By dixon9
January 27 2007

This was a match that turned out to about two things: Andriy Shevchenko and a Coca-cola League 2 side that persisted in doing impressions of a team of a much higher level – there were times, with their away kit colours and level of play, they could have easily been mistaken for Aston Villa.

After our insipid display at Anfield at the weekend, this was a bit more like it! Something had happened behind the scenes at the Bridge before this game – I’m not sure what – but there must have been some inspiring news, team get together, board behind the scenes unequivocal backing for Mourinho and for the team.....something. The players were fired up, the Special One was fired up and the 42,000 Stamford Bridge crowd were fired up.

From the off, there were again shouts of “José Mourinho” from the fans and the match began at a typical, cup match pace. It was heartening to see Carvalho and Makalele back and I was particularly pleased to see us going 4-4-2 with Shev up front.

The incidents were numerous: 1st minute a Shev header flashed just wide and he was alert just moments later when Batista saved, with the Ukrainian in close attendance. 4 mins later, Antwi was booked for a foul on Drogba with Mourinho protesting voraciously, leaving no doubt as to the clubs commitment to this game. Lampard shot from 25 yards on 8 mins and just a minute later, Docherty could have even scored the opener for Wanderers when he failed to control a looping cross from Betsy. Drogba was holding the line superbly with Essien, young “mini-maka”, Diarra, Mikel and particularly Shevchenko, playing impressively. Ballack was thoroughly enjoying taking some of the “I’m the one that plays more forward!” responsibility from Lampard (would be nice to see that happen more often).

It has to be said that Wycombe were no mugs at all – they kept pace with the game and focused intensely on their football, belying the fact that they are actually a League 2 outfit - then came an almost cruel blow for them; veteran, Docherty, passed the ball across his own defence, his view apparently obscured by a fellow defender – the ball went straight into the path of Shevchenko who ran towards goal and finished with aplomb. The jubilation was immense and I’m not really surprised considering the scorer and the terrible weeks he’s had at the hands of the English media.

On 25 mins, Docherty nearly atoned for his tragic error when his clever cross almost resulted in a great chance but Mooney was unable to control. The rapid pace continued and Ballack showed just how much he was fired up, protesting furiously when the referee refused to give a penalty from a handball from the Wycombe wall after firing in his free-kick. Then, on 42 minutes, the effervescent Shevchenko scored again; Drogba provided a probing, almost vertical cross which Ballack and 3 Wycombe defenders let pass through, Shevchenko had already made his run from the start of the move and was left in space to rifle home. On 47 mins again, Easter was unlucky not to have made more from a Betsy cross which Carvalho couldn’t reach.

The frantic pace continued in the 2nd half, Shevchenko and co continued to impress and Wycombe, despite being 2 down were not prepared to throw in the towel. There was goalmouth action at both ends and even though the majority was in the Wycombe end with Lampard, Diarra and Mikel having great chances , it has to be said that the Wanderers were not without their moments with Easter and Russell coming close. The atmosphere continued to be impressive and again shouts of “José Mourinho!” rang around the ground, then, on 68 mins, Lampard juggled past a defender to easily knock in his 1st.

On 83 mins, both teams made substitutions; SWP along with young Morrias and Kalou came on for Ballack, Cole and Shevchenko, with Wycombe making just one change, Anya for Daiis. Shevchenko received a deserved standing ovation for an outstanding display and much to add to the media frustration, he was congratulated by both Mourinho and Clark. On 90 mins, Lampard scored Chelsea’s 4th after great work from the tireless Drogba.

Despite the result, Wycombe were impressive. Of course, some of their players know it’s the match of their lives and the adrenalin is pumping – but their performance was more than that. They never gave up in the face of extreme adversity and instead of nervously hoofing balls around, they kept calm and played football with Torres, Easter, Docherty and Betsy producing excellent displays. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in CC Championship or even the PL in the medium term future.

Shevchenko!!! He played like a new man last night. He was a half a yard quicker, and although I wouldn’t say he’s at his best, he showed so many signs of his former self after what I believe, to be a much longer term injury then we were given to understand – a truly ominous warning for Manchester United and recent, “in the frame” title challengers Arsenal and Liverpool.