Gianfranco’s two second half goals settled an intriguing game that saw a determined, battling Chelsea come twice from behind before Gianfranco settled the game with 10 minutes remaining. Zola’s inspired form and 4 goals in 5 games now makes him the clubs leading goal scorer this season. Just how important is this man to Chelsea Football Club?
A game of ever changing fortunes saw the Blues begin sluggishly, and with 18 minutes gone, the visitors found themselves behind following David Dunn’s controversial penalty. Celestine Babayaro was deemed to have dived in on Lucas Neill but Chelsea argued (with some belief) that contact was first made outside the box. Regardless of these facts, Chelsea found themselves a goal behind.
Throughout the opening half Blackburn continued to threaten the Chelsea goal with a number of efforts from both Yorke and Cole - Blackburn (and in particular Thompson) causing the blues particular upset and cause for concern.
However, with 38 minutes gone, a determined and energetic Chelsea leveled proceedings through Gronkjaer’s unstoppable rocket that buried itself low into the far corner. Gronkjaer’s equalizer contrived and fought for by Stanic in the first instance and by Jimmy in the second who burst by two defenders and who cut for the ball back for Jesper to fire home.
Jubilation and hope shortly turned to despair however, when Thompson delighted the home fans as he fired past a despairing Cudicini to restore the lead shortly before the break.
Chelsea’s second half (unlike much of the first) maintained a speed and momentum that Blackburn were simply unable to withstand. Enter the arena – Gianfranco Zola.
With Chelsea continuing to press, Blackburn finally relented as Gianfranco’s persistence and wizardry bore fruit – his 52nd minute header at last bringing Chelsea level.
Such is the man’s genius and undiminished determination, Zola finally gave Chelsea the winner with a “mouth watering” effort dispatched from the edge of the box, curling into the top corner.
With only 10 minutes remaining, Chelsea managed to keep their lead - Carlo again playing his part as he saved brilliantly from Keith Gillespie - giving Chelsea the 3 valuable points.
So what else can you say about Gianfranco Zola?