18 Yard Box welcomes its new readers and starts off this series by taking a look at a club which has over the years proven to be the Pride of London.
Only a day is left for the Premier League to spring into action and before it does let us have a look at the top teams taking part in the League.
We, at 18 Yard Box, give you a preview of some of the top clubs. In this editorial we take a look at one of the strongest contenders for the title- Chelsea Football Club.
HISTORY
2. The Comeback
Although Chelsea have produced great players in the form of Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, John Terry in recent history, three players stand out from the rest when it comes to getting the tag of 'Legends'. Here are the three.
1. Gianfranco Zola
With Mourinho at the helm of affairs at Chelsea this season, it will be interesting to see what tactics he comes up with. “Splash the cash” has been the mantra of the Abramovich Era but it has brought them glory as well. Having roped in the likes of Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar and Eden Hazard, Chelsea haven’t hesitated one bit in spending the money to avail the services of these players as they seem to have laid the plans for a very bright future.
Will it pay rich dividends as it has over the past decade? It is a question which will only be answered during the course of the season.
Only a day is left for the Premier League to spring into action and before it does let us have a look at the top teams taking part in the League.
We, at 18 Yard Box, give you a preview of some of the top clubs. In this editorial we take a look at one of the strongest contenders for the title- Chelsea Football Club.
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| Evolution of the Chelsea logo |
Founded in 1905, Chelsea Football Club is a Fulham based club located inWest London. Now in its 108th year, Chelsea FC is one of the heavy-weights in English football. Popularly known as The Blues, the club has come a long way from not winning anything (for almost half a decade since its inception) to being the strong contenders in almost all possible competitions
Three Historic Moments
1. League Champions for the first time (1954-55)
1. League Champions for the first time (1954-55)
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| The Chelsea team which won them their maiden trophy |
2. The Comeback
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| The duo turned Chelsea into winners |
Reeling
under several legal battles, Ken Bates steered the club through financial
turmoil and put the club back on track. But it was the appointment of Ruud
Gullit which swung the fortunes for Chelsea FC. Chelsea won their first FA Cup
in 1997 in the new Premier League. Having won 15 major trophies since that
historic triumph, Chelsea football club hasn’t looked back since that day. In
June 2003 a Russian billionaire by the name Roman Abramovich (right) took over
the London club and introduced the philosophy of 'splashing the cash'. He,
alongwith the Portuguese Jose Mourinho (left) paved the way for glory. After
having some glorious years with Chelsea, the duo fell apart and Mourinho had to
leave The Blues in 2007. However, coined as the 'Special One', Mourinho returns
to Chelsea after resolving all the issues he had with the owner.
3. Obtaining the Holy Grail
3. Obtaining the Holy Grail
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| They proved to be the first London team to win it |
19th May 2012: This day is etched in the memory of Chelsea fans. A tournament which gave them their greatest agony in 2008, gave them their greatest glory in the Club’s 108-yr old history. Having been ousted in 2008 in the finals, The Blues came back to win it in 2012. Not the most stylish, comprehensive or exceptional way to win the trophy, but it was their immense resolve & indomitable spirit which won them Club competition’s biggest trophy. They followed it up by winning the Europa League next season, becoming the only club to hold Europe’ two major titles simultaneously.
The Three Iconic Players in clubs' history-
Although Chelsea have produced great players in the form of Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, John Terry in recent history, three players stand out from the rest when it comes to getting the tag of 'Legends'. Here are the three.
1. Gianfranco Zola
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| The Italian starlet played 229 games for Chelsea |
Voted as Chelsea’s Greatest Player of all time (winning with a staggering 60% of the total vote), Gianfranco Zola is all time Chelsea favourite. Having plied his trade with Chelsea for 7 long years, this midfielder mesmerized one & all with his silky skills and some truly magnificent goals. The 'Little Magician’s' last act in a Chelsea jersey involved a delighful dribble past four defenders who were left bemused by his amazing skills.
2. Frank Lampard
2. Frank Lampard
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| He currently holds the record for the most goals scored by a player in a Chelsea shirt |
The name says it all. Frank Lampard has been offering his unwavering services to the club since from moving from West Ham United in 2001. From 2005 to 2010, Lampard has scored an astounding 20 goals every season, a rare feat for a midfielder. Also, he currently stands 2nd in Premier league’s all-time list of assists with 91 to his name & he is now Chelsea’s all-time leading goal-scorer, having broken Bobby Tambling’s long-standing record of 202 goals. Frank Lampard is surely among the finest midfielders England has produced in the recent past and has been involved in all major triumphs of this club. Leading from the front, his presence in the heart of the midfield proves to be the driving force that the team needs. Alongwith John Terry, the Englishman shares a special bond with the Chelsea faithfuls. After signing a one year contract extension this year, Lampard is all set to lead Chelsea to greater heights.
3. Peter Osgood
3. Peter Osgood
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| King of Stamford Bridge |
Known as the “King of Stamford Bridge", Peter Osgood was the talisman of the Chelsea side of the 60’s & the 70s’. Best remembered by Chelsea fans for his heroics during the 1970 FA Cup where he managed to score in every round (he remains the last player to do so) eventually winning them the cup. Sadly, this iconic midfielder passed away in March 2006. A statue of this legendary player was unveiled in September 2010.
Style of Play
Chelsea usually adopt a
4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation. They rely heavily on the wingers. Players like
Mata and Hazard cut in from the flanks to support the sole striker upfront and
also chip in with goals quite regularly. They have solid defense and the
defensive midfielders, Ramires or Mikel or both, act as the link-up between
attack and defense. The defensive midfielders have long been a vital cog in
Chelsea’s success over the recent past.
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| Tactic board |
With Mourinho at the helm of affairs at Chelsea this season, it will be interesting to see what tactics he comes up with. “Splash the cash” has been the mantra of the Abramovich Era but it has brought them glory as well. Having roped in the likes of Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar and Eden Hazard, Chelsea haven’t hesitated one bit in spending the money to avail the services of these players as they seem to have laid the plans for a very bright future.
Will it pay rich dividends as it has over the past decade? It is a question which will only be answered during the course of the season.
Written By,
Pranav Byatnal
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