But, after a game in which Chelsea put themselves forward as potential title contenders, one Sunday newspaper took it upon themselves to try and bring Chelsea down a notch...
"Bosnich Cocaine Shame" was the headline on the backpage, making the story pretty self explanatory. It overshadowed a day which has seen England's cricketers lose the Ashes, as well as England's rugby stars claiming a famous win against the All Blacks. They should have been the main back stage stories, not a story which barely has a leg to stand on.
Because Trevor Birch would not reveal any details to do with the club's drug testing and players' tests, the paper seems to think that Bosy has failed a drug test. I think he was an easy target though, with his extensive party schedule and lack of action in the Chelsea first team. The story may actually be true, but not on the facts given in the article. They will need a lot more evidence than that to make me a believer!
As I delve further in to the paper, I come across another Chelsea story, this time involving Jody Morris. Apparently, young Jody is willing to quit the club unless he is given more first team football. Now, I may have believed this story at the start of the season but not now. Are they really talking about the same Jody Morris who has started the majority of matches since becoming available for action after his court case. It's a ridiculous story, they are only writing it as his contract expires in 2003. Jody appears willing to sign this new deal and, unless he breaches club rules again, I can see him staying at the club for a good few years yet.
But back to the Birmingham match, which I have hardly even touched upon so far! It was nice to see Eidur doing what he does best again. He has taken a lot of stick lately and the press have been tocuching upon his bigger build this season, claiming he is overweight. But I feel it is just a case of him doing more upper body work when he suffered his summer injury. The same happened to Ronaldo when he was injured, the press called him fat when really he had just improved his upper body strength, making him a better all round player. Defenders have to do a lot more to get Eidur off the ball now, making him a good link between the forwards and the midfield.
As usual, he took his goals with embarassing ease, striking both into the far corner of the Birmingham goal. Franco Zola had a hand in both and on this form he is going to be a handful for any defence. And to think he wasn't going to play another season! Now there's talk that he will stay on for next season as well! Chelsea Mad have something in the pipeline to do with Franco, but Steve will reveal more in the coming weeks...
Franco capped off a stunning first half performance with a thumping drive which cannoned in off the post. That was the goal that finished off the game and made the second half a stroll in the park. Manu Petit and Frank Lampard were outstanding, along with Jody Morris. The defence and Carlo had very little to do, but they remained focused for the whole match, which is a very good sign.
Finally, I come to the Worthington Cup draw. It could have been a lot worse for us than a home tie against Everton. It will be a cracking match which, for the first time, could see Carlton Cole come up against Wayne Rooney. Cole was out of the spotlight for a while whilst he recovered from a broken leg, but he was back with a bang, scoring both against Gillingham on wednesday to set up this tie.
Rooney has goals against Arsenal and Leeds to his name and he is yet to even sign a professional contract! This threatens to be a stunning clash and, keep your fingers crossed for both Carlton Cole and Wayne Rooney to be amongst the starters to ensure we see who really is England's biggest hope...