Terry the only choice for Capello

AT half-time on Sunday I was planning this article based on the theme of missed opportunities and bemoaning the lack of positivity from our tactics.

Then, luckily, our two form players have saved you all from another 800-word whinge.

The players entered the field echoing to the sound of “one England captain” and John Terry played his part beautifully with some excellently timed tackles and a few elegant interceptions.

Capello may not have gone about things the right way but anyone with the good of the England team at heart should accept JT is the best man for the job and move on.

I understand that Rio Ferdinand will be upset, and rightly so, but he should act like a man and not a spoilt brat. After all, his increasingly frequent injuries are probably what led to the decision in the first place.

It’s not a popular move with the press and Terry needs to be whiter than white as I’d imagine there is somewhat of a bounty on his head. Still, JT has learnt the hard way so he will only have himself to blame should he cock it up.

But let’s get back to Sunday. Chelsea deserved to win as City came to the Bridge with no more ambition than a mid-table team — and an approach to match.

The first 15 minutes apart, they made little effort to push forward and seemed to settle on playing for a draw. You can’t do that in the top four, especially when your position is so fragile. Even Spurs have worked that one out.

We did ourselves no favours for long periods of time by forgetting we had a number nine on the pitch. The sympathy of the crowd is with him with a few boos when he was substituted, especially as the likes of Kalou, and especially Malouda, deserved to go first.

Unlike Torres, Kalou was receiving the ball often and in good positions but then squandering chances. Torres was often the most obvious recipient for a ball yet was overlooked for an unlikely shot or a less well-positioned team-mate. This needs to be addressed quickly.

It could be argued that Torres needs to be more commanding or vocal on the pitch — after all, if Drogba were in a prime position but failed to receive the ball, you can bet serious money that Didier would deliver a verbal lashing. But then Torres doesn’t strike me as that kind of man. Perhaps it’s time he was?

What must be most hard to take is that Luiz, a centre-back, half the money and relatively unknown here in England, has made such an impact on the Chelsea team and has scored two very important goals to boot.

He has all the qualities that make him an instant fans favourite. He looks distinctive, can play a bit, is somewhat reckless, likes to mix it and he celebrates like it means something. Not only does he make you smile when you watch him but he’s one of those players who reminds you why you love the game.

As for Ramires — many Chelsea fans had prematurely written him off within a few games. How he has proven them wrong. He seems to be everywhere on the pitch and his goal against City was pure box office. Ancelotti described him as “the future of Brazil” and he was an inspired signing who is providing huge energy and making the team more youthful.

So we may have left our run for the title too late but I would like to give Arsenal an almighty scare as I think second is certainly within reach.

We have regained a momentous amount of ground, while not even playing at our best — we just need to ensure that it is not a short term revival.

A storming end to the season would be a fitting tribute to Ancelotti, who seems to be a gonner no matter what he achieves or where we finish. It’s a shame because although he does have his foibles I believe he has done enough to earn another term at least. Also the team needs stability at that level — that’s how dynasties are built.

It’s gearing up to be a hell of an end to the season — who would have thought it at Christmas? We’re winning our big games and there is a marathon to come with five games against Manchester United — two in the Champions League, one at Old Trafford in the league and a double-header in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, which is likely to draw good crowds. It could be truly memorable, and you never know what could happen. Come on Chelsea!

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