Ruthless Chelsea Overpower Nine-Man Arsenal

After finally managing to break out of their astonishing streak of two losses in their midweek Champions League victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea hosted Arsenal in an intense derby. While many eyes at Stamford Bridge were fixed on the two managers curtly shaking hands without even glancing at each other, many of the Chelsea faithful also had an eye on the benched John Terry who was replaced by Kurt Zouma in the starting eleven.

Both sides took a few minutes to rev their engine as the match continuously built in rivalry and excitement. Arsenal's speed created a few early difficulties for the questioned Chelsea defence, however Chelsea's speedy counter-attack was always a threat. With two former players on the pitch, it had to be former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to spark Chelsea into life with sharp passing. Pedro's return to the lineup gave plenty of attacking support as Hazard and Diego Costa's interplay threatened in bursts.

Partway through the first half, the most integral cog in Arsenal's midfield, Francis Coquelin, looked like it was about to break down. The Frenchman played on despite not looking completely healthy, maybe also because the Arsenal bench didn't have a proper replacement to hold the midfield. While this might have seemed unfortunate for Wenger's side, it was in the final minutes of the half that events swung definitively against Arsenal.

Gabriel's not-so sneaky kick against Diego Costa

Diego Costa's tempestuous physicality up front led to a stray elbow and hand, both nastily being slapped across Koscielny's face. The Chelsea forward then proceeded to chest Koscielny to the ground as the French defender tried to stand up, leading to the heated Gabriel coming over to wrestle Diego Costa away from his teammate. Referee Mike Dean must have missed Diego Costa's initial elbow, and thus gave Costa and Gabriel a yellow each. In the following arguments and discussions, Gabriel lost his cool and earned himself a second yellow with an aggressive kick of the heel at Costa.

Arsene Wenger started the second half by replacing the partly injured Coquelin with Callum Chambers, however, Diego Costa's dark magic already left its mark, and Arsenal's ten men were unable to stop Kurt Zouma from heading in the opener from Fabregas's free kick. As the second half continued, Diego Costa was continuously in the middle of events as he played what could be considered one of the best matches of his season. Arsenal's ten men had difficulty managing Chelsea's advances, however were still able to occasionally create a dangerous opportunity with the darting Alexis Sanchez.

Struggling to compete in the match, the Gunners lost another man when Santi Cazorla's tackle on Fabregas was just a fraction too late (and a bit too forceful as well), earning him a second yellow with ten minutes remaining. While it seemed like destiny that Diego Costa would score the sealing goal, the opportunity came to Eden Hazard. The Belgian's deflected shot gave Cech no chance, the former Chelsea keeper defeated by his former team in his former stadium.

Chelsea's Strengthening Starts with Diego Costa

After having completed medical examinations in London, Diego Costa looks set to join Chelsea for next season. The English club will be matching the release clause on Diego Costa's contract, paying 42 million Euros to Atletico Madrid with the added possibility of a Chelsea player being exchanged to Atletico. With 35 goals this season in all competitions, and an upcoming World Cup for Spain in which he'll be competing for a starting spot, Diego Costa looks like he will be the true goalscorer Mourinho has been calling for. 

Jose Mourinho has already gotten to work on strengthening his Chelsea side for next season, with the toughest task that of ensuring Eden Hazard remains at Stamford Bridge. After PSG's 75 million Euro bid for the Belgian starlet, Chelsea have managed to fend off the French club by giving Hazard the number ten jersey. With the frontline combo of Hazard, Diego Costa, and Willian, Chelsea now have to plug some holes in the midfield and defence during the transfer window. 

Due to Frank Lampard's departure and the disappointing season of Ramires, reinforcements in the centre of the midfield are required, especially considering Mourinho's tactical dependence on a strong midfield. Although there have been rumblings about a return to Stamford Bridge for Atletico Madrid's Tiago, it seems like Mourinho would prefer the either of the Brazilians, Sandro or Paulinho from Tottenham (most likely with an exchange including John Obi Mikel), or Juventus' Paul Pogba. There's also the possibility of a thirty to forty million Euro move for Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, however it has been reported that Mourinho isn't completely convinced by the Spaniard and that Pogba remains at the top of his midfield list. 

In terms of the defence, Chelsea have been looking to address their weakness at left back and to replace the spot left by David Luiz after his move to PSG. Real Madrid's Raphael Varane is a strong candidate for the center of defence, however certain reports suggest that the 21 year-old might not be interested in a move to Chelsea. The other names for defence continue to come from Atletico Madrid with Diego Godin a possibility at the centre and Filipe Luis for left back. Atletico Madrid had their offer of around 8-10 million Euros for Granada's left back Siqueira (who playing on loan at Benfica this past season) accepted, possibly in preparation for Filipe Luis' departure. Atleti's other recent signing of Getafe keeper Miguel Angel Moya points to Thibaut Courtois' return to Chelsea, however it seems like the keeper still hasn't decided whether or not to end his loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

With the possibility of five new signings from Atletico Madrid (Diego Costa, Tiago, Godin, Filipe Luis, and Courtois), Chelsea have started the summer transfer window with swift plans to bolster the starting eleven with a set of hungry and passionate players. Whether or not Mourinho will be able to bring out the best from a set of players who were incredibly connected to their coach Diego Simeone is difficult to predict. For now, what remains certain is that Chelsea intend on strengthening every part of the squad with some of the best La Liga players around in order to claim the Premier League and Champions League next season.

