It seems that Chelsea have taken The Clash’s “London Calling” anthem as their own as they continue to disprove their staunchest sceptics.
What are the words……….?
“LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS
NOW THAT WAR IS DECLARED – AND BATTLE COME DOWN…”
…and my, how they battled at Goodison!
Chelsea’s brilliance and flair has never have been in question and following a number of displays this season, including Bolton two weeks ago and Everton on Saturday, all previous criticisms concerning Chelsea’s supposed “soft centre” and “lack of bottle” can now be put aside.
Let’s not tread carefully here, why not say as it is: - with an Everton second half onslaught motivated by a confidence at home that has seen them win 5 and draw 2 of their previous outings at Goodison and a passion and pride ignited by a midweek thumping in the Worthington Cup at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea stood firm! They were firm, f**king resolute and solid!!
I am not going to make any apologies for my language – I am always proud to be Blue, but today I carry a pride and genuine belief that this is really a new Chelsea. Imagine your feelings following the Viking Stavanger defeat and then reverse it. That’s pretty much how I feel today.
Lesser teams would quite simply have crumbled under Everton’s continuous pounding and determination. However, Chelsea once again proved that they can produce a battling performance of such solidity and resilience that to sustain a title challenge is not a “blue fairy tale”.
So Chelsea may have rode their luck at times and Le Saux was twice called upon to act as the Chelsea saviour – most notably clearly the ball off the line - but hey, this was a luck driven by doggedness, self belief and persistence. You simply have to make your own luck.
This “new” Chelsea, a Chelsea that sits proudly in second position in the table, had been scandalously underestimated pre-season, simply written off as “mid-table strugglers”, a team that lacked spine, passion and pride.
Oh really?
Ranieri has instilled a belief, determination and team spirit that has been assisted by the lack of summer signings. This is a team that works for each other. A team that works together.
Claudio has brought a consistency and self belief that motivates performances of both style and resolve. It’s funny that his new Chelsea with it’s new consistency, produces inconsistencies and doubt in the opponents minds/performances.
How do you play against a Chelsea that has both style and dogged resilience?
Personally I never doubted the qualities of both Ranieri or his team. A number of performances from last season “hinted” at the teams potential and players such as Cudicini, Gallas and perhaps even Lampard had yet to be recognised as players of value and importance within Claudio’s developing team. This team could only ever move forward.
Those of us close to The Blues had witnessed the rejuvenation and refreshed determination of Franco Zola. Allied with this a settled, confident Lampard whose understanding and assurance alongside Manu Petit develops with every game would always prove his true class.
The pieces of Claudio’s jigsaw would eventually, inevitably come together.
We all knew the qualities and potential of players such Carlo, William Gallas (who his bringing the best from Marcel Desailly) and John Terry – it’s just strange that everybody else was so far behind us.
How many of us would realise the importance and outstanding contributions from players such Stanic? Yes Stanic!
Who else would have the strength of character to play out of position whilst the excellent Le Saux and Babayaro were sidelined through injury in early season? How important would his early goal at Everton prove to be?
So many questions. So much to consider.
Has Jimmy returned to his old self due to the conclusion of speculation surrounding his supposed departure to Barcelona? Does he now know where he stands? He does now seem to be a man with one focus. Scoring goals!
How far we seemed to have travelled in just a few months.
We were all written off as the fledgling season concentrated on Liverpool and Arsenal and blatantly ignored a Chelsea that quietly and professionally went about it’s business.
Finally, it seems that everyone is standing up and notice.
But to me this is not important. I don’t care for their pretensions or opinions. They can jump on the Chelsea bandwagon if they wish and say “how wonderful this Gallas is……” etc. etc. but to me they mean nothing.
It’s far easier to judge a team 17 games into the season than predict their ability and potential several weeks before the season begins. I haven’t forgotten what you said about us! Us….Chelsea Football Club.
It’s strange that at a time when Peter Osgood is still declaring himself as the “King of Stamford Bridge” the real “Kings of the Wild Frontier” are taking the battle to frontiers previously deemed “inaccessible”.
It has been 48 years since Chelsea’s last and only championship winning season, but maybe, just maybe, we can begin to entertain the thought of another.
Just believe it…….
“LONDON CALLING TO THE FARAWAY TOWNS
NOW THAT WAR IS DECLARED – AND BATTLE COME DOWN..”
stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk