Nightmare scenario gives me the blues

WHAT a great week it’s been; I may be shattered and skint, but I have a massive grin on my face.

Or should I say “did” have a massive grin on my face — until I got a text from an old mate who makes my pontifications of doom look blindly optimistic.

He told me that his recurring dream of losing EVERYTHING to United had just come one step nearer by actually qualifying for the FA Cup final. In his nightmare, which has naturally also become mine — they beat us to the Premiership title on goal difference, the FA Cup on penalties, and the European Cup to a last minute solo-wonder goal by Ronaldo. I feel sick, very sick.

Due to Roma lying down and dying at Old Trafford (as have many of United’s Premiership opponents this season), our magnificent result in Valencia did not get the attention it so deserved. No English team has won at the Mastella in 40 years. The last to do so were Dirty Leeds.

We went there on the back foot, with Valencia having that precious away goal tucked firmly in their pockets. The cat and mouse first half drove us supporters mad; still ridiculous that after nearly three years with the genius at the helm we do not always trust what he is doing.

In the second half we ripped Valencia apart, with Drogba and Joe Cole orchestrating a comeback of momentous proportions. The domination was so complete I was positive we were going to win. When Essien scored the nigh-on vertical gradient of the stand we were in was forgotten as over 3,000 fans leapt around like total lunatics. As we were held back, as is customary after the game, a triumphant Mourinho emerged onto the empty pitch pumping his fists at the supporters in jubilation. Later we saw him set new standards for post-match behaviour when he leaped, elated, onto John Terry’s back while he was in mid-interview while at the same time holding the equally jubilant Essien in a headlock . . . no mean achievement in itself, but then he is a fan of wrestling. Team spirit? It certainly smells like it.

It couldn’t get any better. Could it? Oh yes it could! The semi-final against Blackburn was one of those perfect footballing days out. Mates, on a mini-bus, a few drinks, fantastic weather (better than Valencia), a great game of football, emotional roller-coaster ride, extra time winner. And Roman and José even had a hug!!! Ahhhhhh……

Ballack, too, did himself no harm. I don’t think we have seen the best of our German, who gets unwarranted stick from some Chelsea fans. What he does is not pretty to watch — he’s a nuisance, he interrupts opposition rhythm, he obstructs their players and intercepts their passing. His own passing has left much to be desired but on Sunday he made the first goal and scored the winner, gearing himself up to have a big say in the final big games of the season.

The José charm offensive is now in overdrive. If Roman is still thinking of getting rid of him he must be either mad or very brave. TSO has been courting the fans, the media and the team. He has very publicly disassociated himself from several high-profile jobs and has told anyone who cares to listen that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge. Even if he pulls off only one of the three gongs still available, it would be an unbelievable season, considering the injuries.

The Chelsea crowd are doing their bit too, singing Jose’s name all the time. I wonder how Abramovich feels when he hears that? He has had Arnesen sat next to him at the last couple of games — the man perceived by fans as chief protagonist in this whole rotten affair. They have given him the nickname of Wormtongue (for those in the dark that’s a Lord of the Rings reference which means we don’t like or trust him much, or at all). I know sitting next to the owner doesn’t seem like a big thing, but it is seen as an honour bestowed on those chosen and trusted by him. It makes me feel uneasy.

Tonight we have to cross to the dark side, commonly known as East London, to visit Upton Park. I don’t like playing teams who are in dire straits. The year West Ham were relegated they beat us at their place and this will not be a walkover.

We need to keep the pressure on United. That way, when we play them it will just be the 8-0 we have to beat them to win the title. With TSO at the helm anything is possible.

Finally — can someone explain to me just what Fabregas, Gerrard, Giggs, and Scholes have done to get on the PFA shortlist for Player of the Year while Essien and Cech are excluded? Ludicrous.

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