CAHILL: GOOD TO BE BACK

 

Gary Cahill expressed his delight at returning to action after playing the full 90 minutes against Swansea City and coming through the game unscathed.

The Blues defender hadn't featured since being forced out of our 2-0 win against West Ham United in March with a knee problem, but after being an unused substitute in last week's win in Basel, he was handed a start against Michael Laudrup's side.

'Obviously it's good to be back,' he said. 'I watched a few games from the sidelines and it's never great, so it's good to be back and it was a good result which is the main thing.

'I had a little operation, had the problem removed and then had some rehab, so it feels good, I'm happy with it and it's great to be involved again.

'I didn't expect there to be too much wrong with the knee, but when I tried to make a comeback in training it kept breaking down and obviously there was a problem.

'From when I had surgery to when I came back I think it was about three weeks, so it was a great turnaround.

'When the surgeon saw me he said it would take around three weeks, give or take a few days, so he was bang on.'

Cahill couldn't have timed his return any better, as the Blues attempt to secure automatic qualification for next season's Champions League, while also chasing Europa League glory.

 

 

 

 

Frank Lampard scored his 201st Chelsea goal, taking him to within one of Bobby Tambling's club record. Sunday's strike came against his 38th different Premier League opposition. That equals the record held by Andy Cole.

Chelsea recorded a healthy 24 shots on Sunday afternoon, with eight on target. Goalkeeper Michel Vorm was probably Swansea's outstanding performer with some impressive saves.

Four of those came from Demba Ba, who attempted a game-high eight shots over the 90 minutes. Swansea's most threatening attacker was right-back Angel Rangel, who was on target with both his two shots. Top scorer Michu had three off target.

Rangel also linked up well with Pablo Hernandez down the right, and the pair were responsible for Swansea's best chances. They exchanged 24 passes.

Anyone who thinks Swansea are already on holiday should take a look at their nine blocks made from Chelsea shots in and around the area. West Bromwich Albion made as many on March 4, but nobody has made more since QPR's 11 in January.