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| Behold: Match Winner |
But before I consider Chelsea's number one striker, it's only appropriate to not only examine the opposition but this fixture last season. Even before kick-off, the tone and excitement around the ground could not have been more different. Manchester City have added a sound manager and made some decent acquisitions over the summer. They have also been arguably the most consistently difficult opponent that Chelsea face, often getting the better of the club. But rather than hung heads and sad A4 banners, with an artillery of boos ready to be deployed from the onset of the game for the portly Spaniard in the technical area - Chelsea's supporters were singing before even getting through the gates.
The enthusiasm of the support at Stamford Bridge seemed infectious with the players. They came out with certainly more fight than last season, and maybe more than any match this season. Branislav Ivanovic was on a whole other level ensuring that the likes of Sergio Agüero were not going to get the better of him. He was everywhere. How a man with, let's say as sturdy a base, as Ivanovic with such agility never fails to impress. But once he gets going, you don't want to get in his way, he's like the juggernaut.
Ivanovic wasn't the only one. Ashley Cole showed that everyone needs a little break from time to time and most definitely had his best game of the season. Cole made at least 5 more tackles than any other player. Ramires critics would have been disappointed yesterday as he managed to neutralise Yaya Touré, which is no easy feat for anyone. Touré is key to just about everything that City does well with his complete control over the midfield.
Although Terry looked like he was playing a little too far forward and possibly carrying a bit of an injury, he still looked likely to keep his starting place with a number of important interceptions and clearances. He probably could have done without Cahill keeping Agüero onside -- but he'll more than likely get to partner David Luiz in the
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| Mourinho celebrating -- like a boss! |
But of course the man that Mourinho called the man of the match is the one and only Fernando Torres. I was hoping that when Shreeves interviewed Torres he'd say "Don't call it a comeback ... I've been here for year ... " Of course those are the famous words of poet laureate LL Cool J. But still just as applicable. Week after week, pundits, fans and people who've never watched football have questioned if this is the Fernando Torres of old. Well, no, first of all, he has much better hair. He also contributes to the team as a whole with some brilliant play as he showed mid-week for Hazard's goal and again for Schürrle's goal on Sunday.
And not that I'm going to be smug (as it could really all go t*ts up at any time), but thought that the confidence that Jose Mourinho could infuse in Torres would do him a world of good. And I, for one -- and it often felt like the only one -- was keen to see that experiment play out over the season. Chelsea have Lukaku who'll be back in the summer. But if anyone was ever going to get the best of Torres it was going to be Mourinho. The ever knowledgeable panel of has beens on MotD refuse to declare Torres return to form until he's scoring 2-3 goals every game, you know, because that's what all top strikers do. Who among them hasn't averaged 76-80 league goals a season?
As long as you ignore the likes of Lawrenson, Chelsea supporters should feel confident in the consistency and confidence in form that Fernando Torres has found as of late. There was no one on the pitch on Sunday more deserving of getting the match winner. The chaos and joy that filled the ground was a world away from the turgid affair that played out to the interim manager being booed off the pitch. This time around, the unadulterated excitement from the bench and the manager was second to none. Mourinho may just have been the most excited man in the building leaping into the stands to celebrate with fans and family alike.
Of course, taking things down a notch was happy chappy Pellegrini who refused to shake Mourinho's hand for not being
If Pellegrini had been as sound in his substitutions as he was with his criticisms of opposing managers, he might have returned to Manchester with the point that he was clearly hoping for. He followed in the steps of other managers and their like for like substitutions. Mourinho was bold to put on another striker but balances Eto'o's inclusion with Jon Obi Mikel to control the pace of the game. Fortune favours the brave, and again, Mourinho got his tactics right and it paid off. Gone are like for like pointless substitutions. Gone are the long faces and A4 signs.
In their infinite wisdom, the FA have given Chelsea a full 24 hours to prepare for their cup match / London derby. Which is completely fair after their opponents played the early fixture on Saturday. For those of you who picked up a copy of Sunday's programme, Mr Mourinho took the opportunity to express his delight in such careful planning and preparation for Tuesday's match.
jb x
*gin infused
Ed. note: As an aside, once again, I your brave writer was personally injured in Fernando Torres based chaos. Some of you may note I only have myself to blame in my own exuberance in celebrating each and every goal of his. This may shock those of you who enjoy my completely impartial analysis of his performances, but it's true readers. It's true. I'm full of shameful, ridiculous celebrations. And no, I did not learn my lesson from Camp Nou. Not only is there some bruises that I could use as a Halloween costume, I also had a really cool limp on the way home. I'd take the blame myself, but I'd rather finger point -- I'm looking at you Fernando Torres.
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