Off-colour Blues do enough

SERENITY has been in short supply at Stamford Bridge in recent years, but Chelsea are appreciating the tranquility that has accompanied Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival.

After swatting aside all-comers on the domestic front, Ancelotti made a winning start in the Champions League last night thanks to Nicolas Anelka’s strike early in the second half. There was an element of luck in the goal, with Anelka requiring two attempts to force the ball past Helton, the Porto goalkeeper, and the hosts’ performance was almost as damp as the weather in west London.

Even so, as an Italian, Ancelotti will appreciate the value of an instantly forgettable victory. Standards will have to be raised if Roman Abramovich’s much-cherished dream of a first Champions League is to be realised but at least points are on the board.