By dixon9
February 3 2007

A convincing victory at Stamford Bridge. It appears that we are finally back on track to achieving the level of form we are used to.

Comprehensive victories over Wycombe and Forest gave room for optimism but now, with a solid victory over Premier League opposition I think we can feel assured that we can put up a real challenge in the four competitions we are STILL involved in.

There were brief exchanges in the early minutes in both goalmouths but then Drogba notched Chelsea’s first in typical style after a nice through ball from Lampard in the 6^th min.  Shevchenko, after a well timed run into the box came close after another ball from Lamps.  There was no goal, but what impressed me was the striker’s intelligence – whilst his marker gave chase back to cover from 35 yards out  as Lampard proceeded, Sheva braked earlier and let the defender continue his run, thinking that the Ukrainian would still be “with him”, competing for space.  Of course, the result was that Lampard could pull the ball back with Sheva in space to receive the ball.  It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s this kind of thing that’s only seen in the top-class echelon of forwards such as Vialli for example.

The two youngsters, Mikel “mini-Maka”, Diarra were very impressive throughout and I can see both being key players next season.  Mikel has such confidence and a deft touch rarely seen in a player so young whilst Diarra would appear to be Makalele´s son – he plays like him and almost eerily, looks like him!  I would love to see both start or at least heavily feature in the CC final against Arsenal.

Lampard, Essien, Ballack, Drogba and in particular, a renewed Shevchenko were also playing very well and all were combining excellently during various assaults in the Blackburn half.  In the 15^th min, Friedal (a keeper I’ve always admired) pulled off a great reaction save from Shevchenko.  Ashley Cole produced a cheeky back heel which set up Ballack to deliver a cross for Sheva, who beat the defence to the ball and clipped the ball goal bound.  Friedal reacted brilliantly and prevented a 2-0 score line. 

The first half pretty much continued with Chelsea mostly on the rampage although there was a brief 10 minute spell when Blackburn decided to put up some resistance.  It was during this period that Derbyshire weaved his way into the box only to have Essien almost inexplicably slide in a nick the ball of the Blackburn striker’s toe as he was about to shoot.  Apart from a testing Pederson corner for Cech, Blackburn didn’t offer much else.  Shevchenko had a couple of forays and Ashley Cole should also get a mention in dispatches for the way he instantly recovered from a McCarthy nutmeg to get in front of the striker and reclaim the ball.

Chelsea continued the second half as if they had changed ends immediately, "jumpers for goalposts" style.  Diarra continued staking his claim for a regular place and produced a superb cross for Ballack, whose stooping header went directly to Friedal. 

Then, in the 52^nd min, the bad news; Ashley Cole ran to stop the ball going out and trapped his studs in the turf with his trailing leg clashing with his right.  The result is a serious knee injury.  Bridge replaced the England left-back.

On the 65^th min, there were almost brief handbags between Ewerton and Shevchenko after an aggressive tussle for the ball between the two, and then, again, when the same Blackburn player decided to help himself to some afters on Makalele whilst both were down after tackling.  Ewerton was fortunate not go off for kicking Maka – luckily for him, the red card offence went un-noticed by Poll.

Goal number 2 came from a classic Lampard 25 yarder which sentenced the match.  The final period witnessed Ballack and Sheva going close with the only real effort on Blackburn’s part coming from McCarthy. Essien, whilst providing good temporary cover at the centre of defence IS NOT a centre-half, and this was briefly in evidence where his lack of awareness let through a Blackburn attack.

With 6 mins remaining, Kalou came on for Sheva who received deserved applause from the Chelsea faithful and then Ferreira on for Mikel.  19 year old Kalou got our 3^rd in the 90^th min, finishing at leisure after a nice cushion header through ball from Ballack, although I have to say, I found his "bum wiggle" celebration dance by the corner flag a bit disconcerting.

Ashley Cole’s injury in the 52^nd min worried me and was the only stain on the evening’s football.  We do have excellent cover in Wayne Bridge although missing Cole’s pace gives me cause for concern. Cole’s injury will be lengthy although not likely to last for the remainder of the season – unfortunately, he will miss the CC Cup Final against Arsenal at the end of the month.  Mourinho, in almost resigned fashion said the following with regard to our almost constant injury list:  "It's like having a blanket that is too small for the bed.  You pull the blanket up to keep your chest warm and your feet stick out. I cannot buy a bigger blanket because the supermarket is closed!  But the blanket is made of Cashmere! It's good."

Lampard received MOM but again, Shevchenko came close to this award.  Mourinho was enthusiastic about our Nº 7´s contribution:  "Sheva had his best game for us.  He played brilliantly; he was fighting, he was strong in duels, he was aggressive."