Cahill, Cahill, Cahill. Was huge for the entire 90 minutes. Held us together at the back in the first half when both fullbacks were pooh and Ivan kept passing to the Benifca forwards. He made two game winning blocks but the one at the end was the stuff of legends.

 

So, so, pleased for him. He has had way more good games than bad this season and yet he has received a lot of unjustified criticism from more than a few on here. Showed the player he can be for us last night and that he has the ability to take over from Terry.

 

Well done son.

Yep got to be Cahill, he was a colossus.  Special mentions for Cech, Mata (2 assists!) and of course Brana.  We didn't play very well to be honest, but we did what we do best when our backs are to the wall.  Considering the amount of games we've played I can forgive the lack of energy.   

Ramires

Not an easy one as in that first half we were embarrassed at times and lookedf like we were running on empty and trying to play from memory. But what second half spirit - everyone played there part. I know Ramires was poor but at least he was always an outlet and won us countless free-kicks AND the corner. Torres deserves credit. Good goal and he battled throughout. So glad for Ivan - WHAT a header and then Cahill got him out of jail. And even well done to Benitez for not making any subs as I really don't think we had any game changers on the bench.

 

But I've gone for Lamps. Steadied things in that second half and led us well and was so unlucky not to get his 204th.

 

WELL DONE THE CHELS.

On that note, how f**king well can Lampard strike a ball?  If one of those 2 shots had gone in, my word. 

Ivan for me.

Cahill for me, really stepped up today. Almost as if he had a point to prove after his disappointment in his previous final.

Have to agree with the Cahill voters. Don't think anyone else was particularly good though. Torres worked hard and didn't do a lot wrong. Ramires got better as the game went on, as did Luiz and Lampard. Cech was solid as usual.

 

If Oscar could sort his first touch out he'd be world class.

Have to agree with the Cahill voters. Don't think anyone else was particularly good though. Torres worked hard and didn't do a lot wrong. Ramires got better as the game went on, as did Luiz and Lampard. Cech was solid as usual.

 

If Oscar could sort his first touch out he'd be world class.

 

I think we'll see what Oscar is capable of next season.  He's had an utterly absurd playing schedule this season with international football included.  He's also been played out of position since he got here and he hasn't exactly been useless.  I'd love to see what Mourinho does with him. 

I think we'll see what Oscar is capable of next season.  He's had an utterly absurd playing schedule this season with international football included.  He's also been played out of position since he got here and he hasn't exactly been useless.  I'd love to see what Mourinho does with him. 

 

Agreed, although I don't think a hectic schedule should affect your first touch. I can see Mourinho playing him centrally. He's twice as good in the middle and Mourinho will recognise this immediately.

Agreed, although I don't think a hectic schedule should affect your first touch. I can see Mourinho playing him centrally. He's twice as good in the middle and Mourinho will recognise this immediately.

 

I think it might be affecting his concentration, which is important when it comes to first touch.  I don't like to offer excuses but I just have a feeling that we've only seen glimpses of how good he's going to become.  Really hope you're right and he's played centrally next season.  Central midfield is where he belongs IMO.  He made some excellent tackles yesterday.

Cahill all day long. A proper centre half.

Cahill was immense, he has more than a bit of JT in his game and last night we needed a bit of JT, well done Gary.

I'm happy to go along with the Cahill love in for last night, but can't help myself in pointing out that he excels when we are under pressure and is required to throw himself in front of shots and make last ditch clearances.

 

As a central defender in a team that only occasionally needs that, he is not top class.  He is nervy on the ball and his general distribution and positioning are suspect.  Just look at how Benteke strolled past him on Saturday.

 

for now though, I'll love him for that last minute clearance - saving Ivan's blushes.

I'll go  Cahill  all day long, props to to Torres and Brana as well, shame on all those who slagged him in other threads, guess thats just the way it goes...

Cahill

Going for Nando there were several candidates but this guy imo has been our player of the tournament and he gave a grear account of himself in the final and scored his most important goal in his Chelsea career.

Gary Cahill, must improve.

What a fantastic performance by him last night, that double tackle at the end saved us immensely.

Have to agree with the Cahill voters. Don't think anyone else was particularly good though. Torres worked hard and didn't do a lot wrong. Ramires got better as the game went on, as did Luiz and Lampard. Cech was solid as usual.

 

If Oscar could sort his first touch out he'd be world class.

 

I'm sorry but that is well off, he did not get better as the game went on, he got worse. I never want to see Ramires on the wing again.

I'm sorry but that is well off, he did not get better as the game went on, he got worse. I never want to see Ramires on the wing again.

Agreed but as I said before thank god he didn't get subbed cause he win the corner at the end

Agreed but as I said before thank god he didn't get subbed cause he win the corner at the end

Who's to say that whoever would have replaced him (Moses?) wouldn't have scored a hat-trick?

Torres for me. Whilst Cahill's last ditch tackle was crucial I thought Torres' hold up play was the difference between us winning and losing. It was the only area of the field where we dominated Benfica, they simply couldn't live with him and he provided pace and width and gave us opportunities to get forward and break. Had Ba started we would definitely have lost to nil. Torres has been slammed a lot but he was seriously good last night and the difference between a win and a loss I feel, as Ivanovic himself even stated.

Cahill for that final clearance alone.

Gonna go for Torres, he got us a goal when we were still under the cosh, it was a tidy finish and one that he could have stuffed up. I'm pleased for him that he delivered for us on the day.

As the person who started the 'Gary Cahill - Must Improve' thread I am only too happy to echo the sentiments of many others here. Cahill was fantastic last night and has a knack for playing his very best when it really matters. If he could maintain that level of performance I would be delighted as I think he's a good, humble guy who works really hard and is potential captain material. Well done Gary, great performance. More of the same please!