Has Grant finally learned?

IF we have learnt anything from the result against West Ham, it’s how wrong Grant got things in the Carling Cup Final.

That said, it is encouraging that he seems to have learned from the mistakes laid bare during that game. Let’s hope he doesn’t have any more pangs to try experimental formations during such an important one-off match again.

First to the obvious — beating West Ham so convincingly was even more pleasurable because of the “we support our local club” and “West Ham ‘til I die” cacophony that lasted exactly 22 minutes. Once Ballack’s half volley hit the back of the net these so-called “loyal supporters” couldn’t leave Upton Park quickly enough.

Those brave souls that were around to cheer Lampard’s sending-off were using those same exits after Ashley Cole’s goal on 64 minutes.

By the final whistle I think we outnumbered the Hammers fans in the ground.

That’s loyalty East End style.

The Lampard sending off was a joke, but I can understand why Chelsea were cautious over whether to appeal or not, before finally deciding to risk it, and gaining a bit of a result when the card was rescinded. We do not normally have the benefit of the enchanted red shirts, which seem to protect the wearer from any sort of justice being meted out.

Staying on the subject of Lampard, how small-time is this hatred from the West Ham fans? Some of us have good memories and recall most Hammers used to spout the nonsense that Lamps was only in the West Ham team due to nepotism.

So you would think they’d be pleased when he left to join us (with them receiving a big wedge of money to boot). I really have no time for supporters who barrack a player for 90 minutes and then whinge like hell when the same player makes a detrimental comment about them. Hypocrisy of the highest order.

Tonight hopefully Grant gets to correct another mistake — by beating Olympiacos, although, Abramovich may have put the mockers on this one. Most football supporters know that it’s very bad luck to book flights/hotels etc for games you have not yet qualified for. The papers tell us that Roman has already booked an entire floor of a hotel and made reservations at the best restaurants in Moscow for the Champions League final. New fan you see — let’s hope he doesn’t learn the hard way.

I imagine that Drogba was rested against West Ham to play this evening; that said, the rumours of his departure seem to be getting stronger and stronger with Barcelona the most likely destination.

What gives this rumour even more credence is the story in France Football that Mourinho is on his way to the Catalan club in the summer. This too may also be the reason that Lampard is still to sign a new contract at Chelsea.

I have to say, that as much as it would be grim to watch United lift the title again, it would be funny if they did pip Arsène’s “young guns” to the post. Most of us are sick to the high teeth of listening to the propaganda about the Arsenal team and their wonderful/beautiful/amazing/jaw-dropping football.

I also don’t think we’re quite over the last bout of Gooner smugmania to be ready to suffer another dose.

Just a few weeks ago the TV was full of their fans declaring the title race was over. Well, they’re not looking nearly so cocksure now. Four seasons without a trophy? Arsène knows all right.

The interesting thing is that they both need to come to the Bridge. You never know, the miracle of all miracles could be in the offing and we may be in with a shout ourselves!

No — I don’t believe that either given Grant’s big game pedigree (ie, none) — but could you imagine Ferguson’s and Wenger’s faces if it did happen. It would be so worth the never-ending amount of humble pie I would have to eat!

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