As you sit in the stands (West Upper in this case) and look down at the war that rages beneath you, you wonder if you have made the right decision. Each of us supporting in blue are focusing every cell in our bodies and transferring this energy and desire to each of our players. On this warm, humid, Friday night in West London, a capacity crowd has witnessed a game that has tested our nerves and emotions to the limit. And yes each of us has paid for the pleasure!
Surely it’s better to shout, scream, swear, cry, cardiac arrest in one’s own front room? To embarrass myself in front of the wife touches acceptability, to do the same in front of the West Stand ticket holders…..I apologise.
I do not consider myself to be an overtly passionate person, but on evenings such as this the ability to control ones behaviour and not act emotionally is replaced by nature’s desire to crush and destroy your fiercest enemies. And yes we should have destroyed this enemy!
To witness the opposing fans, prior to the match, chanting to those in blue, “You’ve only come to see our Beckham,” you know your emotional journey is about to commence.
And this evening was filled with so many emotions: pride, jubilation, fear,
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The highly charged summer atmosphere that greeted both sides was further accentuated by the minute silence held in memory for the two murdered youngsters from Soham, Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells. It has to be said that in keeping with the sadness of this tragic event, the silence was impeccably observed.
This evening was always going to be special.
With goals at dramatic moments, a spectacular strike from Zenden, a deft touch from Gallas, and the type of quality football you would expect from Zola, Desailly, Gallas, Lampard, Zenden, and Cudicini this was a night to enthrall the 42,000 crowd.
Yes it was disappointing to twice lose a lead, but again Chelsea displayed a resilience and determination to disprove those who doubt this sides credentials. Chelsea can mix it with the best of them.
Chelsea backed by the vociferous crowd, continued to illustrate their attacking prowess in the first half, creating chance after chance followed by a slightly disappointing second, which did, however, confirm their defensive doggedness. Maybe we were being spoilt in the first?
It was disappointing that the second half lacked the energy and sparkle so prominent from the blues in the first, the likes of Zola and Zenden far more peripheral to the crucial action early on.
However, those of us that crowded into Stamford Bridge could clearly see and marvel at a Chelsea, that at times were breath taking. Ranieri is beginning to define a shape to this team. We may have only glimpsed its potential for the duration of the first half, but it is there for everyone to see.
To witness and experience such a spectacle however……this night was always going to special.
stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk