Di Canio fluffs lines on big day

Chelsea 2 Sunderland 1

By the end of the day Rafa Benitez — another man who knows what it’s like to create a storm or two — was talking about a new atmosphere of togetherness in west London now his Chelsea side are on course for two cup finals and a top-four finish.

The reality, however, is Di Canio had his moment in the spotlight — and flunked it.

What will probably be forgotten in the wake of a result that stretched Sunderland’s winless streak to nine matches is that Di Canio’s men were 1-0 up at half-time following 45 minutes in which they had been the better side; and the timing of their goal — an own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta just before the break after John O’Shea flicked on an Adam Johnson corner- should have put them in a psychologically strong position.

But instead of forcing the issue after the break the visitors sat back and allowed Chelsea to regain control, scoring through a Matt Kilgallon own goal and an equally-fortunate Branislav Ivanovic deflection to seal an important but rather lifeless victory.

The result leaves Sunderland in a perilous position just outside the bottom three.

Di Canio, remember, was chosen as a replacement for Martin O’Neill — despite his off-field failings — because of his charisma and motivational qualities; but the worrying news for Sunderland fans is he showed little tactical nous once Chelsea went ahead, failing to change his system and failing to use his substitutes even though a weary-looking home team were clearly there for the taking.

Sunderland never really recovered from the moment Fernando Torres, on as a half-time substitute for injured Demba Ba, burst down the left after 47 minutes and set up an opportunity for Oscar.

The Brazilian’s touch was too heavy — allowing goalkeeper Mignolet to dive at his feet; but the ball cannoned back off Kilgallon and rolled into the net.

Chelsea’s winner was equally fortunate; David Luiz shooting after 55 minutes before Ivanovic stuck out a boot and deflected it home for 2-1.

But even so Sunderland had plenty of time to mount a comeback against unconvincing opposition but never showed the gumption or the energy to do so.

Di Canio’s response, in a tense post-match press conference in which he again refused to answer questions about his views on fascism, was strange to say the least; seemingly questioning the fitness of his squad.

“I’m not going to say they’re not fit. But it’s not the fittest team in the world,” he said. “But, but, but, we are going to work and give them more energy in the next few days and weeks.”

There were plenty of other highlights in an interview in which Di Canio claimed he was a ‘very good manager’, dismissed criticism of his personality made by David James, batted away questions about Durham miners refusing to attend matches until he renounces fascism — and predicted a relegation battle until the last day of the campaign.

But really it was all just fluff; and it is unlikely to give Sunderland supporters much hope.

By contrast Benitez, who enjoyed a rare opportunity to hide in the shadows while an even more unpopular manager visited town, seemed to revel in his third victory inside seven days; even taking the increasing disinterest of Chelsea home crowd to mean they no longer feel so virulent in their hatred of him.

Maybe he’s right. There was certainly no 16th minute rendition of the previously ubiquitous Roberto Di Matteo song; not even a ‘we want Mourinho’ or a ‘fat spanish waiter’ refrain; not now Chelsea, against all odds, are heading for a potential cup double and a place in the Champions League.

“It’s important to have everyone sticking together and pushing in the same direction,” said Benitez.

“That’s clear; and the feeling is everybody has realised we have to stick together and support the team. That was my message before, and that is still my message now.”

It’s hard not to have a grudging respect for the way Benitez soldiers on in such stoic fashion and maybe Sunderland can take comfort from his achievements at Stamford Bridge despite the rumpus that still surrounds him.

But they may also worry that Di Canio is no Benitez.

The circus is the same; but what about the performer?