Blues’ lost swagger returns

CHELSEA are not a club which traditionally lacks confidence. From the defiantly ugly architecture of Stamford Bridge’s corporate sprawl, to the absurd posturing of their pre-match PA announcer, this is one sporting institution with apparently bottomless resources of self-esteem.

The events of this season, however, have dented blue belief. The sacking of Jose Mourinho last September stripped the club of its most talismanic and inspiring individual and ever since, Chelsea have been adrift, desperately seeking reassurance. It was widely assumed that only another change of manager could bring the bullishness back to this corner of west London but now Chelsea have rediscovered their swagger.

A thrilling and fully deserved victory over Manchester United on Saturday did more than just re-ignite the club’s fading hopes of winning back the Premier League title. It also delivered emphatic confirmation that Chelsea victories over fellow members of the top flight elite do not have to be served with a snarl: there can also be a sunnier side to their football. Liverpool, who travel to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final decider, have been duly warned. “We’re showing we can play as well now,” Michael Ballack, the midfielder, said. “It was our best performance of the season.