Willie G's Stunning Strike Stuns Tottenham


Champions Champions

By 40 Years A Blue
March 11 2006

Yet again the Champions had to draw on their resources to grind out a winning result at Stamford Bridge this afternoon against Champions League chasing Tottenham Hotspur.

And what a way to win the game. Deep into injury-time, left back William Gallas (who really has to be crowned Chelsea's Player of the Year) cut inside, twenty yards out hit an unstoppable shot to the far left of England's Paul Robinson in the Spurs goal. If this goal doesn't become Goal of the Season then it won't be far off. Make sure you are tuned to your TVs when the Premiership highlights start to be shown.

Prior to entering the Stadium, me and '18 Years A Blue' spent almost thirty minutes at the Peter Osgood tribute area, standing reflecting on the great man's career. Although there were a tremendous amount of floral tributes, pictures, scarves left by his adoring fans I felt that because of the player he was, there weren't more tributes. Sign of the times perhaps!! Or proof that the JCLs and Gloryhunters that seem to follow Chelsea nowadays really have no idea who the KING OF STAMFORD is!

Once inside the Stadium the tributes from Chelsea Football Club began. Every Chelsea legend that came to pay their respects were individually named as in the likes of: George Graham, Charlie Cooke, Tommy Baldwin, Alan Hudson, John Boyle, Joe Fascione, Ron Harris, Terry Venables, Alan Birchenall, Peter Bonetti, Paddy Mulligan, David Webb, John Dempsey, Barry Bridges, Steve Kember, Bert Murray plus former assistant manager Ron Suart and former club secretary Chris Matthews were introduced.

Once the players came onto the pitch and completed their formalities, all were lined up in the centre-circle in anticipation on the one minute's appreciation. Ref Graham Poll did not need to blow his whistle - the applause started spontaneously and many many choruses of 'The King of Stamford Bridge' rang out from the emotional Chelsea fans.

Tottenham haven't beaten Chelsea in 32 League games now, but they did win at Stamford Bridge. They won the toss. And for only the second time in two years Chelsea were forced to change ends and attack the MH Stand for the first half, instead of the second. Tottenham were roundly booed for forcing the change round.

Michael Essien scored his first goal for Chelsea, moments before missing an open goal. Right on half-time, Jenas equalised for Spurs before Willie G stepped up to the plate with his wonder goal that gave Chelsea a run-in target of sixteen points to retain their title.

The day though was all about remembering the King of Stamford Bridge and remembered he was. Well done Chelsea and well done and thanks to Tottenham Hotspur and to their fans for respecting our grief.

40 YEARS A BLUE

PETER OSGOOD

KING OF STAMFORD BRIDGE

1947 - 2006

R.I.P.

 

 

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