Chelsea FC: 9 Things You Need to Know About the 1-0 Win over Blackburn Rovers

Hallelujah! Chelsea have managed to keep a clean sheet. 

Forget about the fact that Chelsea were fighting like beavers against a relegation-threatened side with a lame-duck manager—a victory is a victory. 

Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas will not be getting further loving from cricketer Kevin Pietersen because the Portuguese manager made a daft and unusual decision. 

Read on to find out, as this article will outline the nine things you need to know from this scrappy 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. 

1 -   Branislav Ivanovic > Jose Bosingwa 

It was an excellent decision from André Villas-Boas to drop his compatriot and play Branislav Ivanović at right back.

You know the Serbian has become a better right back than centre back when his defensive header ricochets off Petr Čech's cross-bar.  

I'm not sure what this means for José Bosingwa, but I'd be much more secure with Ivanović at right back than an often-missing in-action Bosingwa. 

At the end of the day, the back in right back means you have to be back to defend.

2 - > Alex or David Luiz?

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David Luiz was in the squad, but for whatever reason wasn't on the bench, let alone taking to the field. 

This allowed Alex to come in and, let me tell you, he was as shaky as Luiz. 

When Yakubu missed that guilt-edged opportunity, where was Alex?  

What about the instance when Yakubu played in Rubén Rochina—why was the Spaniard allowed to shoot? 

In the 62nd minute, Alex looks at John Terry and then goes half-heartedly into an aerial challenge, loses the contest to Yakubu, who would have scored if not for Petr Cech.

Then early in stoppage time, Alex again fails to win an aerial challenge. 

If you're going to replace Luiz, at least replace him with someone who will look assured. Chelsea are Losing Luiz's ability to make plays from deep.   

3 ->Not Starting Fernando Torres

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What do you guys think of another horrible, horrible miss from Fernando Torres? 

Either way, Torres had a good game against Genk, so why does he get dropped? What's the incentive for players to play well, knowing they're going to be dropped? It makes no sense whatsoever. 

Also, how does Florent Malouda feel? He had a decent half, linked up well, was looking sharp and made a great pass to Juan Mata early in the game. 

Why does he get subbed off? 

Shouldn't Daniel Sturridge be the one to make way? 

4 - > Daniel Sturridge Conundrum

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André Villas-Boas only needs to look over at Emirates Stadium to see the negative impact in switching a natural forward into a winger. 

Look how much Theo Walcott's development has stagnated because he is being played out on the wings. 

5 - > Frank Lampard's Impact

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How could there be any doubt about Frank Lampard?

Prior to the Manchester Unitedgame, Lampard was statistically Chelsea's best player and had created the most chances, so the amount of animosity the midfielder received was ridiculous. 

The best thing Villas-Boas did was to drop Lampard, which has re-ignited his scoring touch. 

Lampard is already on seven goals this season.

It's not just the goals but his incisive passing and him controlling play that is holding this fragile Chelsea side together. 

6 - > Petr Cech Five Saves

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Coming into the game, Petr Cech had the worst saves to shots percentage in the Premier League.

Well, he did his best to rectify that statistic by making five important saves, especially against Yakubu after Alex's mistake. 

Cech also played through pain and Villas-Boas should appreciate this display. 

7 ->  Link-Up Play Between Daniel Sturridge and Fernando Torres

You know how many passes the two exchanged in 45 minutes? 

Three—all initiated by Fernando Torres.

There is something wrong when two of your forwards in a 4-3-3 pass the ball to each other three times in 45 minutes. 

Last week, we saw  Daniel Sturridge somehow fail to successfully pass the ball to Torres in a position where the Spaniard would have scored (fingers crossed that he would have buried that chance). 

Today, on the break, all Torres needs to do is slip the ball to Sturridge and the Englishman would be through on goal.

Mind you, that play did lead to Ashley Cole finding Torres right in front of goal, only for the Spaniard to fluff his lines. 

8 - > Referee Mike Dean's Leniency

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Fernando Torres was sent off by referee Mike Dean, and Raul Meireles would have received the same fate if not for Dean's leniency. 

Already on a yellow card, Meireles hacked down Martin Olsson—who was going nowhere—and should have received another yellow. 

If he wasn't on a yellow, he would have been booked. 

Eleven minutes earlier, Morten Gamst Pedersen was booked for committing a similar offence on Daniel Sturridge. 

9 - >  Where's the Love for Romelu Lukaku?

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Why did André Villas-Boas have Salomon Kalou warming the benches when he was already starting Florent Malouda? 

With Didier Drogba suspended, Romelu Lukaku can't even make the bench? Give me a break. 

Roger Henrotay, Lukaku's agent, has reiterated his client's stance:

His future is clear. He will not move in January, he will definitely stay in London. The rumours about Malaga and Stoke City? No, I repeat, Romelu will stay at Chelsea where he is very happy and he will not change jerseys.

Something has got to give. 

Villas-Boas is not only ruining Lukaku, but it's an absolute waste of £18 million. 

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