By dixon9
March 4 2009

Chelsea forced the 3 points out of Portsmouth last night through sheer bloody-mindedness and persistence in what were appalling, rain soaked conditions. A recently reinvigorated Didier Drogba arrowed in a superb finish with just ten minutes to go giving Hiddink a perfect four wins out of four since taking up the helm of Chelsea.

Chelsea dominated in possession and crafted a series of chances during the first 45 mins whilst Portsmouth were denied a couple of opportunities by what appears to be a much more assured than recently Petr Cech.   

We were unlucky not to be ahead as the players trudged off at half-time but had every reason to feel encouraged from a reasonably convincing display. 

Credit should be given to both sides for providing such an intriguing first-half although Portsmouth opted for the park the bus option when they took to the field for the second. 

Chelsea started where they left off and continued to knock on Portsmouth’s door which seemed to be made of battle-hardened, relegation threatened oak – the key came on in the shape of Ricardo Quaresma. 

The Portuguese winger shimmied and jinked down the right-wing and began to provide the spark which we needed – beating his defender and at last giving Drogba more substantial dishes to feed on.

Nevertheless, it was a Bosingwa cross that skidded across the penalty area which Drogba lashed in – this was a ball which most centre-forwards would have controlled to tee-up the shot – Drogba hit it first time. 

Re other player performances; Ashley Cole continues to be as solid as ever, Kalou continues to provide both hope and frustration and Malouda surprisingly had a reasonable game.  

If Quaresma is now fully fit he must start – he offers so much more and carves danger in the opposition defence. 

So we have done what we needed to do – narrowed the gap to four points on Manchester United whilst keeping Liverpool behind us. 

The Premier League title is a distant hope but in the meantime we must do all we can to be waiting in the wings should there be an unexpected Man Utd collapse. 

Match highlights: 

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=53469830 

(Note: I am currently filling in Since 66´s spot as he is unfortunately unable to do so at this time)