It is two weeks ago since the horrendous injuiries to Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini happened at Reading. I have to admit that I was nervous and sceptical about Henrique Hilario taking over the No.1 goalkeeping shirt for whatever time it took or it takes for Carlo and Petr to get well and match-fit again.
We know that Petr is going to be out of the game for a considerable period of time - maybe up to a year. We know that Carlo has resumed training again and was selected for the squad that played at Sheffield United this afternoon.
What we didn't know until kick-off time who out of Hilario and Carlo was going to be facing the Red and White stripes. Hilario got the vote and like the three teams he has played against prior today, he wasn't and still has not been tested to any severe extent.
What he has had to do against Barcelona, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Sheff Utd - he has dealt with calmly, with authority and without fuss. None of these teams have TESTED him. Surely this raises the questions of the rival manager's tactics or pre-match plans.
Four games, four wins and only one goal conceded and a penalty save to boot. Is it these rival managers forgot to mention to their players 'Chelsea have an untried and untested goalkeeper,' or is it the defence led by John Terry has protected Hilario more than they would normally do, or is it that Chelsea's defence is beginning to become unpenetrable?
Whatever the facts speak for themselves!!! Four wins, seven goals scored, one goal conceded and all in three different competitions.
Since Jose took over Chelsea in 2004 his record against sides promoted into the Premiership remains at 100%.
Today at Bramall Lane. Utd was awarded a penalty in the 17th minute. Up stepped Danny Webber and his weak kick was saved by Hilario down to his left in front of the home fans.
Minutes before half-time Frank gave Chelsea the lead from a 35 yard free-kick that swerved all the way before deceiving the diving Paddy Kenny in the Utd goal. Two minutes after half-time Michael Ballack got his head onto a wonderful Frank cross from Chelsea's left to give the Champions a comfortable 2-0 lead.
There is a worry about Didier Drogba he was replaced at half-time by Salomon Kalou and Didier has an injury to his ankle and could be a doubt for the Barcelona game on Tuesday in the Nou Camp.
Jose revealed after the game that Andriy Shevchenko was left behind at Cobham due to a thigh muscle injury and could be a doubt also for Tuesday night!!