It didn?t quite turn out how we expected did it? I guess it was probably hoping for too much to rely on those from N17 to assist us in our back-to-back Premiership quest? However, I don?t think I?ll ever forget the roar that rolled down the Fulham Road when Spurs reduced the deficit to 2-1 early in the second half. Cheering for Spurs! Just what was going on?
As it stands we?re now nine points clear at the top and have a vastly superior goal difference than Manchester United. Even a calamitous collapse would probably see us edge it on goal difference but with the prospect of sealing a second successive title against Fergies XI just under two weeks away it promises to be one hell of a day.
The omens are looking good; we?ve won three Premiership fixtures on the bounce conceding just a solitary goal. Our home form is superb and confidence, within the squad, is at an all time high. Indeed, the convincing win against Everton appears to have put us in an unassailable position.
For the Everton fixture, Mourinho chose to make only one change with Arjen Robben replacing Joe Cole at the head of the midfield diamond formation. Interestingly, Mourinho chose to stick with the striking partnership of Didier Drogba and Hernan Crespo.
With the crowd slightly subdued after the disappointing events at White Hart Lane, earlier in the day, the first half was very slow to get going, at times it resembled a typical end of season affair and you?d never have guessed that, for us, so much was at stake. Michael Essien tried a couple of long range efforts that handsomely cleared the bar and in general the play lacked the urgency associated with the occasion.
Thankfully, a typically robust intervention from Didier Drogba managed to kick-start proceedings. With Tim Cahill daydreaming, thirty-five yards out, Drogba slid in and won possession. Quickly getting to his feet he fed the ball to Frank Lampard who struck a low drive past Richard Wright into the net. In doing so Lampard became the first Chelsea player since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to hit twenty goals in a season.
Spurred on by the success Chelsea suddenly started to spray the ball around and one tremendous exchange of passes saw Arjen Robben burst into the only to be deprived at the last second by a wonderful tackle that unfortunately left Robben in a crumpled heap requiring attention. With play switching to the other end James Beattie managed to outwit William Gallas and flick a lob onto the roof of the Chelsea net. In doing so Petr Cech picked up an injury colliding with Gallas.
With Cech requiring lengthy treatment Carlo Cudicini warmed up along the touchline receiving a great ovation. However, after a four-minute delay, Cech was able to continue. Sadly, the giant Czech couldn?t continue after the interval and was replaced by Cudicini. Unfortunately, the second half started in contentious circumstances when, with only two minutes gone, Lee Carsley was dismissed for a rash challenge.
Drogba had held the ball up before moving it on but Carsley, with a rush of blood to the head, scythed the powerful striker down from behind and Rob Styles had no other choice than to send the player off. With the visitors down to ten men memories of our stirring performance against West Ham came flooding back, thankfully Everton were given no such option as Chelsea contrived to finish them off.
He second goal came courtesy of a Lampard corner when Drogba rose perfectly at the near post to head powerfully past Richard Wright. The goal celebrations, with Drogba kissing a female fan, showed that the players knew they were a giant step nearer the title. With the game won, Mourinho introduced Cole in place of Robben and Cole could have made it 3-0 with an easy tap in but he was adjudged to have been offside.
Nevertheless, Everton were to concede a third and it came from an unlikely source. Styles had given an indirect free kick, for a back pass, some six yards out and when Lampard saw his shot blocked by the eleven players on the line it fell invitingly to Michael Essien. Sidestepping two players Essien then proceeded to smash an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net. Stamford Bridge erupted and acknowledged an awesome goal.
At 3-0 Wright-Phillips replaced Crespo and the diminutive winger saw tow low shot saved by Wright as Chelsea looked for a fourth. It was not to be but 3-0 was an accurate reflection of events and if you believe that United can mathematically overhaul Chelsea then dream on.
Cech 6 (Cudicini 6), Geremi 6, Del Horno 6, Terry 7, Gallas 7, Makelele 7, Lampard 7, Essien 7, Robben 6 (Cole 6), Crespo 6 (Wright-Phillips 6), Drogba 8
Manager Rating
Mourinho ? Made the bold decision to stick to 4-4-2 and watched as it paid off. Still suggesting it?s not quite all over probably because he can?t wait to win it against Sir Alex Ferguson. Might be disappointed about Chelsea?s slow start but will be delighted that maximum points were gained over, what could have been, a difficult Easter period.
Opponent Rating
Moyes ? Had the audacity to suggest that the foul on Drobga, by Carsley, was not worthy of a straight red card. Obviously confused by events relating to Robben?s late appearance for the second half!