But as this weekend approaches it is make or break time for Avram Grant's Chelsea. There I said it, and I mean it too. A win and Chelsea are right back in the mix for the Premiership, lose and they will start to look, and feel, like Also Rans. Just looking through the names on Chelsea's team sheet, the depth of expensive talent in practically every position, you realise that failing to win a trophy should be unthinkable for that team. It may be difficult to juggle and manage the egos and big personalities but that, correct me if I am wrong, is what first class managers are expected to do. If Capello can be let go at Madrid having delivered them La Liga, and if Mourinho can be got rid of having brought Chelsea the most success ever, Grant should be fired with a tarnished reputation if Chelsea were to finish third and without one measly trophy, not even the tinware Carling Cup. With such an embarrassment of riches at his disposal it should not be that hard really. I reckon given a squad like that Alan Curbishely, Sam Allardyce, or David Moyes, could do it.
The rush of substitutions and negativity that foxed Chelsea against a rampant Spurs (and I truly rate Ramos and his coaching staff- especially Poyet) reminded me of another Chelsea coach. Not of Mourinho's guile and showmanship, but of Ranierri- the so called 'tinker man'. Difference being of course that Ranierri was a dead man walking at that stage in his career, and may have even be looking to be sacked so as to ensure a hefty severance package; but Grant, having been cherry picked by Abramovic, has the full support of the board. The pressure must be intense.
So it is crunch time at Stamford Bridge. The Kennsington twats and glory hunters expect. It is time for Chelsea to stand up and be counted and show us who they are.
My money is on Arsenal.
Does this constitute a proper footballing article? I have not written one for weeks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
United were awesomely controlled, I don't think it gets anymore professional in the Premiership. I think they also handed Arsenal a boost on how to deal with an 'in-form' Liverpool as the tactics were spot on. Also notable that the presence of a midfield general of superb though waning powers, Mr Scholes, was decisive. If Fabregas gets as much ball, Arsenal have an excellent chance to progress.
I think it's over. Good win for Chelsea, but it's United's to throw away now and they won't, yesterday was supposed to be a test, instead it was a masterclass.
Post a Comment