In the context of a football match, Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Porto in the Champions League in the 'Dragons Den,' (I thought that was the name of Harchester United's ground.... Ed?!?!!?) an away goal in a two legged tie is no mean feat.
In the context for the remainder of Chelsea's season and ambitions to win FOUR trophies, last night's events were not favoured by the Gods.
As early as the first minute, Didier Drogba pulled up but he managed to run off whatever was ailing him, a few minutes later super John Terry damaged his ankle ligaments and could be out for two months, Chelsea conceded a goal whilst JT was off the park injured and eventually, but eventually when Chelsea brought on Arjen Robben, he went off at half-time with a slight injury because (it is claimed) he had no time to warm up.
But the introduction of Robben instead of Mikel, brought about Chelsea's equaliser when 'The Shev' scored a fine goal shooting across the 'keeper only four minutes after Porto had taken the lead.
I have said all along that 'The Shev' has played for the team despite not scoring the goals that every critic in the media has slated him for and last night after the game Jose finally said the words that every Chelsea fan (who knew already) but wanted the manager to say for himself.
Jose said, "I think he’s improving a lot and I’m not saying that just because of the goal. I’m very happy with the way he’s working for the team. If he can work like that and score goals even better. Even if he doesn’t score though he has become almost untouchable because we are delighted with his efforts."
So going into Sunday's Carling Cup final against Emirates XI, Jose will call upon Essien to partner Carvalho in the centre of defence. No worries there, after all Essien has been OUTSTANDING as a makeshift centre-half, but my only concern is that Chelsea lose his powerhouse displays in midfield and with Ballack sauntering around doing nothing and thinking he owns every ptich that he plays on, Chelsea DO become two short in midfield.
It seems that Emirates XI have their own defensive worries. And Jose predicts 'a cup final classic.'
On a brighter note, Ashley Cole played 60 minutes of the Reserves match at Reading in which the Reserves, thanks to a Ben Sahar goal, won 1-0.