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.

“The players worked very hard for the win. Guess what? We finished top of the group against all odds.

“It was good to score straight away. Valencia started a bit uncomfortably and struggled a couple of times.

“The Premiership games – in our last four games we have had three clean sheets so our defence isn’t that bad. I think the players have given everyone a slap in the face today.

“What matters is that Chelsea finished top of the group. We qualified in first and we eagerly await the draw to see how far we can go.”

A member of the Chelsea staff had summed it up perfectly beforehand; this match was as important as a semi-final against Barcelona.

As important for Villa-Boas, whose position had already been under threat following a slow start to the season, as important for Chelsea and their ambitions of world dominance; and as important for owner Roman Abramovich whose Champions League vision is what drives him to spend millions.

But for now, the manager, who would have been under serious pressure had this result gone the wrong way, can relax in the knowledge he has passed the first major test of his Chelsea career.

Now, at least, he can concentrate on the job of turning Chelsea’s Premier League season around, a task that began with victory at Newcastle last Saturday and continues at home to leaders Man City on Monday; and also of persuading critics that at 33 he really does have the managerial talent and stature to improve on the impressive but still ultimately insufficient record of many of those who went before him.

In fact the Chelsea manager passed his first test even before kick-off, showing remarkable courage to not only leave out £50m man Fernando Torres but also Frank Lampard, once the talisman of the old Chelsea.

Lampard’s place in midfield was taken by the more mobile Raul Meireles and the decision reaped almost instant dividends when the Portuguese international took advantage of excellent hold-up play by Drogba to curl in a 20m shot that was well saved by Diego Alves.

By the third minute Chelsea were ahead, and this time it was lone striker Drogba who justified his manager’s faith, scuffing the ball home left-footed after Juan Mata had done superbly to control a high ball to the far post.

Valencia, who hit the woodwork through Jordi Alba and then saw Cech produce a wonderful save to deny David Albelda, were never overawed by the occasion; but they did contribute painfully to their own downfall as Chelsea went 2-0 up after 22 minutes.

Goodness knows how defender Victor Ruiz failed to deal with a Drogba through-ball for Ramires, but somehow he allowed the tenacious Brazilian to nip in front of him and toe-poke the ball home.

Those goals steadied the nerves of a jumpy Stamford Bridge and probably of the owner too; and Chelsea defended with spirit after the break to hold on to their advantage and eventually extend it.

Cech, whose form has been so average that he was even tipped by one newspaper to leave in January, produced another wonderful save to keep out Sofiane Feghouli; so perhaps his manager’s ruthless omission of Alex and Nicolas Anelka, after the pair put in transfer requests, focused the Czech star’s mind.

As for Drogba, who now wants to sign a new contract after overtaking Torres as first choice in Villas-Boas’ line-up, he was even more focused as he wrapped up victory with his second of the night, sliding the ball past Diego Alves after 76 minutes.

Even then, with the Ivorian on a hat-trick, Chelsea’s manager was willing to substitute the striker and replace him with his Spanish rival – perhaps to keep Drogba fit for Monday’s vital clash with City, or perhaps just to keep him on his toes.

Whatever the reason, nobody could end the evening in any doubt that Villas-Boas is making his own decisions and making them bravely.

Maybe, just maybe, despite so many early set-backs- he is more special than we thought. But one thing is certain: after this result we’ll at least get a chance to find out.

CHELSEA: Cech 7, Ivanovic 7, Terry 7, Luiz 6, Cole 7, Romeu 7, Meireles 7, Ramires 7 (Mikel 65), Sturridge 7, Drogba 9 (Torres 78), Mata 8 (Malouda 83).

VALENCIA: Diego Alves 7, Barragan 7, Rami 7, Victor Ruiz 5, Jordi Alba 6 (Aduriz 55), Feghouli 8 (Pablo 65), Tino Costa 6, Albelda 7, Mathieu 6, Jonas 7, Soldado 6.

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Italy)

Attendance: 41,109.