Terrace Talk: Chelsea: Eden brings us another step closer to paradise

I still refused to join in the “we’re gonna win the league” chant that reverberated around the ground following Hazard’s goal — much to the consternation of those around me.

If we beat Arsenal I may clap along, but until the possibility of us ballsing it up is a mathematical impossibility, I will keep any premature gloating under wraps.

Bizarrely, I was less stressed during the United game than I was against QPR. Maybe it was the home advantage — in 95 games played at the Bridge under Mourinho, we have lost one. Maybe it was our recent record against United — eight games unbeaten now. Or maybe it’s because these aren’t the games that we tend to struggle in.

The team looked well drilled, so ready for the fight. We definitely seem to get ourselves up for these games far more than we do for the Sunderlandsand Newcastles of this world. It’s frustrating but these are the six-pointers so we can’t whinge too much.

Jose must bristle with happiness and satisfaction when he sees the jewel in our crown, Eden Hazard, play. Mourinho can take deserved pride in improving an already dazzling talent. There is no question that when the Belgian joined us he was already a special player — inventive, tricky to play against, football quicksilver. But under Jose he has developed a tougher edge, greater stamina and I think even greater desire. These attributes have now certainly made him the best player in this country and I would say top three in the world.

Watching Hazard (and Oscar, and Willian) just demonstrates how those that claim we constantly park the bus haven’t a clue what they are talking about. We, along with City, have scored the most goals in the Premier League — more than football purists’ poster boys Arsenal.

I have to mention Mike Dean, who had an awful match, BUT got the most important decision of the match — i.e. the dive by Herrera — right. I think if he had given a penalty there Jose would have spontaneously combusted, Rui Faria would no doubt have chinned someone and I would have abseiled down from the East Upper to mete out my own punishment. Luckily he saw what we all saw; Herrera purposely leaving his foot in.

What made Dean’s decision even better was Van Gaal’s petulant post-match interview. That was the straw he was grasping at — along with a perceived foul on Falcao prior to Oscar’s sublime back-heal, Hazard’s magic feet and finally the nutmeg. Hilarious. No matter how carefully the interviewer trod, the dour Dutchman could barely contain his outrage at being out-smarted by the Special One. The long face just getting longer and longer and more puce with every question. Lovely.

But just as I had to point out Van Gaal’s being a bad loser, I have to mention Juan Mata who showed more than just a touch of class at the final whistle by waiting by the tunnel and congratulating every Chelsea player as he left the pitch. Red shirt but blue heart.

So, theoretically, we can now win the league if we win our next two games. Both are going to be battles. The friction between Mourinho and Wenger is well documented. Neither will want to lose to the other, even if there were nothing to play for. In the pub after the game, most Chelsea fans felt that Jose would go for the draw here but I’ve always felt it a mistake to try and second-guess Mourinho.

Then there’s Leicester, still with a good chance of getting themselves out of the mire, especially buoyed by a few recent wins. They will not stand on ceremony. Playing these teams when they are fighting for their lives is tough. I expect a very physical game.

So we approach the end of season almost as we started it — top of the league. Yet there are those that say we don’t deserve this title. Mourinho has worked his magic again, yet he has received little recognition and much vitriol from the English press. Our failures are magnified but our successes ignored. Do you know what? I like it. In fact, I love it, because we all know that in England no-one loves a winner, better always to be the valiant loser. Well excuse me if we leave that honour to someone else. Come on Chelsea. Nearly there.