Chelsea tightened their hold on the Premiership trophy with a 1-0 win over a very competent Middlesbrough side. Indeed, on the day the footballing legend, George Best, was buried, it was his old club that emerged as possibly the team to challenge Chelsea this season. With United winning, (3-0 against Portsmouth,) and Arsenal losing, (2-0 to Bolton,) Mourinho knows that one of the big three is now too far off of the pace to challenge his team.
For the visit of Middlesbrough, Mourinho was forced to make two changes due to injury and also chose to make a third due to different reasons. Joe Cole, who had been man of the match at Portsmouth, turned an ankle in training on Friday and was to play no part whilst Hernan Crespo faield to recover from the rib injury sustained at Fratton Park. Arjen Robben came in to replace the live wire Cole whilst Didier Drogba replaced Crespo who had scored in three sucessive games for club and country.
In defence, Mourinho chose to shuffle his back four with Asier Del Horno returning to left back. William Gallas switched to right back with the unlucky Paulo Ferreira relegated to the substitutes bench. With Claude Makelele still out injured it was left to Michael Essien to play the defensive holding role.
Middlesbrough arrived at Stamford Bridge having already beaten Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premiership this season. Thankfully, their recent form at Stamford Bridge suggested that a shock result wasn’t really on the cards.
The visitors, keen to deny Chelsea any space, started the first half the better of the two teams and could have taken an early lead. Yakubu slipped past his marker and played a deft through ball that deflected off of John Terry straight into the path of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The ex-Chelsea player unleashed a shot that bounced to safety off the foot of the post and a relieved Chelsea, realising that Middlesbrough meant business, woke up.
Arjen Robben created the first piece of Chelsea magic when he weaved his way past three Middlesbrough defenders before curling a shot just wide. Chelsea then exerted further pressure and a corner could have resulted in the first goal. Robben’s delivery was perfect but somehow Gallas and Del Horno couldn’t quite force the ball over the line thanks to heroics from Rochemback on the line.
The second half started in much the same manner with Middlesbrough looking the brighter team and keen to get as many men as possible behind the ball when Chelsea had possesion. Thankfully, Chelsea soon started to move through the gears and the breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Once again Middlesbrough were troubled by a corner and when Terry met the ball firmly Rochemback couldn’t, this time, keep the ball the right side of the line.
The goal saw Chelsea raise their game to another level and Robben began to create havoc in the visitors defence. Duff, as if inspired by his team mate on the opposite wing, also showed the silky skills we’ve come to acknowledge as one of his traits. One mesmerising move saw Drogba presented with a clear cut chance some six yards out but the powerful striker somehow contrived to lift his effort over the bar.
Further chances fell Chelsea’s way with Essien and Lampard both testing the keeper whilst any responses from Middlesbrough were restricted to a long range effort from Doriva.
Despite the narrowness of the victory Chelsea can take heart from the fact that it’s four straight wins (with four clean sheets) since the defeat at Old Trafford. Normal service has well and truly been resumed.
Player Ratings
Petr Cech
Beaten early on by Hasselbaink’s sharp shot and was grateful to see the post rescue him. Never seriously troubled after and will have busier days.
William Gallas
Once again asked to play out of position but once again never let his manager down. Hopefully rumours of a summer departure to Juventus are purely that – rumours.
Asier Del Horno
Recalled after missing the trip to Fratton Park last Saturday. Gave a competent display although Hasselbaink will claim the Spaniard should have conceeded a penalty when he tugged his shirt. A penalty though would have been extremely harsh.
Ricardo Carvalho
Another accomplished display from the player who is keeping the excellent William Gallas out of a central defensive position.
John Terry
Scored his first Premiership goal of the season with a 62nd minute header. Lead by example and his high-five exchange with Mourinho emphasised the magnificent team spirt that runs through the club.
Michael Essien
Performs the Makelele role as well as Claude but also offers more going forward. Still waiting for his first Chelsea goal but it’ll come.
Frank Lampard
In his 161st consecutive Premiership game, Frank had a quiet match but still found time to test Schwarzer with a long range effort and often dictate matters from midfield.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
Replaced by Geremi just after the hour mark and struggled to make an impact against a Middlesbrough team keen to get as many people behind the ball as possible. Denied the space his game thrives on and will have better days.
Damien Duff
Seemed to be rejuvenated by the presence of Arjen Robben and one mazy run should have resulted in a goal for Drogba. Hopefully, the Duff-Robben scenario that teased defences last season is about to become common place again.
Didier Drogba
Recalled to the side after Crespo failed a fitnes stest. Should have scored when six yards out but didn’t. Nevertheless his infectious play seems to galvanise the team and supporters alike.
Arjen Robben
Man of the Match – Fit again after injury his appearance was probably a surprise but his performance was sublime. Hopefully, he’s back to stay.
Geremi
Came on for Gudjohnsen after Chelsea had taken the lead and gave us a more solid look as Mourinho sought to keep hold of all three points.
Wright-Phillips
On for the tiring Robben but neve really had enough time to establish himself.
Second successive run out will give the young striker some confidence.
Manager Rating
Once again Mourinho got it about right. Playing Robben surprised many but the performance he gave showed Mourinho was on the ball. Subtle suggestions that he wants more from Arjen should prompt the Dutchman to produce the goods now he’s fit again.
Opponent Rating
Steve McLaren wil take heart from the fact that Middlesbrough gave a resolute performance and will be pleased with the performances given by several of his team.
On a Roll
Chelsea have now gone four games without conceeding a goal and look to be back to the mean machine that stormed to the title last season.
Flying Dutchman
Arjen, if he remains fully fit, will give us the electrifying pace that illuminated so many of our performances last season.