What We Learned From The Shakhtar Match : 7.11.2012

What We Learned From The Shakhtar Match : 7.11.2012

94' minute, corner to Chelsea, Juan Mata to take... "Mata's ball in towards MOSESSSSSSSSSS and Chelsea have won it at the death, incredible scenes here at Stamford Bridge!". That was the final play of the night as Chelsea won 3-2 against Shakhtar. An incredible has shown us an array of things.

Scorers :
Fernando Torres (6')
Willian (9', 47')
Oscar (40')
Moses (94')

What We Learned :
1. David Luiz continues to be woeful.
2. Juan Mata continues sensational form.
3. That's what Champions are made of.
4. Mikel-Ramires is the best combination.
5. Torres still not at his best.

1. David Luiz continues to be woeful : Just as I say almost every match, Gary Cahill has to take over as the other centre-beck next to John Terry. Cahill is, to me, more composed and a more skilled player than Luiz. While Luiz charms us with his occasional goal and his character, we must look at Cahill as our main CB after Terry. David Luiz had another poor night and was careless in possession as Chelsea looked to get back in front. Poor from Luiz, luckily for him Cahill and Ivanovic had good displays in the back.

2. Juan Mata continues sensational form : What more is there to say about Juan Mata? 9 assists and 7 goals in his last 10 matches for Chelsea. Yet, he can't get in the Spain Squad. That aside, Chelsea thrive on his creativity and ball placement. His corner kicks were well placed and caused several problems for Pyatov and the Shakhtar defense.  His touches, control and movement off/on the ball was the key factor in Chelsea's revival. Just like v Arsenal, Norwich, Spurs, United and Nordsjaelland : Mata was our best player. He is sensational form and keeping him fit and healthy is a priority.

3. That's what Champions are made of : Chelsea fought a hard, tough, long match to collect all 3 points v Donetsk and it was, I believe, separates Champions from competitors. We went up twice, conceded quickly twice and held on and pressed on to get a late winner which proves vital for us. Not many teams can do what we did v Shakthar and it's something that sets us aside from the rest.

4. Mikel-Ramires is the best combination : Lampard-Mikel and Romeu-Mikel are the combinations I have ranted about, but Mikel-Ramires is my favourite and it was shown why tonight.  That selection by Roberto Di Matteo was one of the best he could of made. Ramires and Mikel were crucial in our victory. They made very little mistakes and made the back 4's job easier given that Cahill was holding that down, brilliantly. We now know that Ramires is a CM and not a RW.

5. Torres still not at his best : Torres showed a lack of composure, allowing an early chance to run to Pyatov, but was let off the hook seconds later as an attempted clearance from the goalkeeper hit him and ricocheted into the goal. His touch was often ponderous and let the Blues down in attack. Poor night from Nando as he didn't contribute much to our attack and was a key factor in our attacking failures.

Other Points :
1. Where is Marko Marin?
2. Our road to knockout stages is easier.
3. Shakhtar still look dangerous.

Ervin

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