Chelseafc official site

DI MATTEO: SETTING STANDARDS

DI MATTEO: SETTING STANDARDS

Speaking ahead of Saturday's local derby, Di Matteo has given good news on the health of his squad as well as discussed his hopes for a game played in good spirit.

The manager has also reflected on the news concerning the Hillsborough disaster.

Squad news

It is certainly not always the case coming off the back of a two-week break for international fixtures, but Di Matteo's choice is an extensive one as he considers the 11 names on the teamsheet for the visit to Queens Park Rangers.

John Terry and Ashley Cole have trained for two days as they shake off ankle injuries and should be available for selection. Juan Mata returned on Friday morning from his well-earned break from football and also trained. A late decision will be made on whether the Spaniard can play a part against Rangers, but if not then he will definitely be in the squad for the Juventus match on Wednesday.

Marko Marin, who has been out with a hamstring problem, will be involved in the Under-21 game tonight versus Liverpool at Brentford. The German will therefore not be in the squad for tomorrow's match.

Di Matteo has given an update on Petr Cech who was rested from the Czech Republic's friendly international midweek. He has a minor elbow condition which won't affect his availability for Chelsea games.

'It is very good that the Czech Federation has cooperated with us and our goalkeeper doesn't need to play in the friendly games,' said the manager. 'We have been managing his elbow and it is not decided yet if he will need anything done to it.

'He has been playing with it for some period now and it is not an issue at the moment. If he stays without any pain then it is possible he will play on with that. If not, our medical department with the player will make a decision.'

On facing QPR

Talk in the build-up to the derby has been on whether there will be a handshake between the two teams. The usual pre-match ritual was suspended when we played QPR at Stamford Bridge in April but will go ahead on Saturday afternoon.

'We are going to respect the protocol and set a positive standard for the millions of people that are going to watch us all over the world, and make people focus more on the football side than other issues,' said Di Matteo.

'The Premier League is being watched all over the world now and we have to set a good, positive standard for everybody that is watching us and the handshake is just a part of it. It is part of the respect campaign as well and hopefully the game will be played in good spirit.

'We would like both sets of supporters, especially our fans, to support their team and hopefully there will be no incidents. Football is here to unite people rather than divide people.'

When the whistle blows, Di Matteo is anticipating a match that showcases all that is good in a top-flight match between close neighbours.

'Every time we go to Loftus Road it is always a feisty derby for us. It is a small ground with very passionate supporters from both sides, and the rivalries are well known so it is going to be a heated atmosphere.

'We had a bad start in our last game against Atletico Madrid and after that it was always an uphill struggle for us in that game. We know we need to start well against QPR to try to retain our positive start we have had this season.'

On Hillsborough 

With the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel dominating not just the sports news but all news this week, Di Matteo had some words for the Chelsea supporters on that subject.

'Our message is to respect the victims' families because that day was a tragedy for those who have lost their love ones and for football in general,' he said.

'Now that hopefully there is an end to the uncertainty there was over that tragedy, we can look forward and remember the victims and our sympathy goes out to the families who lost people. The message to our fans is to respect that and show a good example of what our fans are like.'

In addition, Chelsea Football Club has made a statement which reads:

'Chelsea Football Club's sympathy to those that suffered as a result of the Hillsborough disaster 23 years ago is well known and has been consistently made clear.

'We have also stated on a number of occasions our view of Chelsea supporters who engage in inappropriate and unacceptable chants, songs or statements that dishonour all those that suffered as a result of the tragic events that day.'

In other news

Since Chelsea last played a game, Raul Meireles has left the club for Fenerbahçe and Florent Malouda has been told to train with Chelsea's Under-21 squad rather than the first team group.

'There was a decision by the club and the player,' Di Matteo said on the transfer of Meireles.

'The player has a new contract with a very good club and the offer the club received was very good, and we both decided it was the best way to go forward.

'We have taken a decision as a club to put Malouda with the Under 21s. In the past there has been some expression from the player as well to maybe part company and it hasn't happened, so in the end we moved forward and we brought in some other players and those are the players we are going to work with this season.

'The other players have accepted the decision and they have to focus on what is there to achieve this season.'

Supporters attending the game are asked to note that as last season for this fixture, no alcohol will be served in the away section at Loftus Road. - Chelsea FC official site.

CAHILL: BOUNCING BACK

Cahill in action

CAHILL: BOUNCING BACK

Following a three-week hiatus, the Blues return to league action with a short trip to Queens Park Rangers later today, and Gary Cahill, who has played in his fair share of local derbies, is relishing the prospect of competing in such an atmosphere.

Our first London derby of the campaign pits us against a side still without a league win, but having lost the corresponding fixture last season 1-0, there is little danger of Roberto Di Matteo's side underestimating a team managed by former Chelsea striker Mark Hughes.

Given the chance to choose one game in which they were guaranteed three points, there is no doubt that the Loftus Road faithful would plump for this one, but as Cahill explains, his team-mates are heading into the game looking to avenge last season's disappointment.

'I remember watching the game last season before I came here, which unfortunately Chelsea lost,' Cahill tells the official Chelsea website. 'That game, with the sending offs, had the feel of a real derby, and I think it sticks in the lads' memory as well.

'There are loads of teams around Bolton, so there's no real needle fixture,' he adds as he assesses his past experience of local rivalries.

'But years ago, when I was on loan at Burnley, we played against Blackburn and that's their proper derby. We met in the cup and that was a fiery game.

'The Aston Villa v Birmingham game [where Cahill scored a famous and spectacular late equaliser for Villa] is another big memory for me, but derby games are great, the supporters love them. They're always like cup finals to play in.'

The Blues currently top the table with maximum points following our opening three matches of the season and, in terms of performances, there have been plenty of positives to take.

The opening day win at Wigan was followed by a 4-2 home win against Reading, but perhaps our most significant display thus far came in the 2-0 win against Newcastle, a fixture we lost by the same scoreline back in May.

Since the victory over Alan Pardew's men, however, we endured a disappointing night - both in terms of performance and result - when we were beaten 4-1 by Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, a game which the players are desperate to bounce back from, as Cahill explains.

'Sometimes the best thing [after a defeat] is for the next game to come around as quickly as possible, but that hasn't been the case because of the international break,' says the 26-year-old.

'The lads have been away, we're all back now and, as I said before, I think it was just a freak game. It was one of those where we just need to draw a line under it. We can't let it affect what we're doing in the league where we've had a great start.

'They know how big the game is, we know how big the game is. As well as being important in the league to keep our momentum going, it's been a long time since we played, or at least it feels like it has, so it's good to be back playing again.'

Visit Chelsea TV's online access now for exclusive pre-match interviews with David Luiz and Roberto Di Matteo. - Chelseafc Official site.