It was an against all odds performance for Chelsea on Tuesday night.  Many supporters went into the match biting their nails and wanting Chelsea to get the best result possible so that we could get through to the next stages of the Champions League.  The best possible result being a win and a clean sheet.

We needed to win.  A goalless draw wouldn’t suffice in the eyes of the manager, the squad, or any of the supporters.  After pleas to supporters to create a better atmosphere in the Bridge, AVB’s boys went out with something to prove.  And prove it they did.

Three minutes into the match the Old Drog struck and put the Blue boys 1-0 up over the seemingly strong Spanish side who had won 7 of their last 8 fixtures.  Supporters could breathe a small sigh of relief.  We were up 1-0 and didn’t look like we would be backing down.

A quick strike from Valencia hit the post almost immediately after Drogba put us ahead.  We were lucky that it didn’t go in but let’s face it, winning isn’t just about talent, a little bit of luck can go a long way.

22 minutes in and Ramires received a pass from Drogba that many thought would amount to nothing.  The Brazilian proved them wrong however and netted home Chelsea’s second of the night.  He didn’t give up on the play and battled until he got the result he wanted.

We went in at the break 2-0 up and we looked good.  That isn’t to say that Valencia didn’t put up a good fight.  They took their chances and took them well but our defense was solid.  So was safe hands, Petr Cech.

Drogba killed the game off with his second goal of the night at the bitter end of the match.  We got the result we so desperately wanted and it had a lot to do with the talent and desire of Drogs.

Many wrote off the Ivorian, claiming he was getting old and wasn’t interested in playing for Chelsea anymore.  I am happy to say that they were totally incorrect.  Drogba looked like his old self and was easily holding the ball up, creating chances and taking his own.  He was definitely the man of the match.

Our squad looked very solid and much more defensive this match despite scoring 3 goals.  We did well to capitalize on our chances within the match and the defense as a unit played very well together.  It was important to win but I also think that keeping a clean sheet does just that little bit extra for team morale, as well as for supporter morale.

It was so great to see Chelsea win and even better to pick up a paper this morning.  Not much to talk about when we are winning!

The talks about Frank Lampard will keep swirling but I believe that AVB knows what he is doing (that’s why he gets paid millions right?).  Lamps always bounces back after being sat for a match.  He was outwardly unhappy when he was subbed off at Newcastle on Saturday but I think that had much more to do with how he feels he can perform.  Lampard is a competitor and will always want to the play to his best ability.  I think resting Frank was a good move.  It gave his body a break and maybe will help him centre for Monday’s match against Man City, a match that we need him and everyone to play their best in.

All in all, the Blues won.  Not only did we win the match but thanks to some help from our friends Genk who drew 1-1 with Leverkusen, Chelsea topped the table.  A far cry from going out the Champions League as many pundits thought we would.

Time to focus on our next test against Manchester City.  So far we’ve won 2 of the 4 big December matches.  We could do with two more.

Come on Chelsea!

Written by Amanda