New Year, New Faces?

Written by Ashwin Raja.

The end of the year always brings with it a feeling of joy and optimism. After all, it's the season of hope and merriment. It's no different for the footballing world either. The teams that are riding on a high will hope to see their form continue, and bear fruit as silverware at the end of the season. On the other hand, those at the deep end of things will be praying for a re-invigoration of spirit; a fresh lease on life so to speak.

The footballing community have not just the opening of the transfer window to look forward to, but also the beginning of a World Cup year. The January window can be an incredibly trying, but also a promising time for clubs and players alike. For clubs, their relative activity or inactivity can make a world of difference whether they are in a title scrap or relegation dog-fight. For players, the choice of club can either make or break them. Take for instance, Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres who both made big money moves in January that proved to be ill-fated. However don't let the stories of Carroll and Torres fool you, there have always been a few diamonds in the rough. Edin Dzeko, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, are just a few.

 Here are eight of the top names that could swap clubs:


1. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid):

Saint Iker, as he is affectionately known by the Madridistas continues to find himself on the bench even after the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. Such has been the form of Diego Lopez, that he has hardly been able to force his way back into the starting eleven, with the exception of the Champions League matches. With the re-emergence of Victor Valdes, his spot in the Spanish national team that has for a long time been set in stone is now under threat. Nothing but regular playing time can allay his fears.Though he has made public his desire to stay and help Madrid achieve La Decima, he has embraced that a move away would be his best option. Though a permanent move may not be on the cards, a loan is certainly a possibility.


2. Leighton Baines (Everton):

After holding on to their star left back in the summer, Everton's resolve will once again be put to the test as David Moyes will look to infuse some quality into a lack-lustre Manchester United team. Despite Baines being nowhere near his best so far, Everton boast the strongest defense in the Premier League alongside leaders Arsenal and are sitting pretty in 4th spot. Seamus Coleman has been a revelation this season and if Baines does go to United, they can be content knowing they may potentially have a player of his ilk already coming up.


3. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid):

If there is one constant in football's ever changing landscape, it has to be Atletico Madrid having a world class striker. Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan, Radamel Falcao and now Diego Costa. The powerful Brazilian has been in scintillating form hitting the 20 goal mark in no time at all. Granted that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been hampered by injuries, it still takes something speical to be topping the goal scoring charts half way through the season, and it will not have gone unnoticed by the top clubs in Europe.


4. Koke (Atletico Madrid):

It is rather poetic that Koke, who also goes by his birth-name of Jorge Resurrección Merodio, could be the man that completes the mid-season resurrection of Manchester United. After a horrendous start to the season that many attributed to the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the glue that has bonded the United dressing room for as long as memory can serve, they have staged a commendable recovery. In the absence of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney has certainly come to the fore. Nonetheless, David Moyes will have noted the appalling lack of creativity in midfield and Koke could be the answer.


5. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham):

Despite having a below par season the previous year, it came as a bit of a surprise when Manchester United let Berbatov go in the summer of 2012. United's record signing since joining Fulham hasn't set the goal scoring charts ablaze, but has shown flashes of brilliance, albeit too sporadically. His astute awareness, finishing and aerial ability do not seemed to have deserted him however. With Fulham struggling to avoid relegation, Berbatov will certainly be weighing up his options and a move to Arsenal is not unfathomable. With an abundance of flair and creativity in the Gunners' midfield he will not be left wanting of service and at the same time solve their problem of sparse attacking options besides Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, who prefers a wide role rather than the number nine role of late.


6. Adam Lallana (Southampton):

It has been a stellar year for Adam Lallana, having won his first England call up and spear heading Southampton's charge for a top 7 finish. Ever since, Maurecio Pochettino arrived on the south coast, Southampton have been playing some vibrant, attacking football, and none have benefited from that more than Adam Lallana. His natural drive and vision go hand in glove with Pochettino's style of play and he has been a regular goal scorer and creator. His age (25) is also a big point in his favor as he continues to notch up admirers that include Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and David Moyes. It may be a long shot, but if not now, the top clubs will definitely come calling in the summer.


7. Daniel Agger (Liverpool):

Napoli have strongly been linked the Danish center back and could take advantage of his lack of game time at Liverpool. Following a freak gym injury, Agger has had a hard time to break back into the starting eleven as Brendan Rodgers continues to persist with Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel in the center of defense. His allegiance to Liverpool is unquestionable, but a reunion with Rafa Benitez could be tempting as he looks for some game time ahead of the World Cup.


8. Mohamed Salah (FC Basel):

Dubbed the 'Egyptian Messi' in following with the customary tradition these days of likening any up and coming talent with the Argentinian, Mohamed Salah has impressed with a series of consistent, if not spectacular performances for Basel in both the domestic league as well as the Champions League. His performance against Chelsea caught the eye as he tormented the Blues' defense with some real pace and trickery and scored in both legs. Liverpool are believed to firm favorites to snap him up as they look to offset their lack of wide options.