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It took 88 years for Swansea City to register their first victory at Stamford Bridge, but it couldn’t have come at a much better time. Swansea’s 2 goal away win against the European champions in the first leg of the League cup semi-finals could well prove to be the difference at the end. They are now standing on the verge of creating history by reaching their first major cup final, and if the scores of both semi finals stand as it is, Swansea City will be the favourite to lift the trophy against League Two side Bradford.
Swansea players can proudly take the credit for their team’s crucial victory against Chelsea, but there will be one other player seriously pondering upon his future at Stamford Bridge. No, we are not talking about Branislav Ivanovic here. Instead, Chelsea fans around the globe are wondering whether the appalling performance of Fernando Toress suggests his end at Chelsea. The fan directed jeers at the Spaniard after the Swansea game; an unusual scenario which shows they are losing faith in Torres – but how long could they have waited?
It is constantly pointed out by the experts that Chelsea’s game does not suit his play and is the main reason behind his failure. But how true is it? The Stamford Bridge outfit has significantly changed their style of play this season; they pass the ball more swiftly and quickly, suited for a forward like Torres. It isn’t the type of play hampering his form but the lack of determination which the Spaniard has displayed on the pitch.
The right hand side for Juan Mata in the centre, which was collected by the hurrying Tremmel, was the only wallop play by Torres which comes to my mind. He was constantly caught out of position or drifting wide, forcing Mata to fill in for him in the number 9 position. The team which took their chances won the game, with Chelsea losing out as their centre forward cannot shrug off the defenders when required. Demba Ba’s introduction in the 81st minute did swing things upfront for Chelsea, with two shots on target and one disallowed goal, but you have to say that it was too little too late for Chelsea. The Spaniard must be pondering over his role, and Ba’s arrival has added strength to the thought that Torres must now be replaced at Chelsea.
