Steaua Bucharest 1-0 Chelsea: Dire from Chelsea!

After trying to be positive. After accepting the fact that Rafa Benitez is here to stay until the end of the season no matter what, I took my seat to watch Chelsea take on Steaua with a strong side selected and hoped that I would see a good, professional performance. I never saw anything like that. Chelsea were dire!

Chelsea were out fought, outclassed and second rate tonight and that's the most disappointing thing for me. Steaua worked so hard all over the pitch to close us down when we had possession and we hardly created anything. When we did create a clear cut chance through Benayoun, the goalkeeper was more than a match and kept us at bay.

Steaua used their possession of the ball much better than Chelsea. Passing quickly to feet and moving the ball forward at times at will, Chelsea honestly looked at times like they were chasing shadows.

Chelsea's use of the ball was disappointing. We normally see Chelsea keep possession of the ball and move it from side to side or in between the lines looking for an opening but for the most part, we couldn't keep hold of it and for some reason played about twenty long balls up to Fernando Torres during the course of the game.

The penalty was given and we can have no argument. Cech was unlucky in guessing the right way but couldn't stop it.

Once again Rafa decided to substitute Eden Hazard when we are a goal down which is something I have an issue with. Arguably one of our most creative players, even though not heavily involved in the game up to that point, he still can provide something from nothing so why take him off.

I can pick fault here all night but I refuse to point the finger at one person because they were all second best and second rate. From the players to the manager, absolute crap from Chelsea tonight and we have it all to do this Sunday at United followed by the return leg against Steaua at the Bridge in a weeks time.

Carefree & KTBFFH

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