Ancelotti relief but lucky win underlines need for big signing

LONG after the stadium had emptied, and with coach Ray Wilkins overseeing a kick-a-round between his fringe squad players, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and Roman Abramovich engaged in a long conversation on the Stamford Bridge turf.

Fortunately for Ancelotti, Didier Drogba’s fluky added-time winning goal meant he was spared the task of explaining to his employer where it all went wrong.

It is certain, however, that the Italian will have impressed on Abramovich the importance of finally clinching the marquee signing the club has promised all summer if Chelsea are to launch a more meaningful title challenge.