Bridge over troubled water

CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas claimed his under-pressure side had given everyone a “slap in the face” after last night’s comprehensive defeat of Valencia at Stamford Bridge ensured the Blues qualified for the knockout stages as Group E winners.

The 3-0 victory, sealed with two goals from the inspirational Didier Drogba and one from Ramires, puts Chelsea into the last 16 for the ninth season in-a-row; but more importantly it gives Villas-Boas a two-month window of peace in which he will no longer be asked in every press conference if he fears the sack.

“In terms of the result I’m very happy,” said the 33-year-old.