The Mini
Well-Known Member
This is the first of a seris of articles exclusive to Arsenal-Mania about their opposition. To start, I think our local-ish rivals and title challengers, our half Russian cousins in a not very cousin-ish way, Chelsea (or Chel$ki if you wish).
Goalkeepers
1. Petr Cech
The Czech no.1 is Chelsea's most expensive goal keeper of all time, from Rennes for an 'undisclosed fee'. So far he's shown his worth, letting in a single goal in nine games. Unfortunatly for Chelsea's opposition, he is 22 and has over 10 years left in him, as long as something doesnt go horribly wrong.
23. Carlo Cudicini
First choice at Chelsea for two seasons, but uncapped for Italy behind Buffon, Toldo and Pelizzoli at least has now got it bad. He has fallen behind Petr Cech and at the ripe age of 31, is unlikely to get back at him. Lucky for us British, next year he is availible for England Internationals after being at Chelsea for five years. His reputation of being one of the best penalty savers could come in handy for Sven, who's current choices were in the bottom five clubs last season.
40. Lenny Pidgeley
Top choice for Cudicini's replacement as bench warmer. A 20-year-old with 'talent' according to Chelseafc.com. Capped for England at youth levels. Called up in for the U21's against Poland and Austria. Succesful in loan periods at Watford, he is one to watch.
Defenders
3. Celestine Babayaro
The most longest serving Chelsea first-teamer, the only survivor of Ruud Gullit's reign at Stamford Bridge and the only remaining winner of a cup won by Chelsea. The Nigerian international has the potential of reaching the 200 app mark, if he is able to gain a first team place of Wayne Bridge.
18. Wayne Bridge
The major success from Ranieri's signings with Abramovic's credit card. Infamous for knocking out the Arsenal in last seasons Champions League, he is still behind Ashley Cole in the left back pecking order for England. Last season he scored three goals, more thanhe has scored in his entire career.
6. Ricardo Carvalho
An instrumental part of Porto's two seasons of success, instrumental in Portugal's Euro 2004 cup final place, when the lost to Greece *stifles laugh*. Has only a single game for Chelsea competetively, strange for the player who's supposed to be replacing Marcel Desailly in defence.
20. Paulo Ferreira
Another former Porto man, dissapointing in Euro 2004, reflecting on his current appearance count: 0. Could be a useful asset, but is currently in need os some help.
13. William Gallas
A makeshift defender, able to fit in on the left, right and in the middle. Currently keeping out the men from Porto, effectively. An irregular in the French First team.
29. Robert Huth
The 20-year-old German given hismelf a reputation of being abusive and
argy bargy. Chelseafc.com have tried to put this as "With strength far beyond that expected for his tender years". He has his work cut out to get himself into the back four regularly.
Captain 26. John Terry
Potentially England Captain (in my opinion), the solid defender created a succesful partnership with Sol Campbell, after Rio 'forgot' to take his drugs test. An ever present this season, important in Chelsea's 2nd position.
Tommorow: The Midfielders and attackers
Goalkeepers
1. Petr Cech
The Czech no.1 is Chelsea's most expensive goal keeper of all time, from Rennes for an 'undisclosed fee'. So far he's shown his worth, letting in a single goal in nine games. Unfortunatly for Chelsea's opposition, he is 22 and has over 10 years left in him, as long as something doesnt go horribly wrong.
23. Carlo Cudicini
First choice at Chelsea for two seasons, but uncapped for Italy behind Buffon, Toldo and Pelizzoli at least has now got it bad. He has fallen behind Petr Cech and at the ripe age of 31, is unlikely to get back at him. Lucky for us British, next year he is availible for England Internationals after being at Chelsea for five years. His reputation of being one of the best penalty savers could come in handy for Sven, who's current choices were in the bottom five clubs last season.
40. Lenny Pidgeley
Top choice for Cudicini's replacement as bench warmer. A 20-year-old with 'talent' according to Chelseafc.com. Capped for England at youth levels. Called up in for the U21's against Poland and Austria. Succesful in loan periods at Watford, he is one to watch.
Defenders
3. Celestine Babayaro
The most longest serving Chelsea first-teamer, the only survivor of Ruud Gullit's reign at Stamford Bridge and the only remaining winner of a cup won by Chelsea. The Nigerian international has the potential of reaching the 200 app mark, if he is able to gain a first team place of Wayne Bridge.
18. Wayne Bridge
The major success from Ranieri's signings with Abramovic's credit card. Infamous for knocking out the Arsenal in last seasons Champions League, he is still behind Ashley Cole in the left back pecking order for England. Last season he scored three goals, more thanhe has scored in his entire career.
6. Ricardo Carvalho
An instrumental part of Porto's two seasons of success, instrumental in Portugal's Euro 2004 cup final place, when the lost to Greece *stifles laugh*. Has only a single game for Chelsea competetively, strange for the player who's supposed to be replacing Marcel Desailly in defence.
20. Paulo Ferreira
Another former Porto man, dissapointing in Euro 2004, reflecting on his current appearance count: 0. Could be a useful asset, but is currently in need os some help.
13. William Gallas
A makeshift defender, able to fit in on the left, right and in the middle. Currently keeping out the men from Porto, effectively. An irregular in the French First team.
29. Robert Huth
The 20-year-old German given hismelf a reputation of being abusive and
argy bargy. Chelseafc.com have tried to put this as "With strength far beyond that expected for his tender years". He has his work cut out to get himself into the back four regularly.
Captain 26. John Terry
Potentially England Captain (in my opinion), the solid defender created a succesful partnership with Sol Campbell, after Rio 'forgot' to take his drugs test. An ever present this season, important in Chelsea's 2nd position.
Tommorow: The Midfielders and attackers
