The afternoon started with a fitting tribute to one of the games legends George Best. What started as a minutes silence turned into a deafening round of applause that would have made the genius smile. George Best – RIP.
With Portsmouth never having scored against Chelsea in the in the Premeirship let alone having taken a point off them, it probably came as no surprise that Chelsea left the south coast with all three points.
Portsmouth looked a team stripped of confidence and Chelsea never looked to be in trouble. The game was hardly a swashbuckling affair, more a clinical incision as Chelsea teased, tormented but never really cut Portsmouth to pieces.
After having beaten Newcastle and Anderlecht in their two previous games, Chelsea now have that swagger back in their step. Mourinho shuffled his starting eleven slightly with Paulo Ferreira coming in for Asier Del Horno. This meant that the versatile William Gallas would switch to left back.
As expected Portsmouth started at a high temp, keen to push Chelsea back but Chelsea rarely looked to be in any danger. Even a long range effort from LuaLua, that looked to be heading for the net, was turned over in style by Petr Cech. The save seemed to knock the stuffing out of Pompey a little bit and shortly after Chelsea took the lead.
The goal came after Ferreira tried his luck from all of twenty-five yards. Ashdown, in the Pompey goal, looked to have it covered but Hernan Crespo darted into space and directed the ball past a goalkeeper who was in mid-air going the other way. It was sublime poaching from the Argentine striker who is fast becoming a cult hero on the Stamford Bridge terraces.
The goal more-or-less ended the affair as a competitive fixture and the only other notable moment of the first half came when Crespo was forced to limp off after picking up an injury. With Chelsea playing posession football it was Joe Cole who became the fulcrum point for many of the rather rash challenges that were flying in. Phil Dowd, refereeing the fixture, steadfastly refused to show anyone a yellow card much to the disgust of Mourinho in the Chelsea dugout.
The second half started in much the same way. Portsmouth, upon losing possession, retreated deep and invited Chelsea to come at them. Faced with a defensive pack of eight, Chelsea resorted to long range efforts with Essien testing the keeper with a scorcher.
However, Cole was becoming more influential as the game progressed and one jinking run saw Stefanovic bring him down in the area. Despite a vociferous protest it was a clear penalty and Lampard, playing in his 160th consecutive Premiership match, duly despatched it into the bottom corner.
Minutes later the same two players clashed again and Chelsea should have had a second penalty. Dowd dithered slightly and awarded a free kick just outside the area. Lampard saw his shot blocked and when the ball rebounded to Joe Cole his shot fizzed just over the bar.
At 2-0 Chelsea weere never going to take many risks and indeed why should they? However, late on, Geremi thundered a free kick just past the post as Portsmouth looked dead and buried. It may not have been a comprehensive victory but the two goal margin showed that the two sides are a class apart with Chelsea never having to move through the gears.
Player Ratings
Petr Cech
Produced one outstanding save from a long range effort from LuaLua. Rarely troubled on a comfortable afternoon for Chelsea although had a little trouble with his kicking in the blustery wind.
Paulo Ferreira
Recalled to the starting eleven, the Portuguese international never looked in trouble and one surge forward saw him unleash a twenty-five yard effort that Crespo turned in. Picked up a yellow card for a blatant challenge as Portsmouth threatened a brief counter attack.
William Gallas
Once again asked to play out of position but once again gave an almost faultless display. A rock upon which Mourinho knows he can lay the foundations of his team.
John Terry
Had a comfortable afternoon against a lightweight Pompey attack. He was always willing to throw his body in the way and didn’t show any signs of relenting for the full ninety minutes.
Ricardo Carvalho
Now beginning to look the part alongside John Terry. Had a glorious chance to score but misjudged the cross and could only wince as the ball bounced to safety off of his shoulder rather than his head. Rreads the game effortlessly and beginning to become an unsung hero.
Michael Essien
Played the Claude Makelele holding role with ease. Showed his strength in holding off opponents effortlessly and tried his luck with one long range effort that the keeper easily held.
Frank Lampard
On his 160th consecutive appearance had a quieter than normal game but still managed to score from the penalty spot and edge ahead in the Premiership scoring charts. His long range passing often switched play and stretched the home side.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
Playing in midfield, Eidur showed that his ball control can benefit the team but on a couple of occasions found himself bundled out of contention. Had one chance to score but could only watch as the ball skidded under his foot.
Joe Cole
Superstar in the making. Man of the match. Showed an abundance of skill, worked his socks off and left the pitch having done everything Mourinho had asked of him.
Damien Duff
Not showing the fluent dribbling skills evident last seaosn but still doing a good job. Kept the ball well without seriously troubling the Pompey defence. Had one long range shot that was easily saved.
Hernan Crespo
From zero to hero in a matter of weeks. Took his goal with all the aplomb of a world class stiker. Sadly an injury curtailed his afternoon but the future looks good for Hernan in a Chelsea shirt.
Carlton Cole
Early introduction after Hernan picked up a knock. Worked hard without creating a chance for himself. His eagerness often saw words exchanged with the referee but his youthful exhuburance will stand him in good stead.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Replaced Joe Cole but never really had the opportunity to become involved. Looks to be still lacking a bit of confidence.
Introduced late on but still found time to whistle a free kick inches wide.
Manager Rating
Mourinho stood motionless on the touchline for much of the ninety minutes. Had briefed his team beforehand and knew that the players would deliver. Fell foul of the officials once when, like the rest of us, he believed a challenge on Joe Cole deserved a yellow card.
Opponent Rating
Joe Jordan, acting as temporary manager, found himself in a no-win situation as the Champions came to the south coast. Magnanimous in defeat, it’s clear the Scot isn’t after the job full time and realises that whoever takes over will have a long stuggle ahead if Portsmouth are to stay up.