Belated return to form may prove too little, too late

SO Chelsea have overcome a couple of potential banana skins. Blackburn in the end were disposed of very simply indeed, but Charlton weren’t the easy proposition that many (but not me) had predicted.

But six points is six points — but is it all a little too late? Not that I expected Spurs to put up any sort of fight against United, but even I was a little surprised at how easily they were put to the sword; and a little envious if truth be told.

As far as our weekend was concerned, it was satisfying to think that if Charlton do go down this season, and that looks very likely, that we have contributed to their demise. Those regular readers of this column will know of my long-standing dislike for Charlton and the only pity is that Curbishley (one of the most over-rated managers in football) isn’t at the helm of the sinking ship. But then he has his own Titanic to captain at Upton Park and it would be very welcome to see them both relegated — albeit at the expense of a few more hundred miles to travel next season.

Being a defender for Chelsea is seemingly a perilous occupation at this time. No sooner is Terry back from injury, than Cole gets crocked, although he has managed a fuller season than dear William Gallas is contributing across at the Emirates.

In fact there are noises emerging from the Gallas camp of a “yearning” to join Milan. Now THAT would be funny. And what a pairing — a club docked points for cheating and a man who threatened to throw a game to secure the move of his choice. They are made or each other. Whether he will line up against us in the Carling Cup is anyone’s guess.

Talking of which, I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth but I did have to laugh at the “generosity” of the sponsors of the Carling Cup giving their entire allocation of tickets back to Chelsea and Arsenal fans.

In addition 200 fans of each side will be guests of the sponsors in their suites. What a lovely gesture eh? Or is the truth nearer the fact that all the corporate Johnnies don’t want a Sunday schlep down to Cardiff for what they perceive is a second rate trophy? You decide.

This week has been quiet one by Chelsea standards although the club did issue a statement to say that Marcello Lippi was not being lined up for Mourinho’s job.

This weekend we take on Boro — who have already beaten us once this season and held Arsenal to a draw last weekend. Even with Terry back, it will be a nervous 90 minutes for me. I’ve lost that certainty of a win that accompanied me to almost every game last season. We’ve not lost a home game since José joined us and it would be a pity to give up that proud record to an also-ran team like Middlesbrough.

We all wonder whether Roman will be there to see it. His no-show for Charlton was the fifth game in a row that he’s been absent. It’s a pity because one of the things he has missed is Lampard rediscovering his form of a year ago and pulling goals out of the bag at a vital time.

The laws of probability tell us that United have to drop points at some time, meanwhile we have to defy those same laws if we are to overhaul them. The difference is six points but in real terms it’s seven because of the goal difference.

I don’t know if we’ve been “found out” exactly (the prolonged absences of Joe Cole, Cech and Terry may eventually define our Premiership season) but in the last campaign teams turned up almost ready to accept any punishment we dished out.

The early loss to Boro this season gave every club facing us hope and, to be frank, I think we’ve forgotten how to fight for a result. That’s the real significance behind the return of John Terry, that and the fact that it releases Michael Essien back into midfield.

Finally I have to give up a little space this week to sing the praises of a couple of Chelsea old boys who are doing a top job up north. Step forward Agent Wise and Agent Poyet. Poyet had become a traitor to the Blues when he not only joined Tottenham, but kissed the badge after scoring against us. But he may be on his way to redemption if he and our ex-cheeky chappie captain relegate Leeds to the ignominy of League One. Carry on the good work boys.

*Contact Trish on [e-mail]