Early odds had Chelsea pinned as this season’s Premier League champions and with that form and those odds, we were once again mounting a serious assault on The Holy Grail that is the Champions League trophy. Midway through the season the odds changed dramatically as the side showed serious relegation form as we struggled to put together a decent run of wins. It looked as if the only way back into Europe next season was to win the UEFA’s premier club cup competition outright and come back as champions. Yes, the Champions League is Europe, and Europe is the Champions League. No disrespect to the small teams that play in the Europa League. Afterall, even the teams that prove not good enough for the Champions League get automatic relegation to Europa mid-tournament. It is what it is.
But now, following a solid string of results in the league we find ourselves back in what has become a 2-horse race in recent Premier League seasons. Arsenal has predictably suffered from Trophyphobia again and is looking to throw away as many points as possible to keep safe from this season’s silverware. While they keep dropping them we keep collecting and find ourselves 2-points adrift the blank-firing Gunners and 9-points from the summit with a game in hand. Amidst all the drama surrounding Carlo Ancelotti and his possible replacements, the Chelsea ‘old guard’ and their possible replacements, the multimillion dollar midseason transfer who hasn’t delivered and whether or not Roman Abramovich is actually the coach, we have quietly gone about our business in true champions’ fashion.
With Birmingham out the way and Didier Drogba looking like his beastly best, the mood around town is one of renewed confidence going into the final stretch. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling quite comforted that the recent charge and United dropping points at St. James’ Park has breathed new life (yet seemingly hopeful life) into the once dead horse in this the home straight. Notice how I haven’t mentioned Arsenal here. They are no longer a factor in this. History will repeat itself. Things are looking good for The Blues, even Fernando Torres has found the back of the net (though judged offside – HE IS GETTING CLOSER)! And with only one competition to focus on and the reduction in pressure given that ‘The Drog’ is firing on all cylinders, you have to believe that the law of averages will, well, average itself out and his floodgates will open. With United dropping a few more points in the run-in, all of a sudden the game at Old Trafford will be more meaningful than just an opportunity to wrap up 2nd place.
So onward we march as the ‘obsessive’ quest for The Holy Grail continues. With much speculation it could be with a completely fresh team next season. Abramovich is known to wield that oily Russian axe of his and with names being bandied with the Chelsea hot seat from the middle of the season already, one wonders whether our manager will be shown the door or not. I for one would love for him to stay, for him to finish what he started. He is too good a coach and former player not to be able to get something more out of his stint in London. Surely the geriatrics at The San Siro aren’t that much better than us, or is the opposition in Serie A that bad for him to have been that successful? I doubt not. A lot of what has gone down this season cannot be left to him alone. Sadly though this is the nature of the game and the coach’s head will always be 1st on the chopping block, but many of the players have not come to the party either.
What was seemingly ‘Untouchable’ in the Mourinho era has become somewhat of a liability at times this season, and the threat of a summer clearance sale should be just the motivation needed to kick some energy back into some players. Much in the same way that a £50m transfer can scare any striker into action (except the £50m striker it seems). Ok, no more digs at Torres. I’m still on that bandwagon that he will come good, and when he does, then there could be trouble!
But maybe a change is needed. Change in personnel, tactic and mindset. With the likes of David Luiz and Ramires in the squad and earning the stripes with each game we can no doubt look forward to a bright and exciting season and future ahead. I mean if anything, it can’t get much worse than this. And a 2nd place finish in a season that included what would probably be the worst run in our history without a key combination of Lamps and Didier is not bad going.
Keep the Blue Flag Flying High!
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