“We are not we’re not really here”. The impossible proved possible. The phrase used to sum up the encounter of Chelsea v Arsenal was “men against boys. Today it was “men against giants”.
The clash between the Premier League`s big spenders was enthralling, start to finish, end to end and a momentous occasion. The overall tempo of the game was second to none, the pace mainly being set by City. The challenge for us was not to be underestimated, Chelsea rarely lose, and to lose back to back matches is almost unheard of.
We were dealt a huge hammer blue before the match, both Superman and Bellamy wouldn’t feature with niggling knee injuries. Despite this set-back we weren’t fazed, every player was phenomenal; From Given to Ade, Richards to Robbie, Bridge to SWP, DJ to Tevez the team were truly outstanding. A greater achievement, for me personally, was the fight and determination the side showed after the unfortunate own goal.
This incident packed game will hopefully be a marker for the season. The battling display was our greatest performance so far. Whether we were desperately blocking a Chelsea attack or pouring forward with numbers the impetus was always with us.
Our recent record equalling display of seven consecutive draws was finally defeated today, a 2-1 victory was recorder over potential champions, according to most pundits. The way we stuck at our task today was a real credit to the work ethic instilled by Hughes and his staff.
The motivation wasn’t needed for today’s match, every player, including Adebayor and Robinho was chasing the ball, every lost cause was fought for and the no player shirked any responsibility in battle.
The match started worryingly for most, Chelsea were flying instantly, the pace set was set by Lampard and Drogba. With an attacking mindset for City, Chelsea were consistently finding the gaps. The pressure paid off early for Chelsea, Adebayor unfortunately netting past Shay Given in the most bizarre of circumstances.
Most fans would have expected continuous pressure from the league leaders, however, this goal was merely just a set back for Hughes’s side. The players looked like they weren’t leaving Eastlands today without the 3 points. The incidents which followed the game will leave much of the spotlight on a poor Howard Webb.
After several corners and mounted pressure from the blues Chelsea buckled. A slight deflection from Micah Richards arms aided the ball into Adebayor’s path. The Togolese striker netted past a despondent Petr Cech on the second attempt.
Crunching tackles then followed, Chelsea felt aggrieved and were trying to bustle there slighter opponents. However, the midfield of ours was completely bossing, NDJ and Barry have now established a partnership worthy of destroying any of their opponents.
Cue Carlos Tevez, after recent criticism the stocky Argentine crisply struck a free kick past the desperate dive of Cech. Tevez was rewarded for his efforts, his usual harrying and hustling opponents was evident in the amount of miss-placed passes from the opposition. His celebrations portrayed his sheer joy and defiance.
The tempo was then substantially dropped by City, soaking up the pressure was our next task, a task we performed efficiently. After looking like we could contain our opponents a rash tackle from substitute Onohua on Drogba gifted Lampard with the perfect opportunity. The penalty maestro looked as cool as ever. Despite it being laid on a plate for Lampard, City stalwart Given proved his worth again with heroics in goal. His penalty save was greeted with deafening cheers at the despair of the travelling fans.
Overall an inspiring vital victory, an outstanding performance and movement in the right direction up the table.
MOM: NDJ- absolutely outstanding can’t be left off the team sheet.
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