Stamford Bridge and an end to Spurs derby hoodoo
So on Tuesday it came to pass that your editor accepted an offer to sample the surroundings of Stamford Bridge as Chelsea hosted Bolton Wanderers. The difficulty in this was completely to do with my own allegiances to north London rivals Arsenal, meaning that the occasion felt a little like an extra-marital affair.
Not to worry I thought, "you never know, they may well drop points and you'll have to sit here pretending to look upset, keeping your smug glee hidden well within!" An extremely optimistic hope, but one that was to be tantalisingly close.
A few pre-match ales at a local pub 'The George' went down very nicely before it was time to get our game-face on and head back towards the ground. All the while our former ed. promised me a performance of champions, although it was a little tongue in cheek I think..?
With Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal being separated by a mere 3 points prior to kick-off (United's extra game played withstanding), the home fans certainly new the importance of maintaining their winning streak. After only 15 minutes the first smatterings of nerves and frustration began to emanate from the Matthew Harding stand, betraying the usual confidence.
The game was tentative as Chelsea probed at Bolton who were living up to their more assured defensive showings since Owen Coyle was made manager. The best efforts they had to show for the first half hour amounted to two uninspiring free-kicks from Didier Drogba.
Bolton started to come into the match a little more when Kevin Davies almost got through on goal, but the context was to change two minutes before half-time. Yuri Zhirkov had just recovered from several attempts to patch up a gash in his head, caused by a Kevin Davies challenge which left him receiving some choice words from the home fans.
The Chelsea left-back responded by going on a surging run down his flank, the ball dropped to Drogba who swept the ball across the Bolton goal face. The opportunity was too good to miss for Nicholas Anelka, who guided the ball in from close range.
The second half started with more purpose for Chelsea, forcing saves from Jaaskelainen via Kalou and Zhirkov. The rest of the game saw a case of what-ifs for both sides, but Bolton were ultimately unable to force an equaliser.
My first visit to Stamford Bridge was certainly enjoyable, even if the class of football wasn't up to my friend's prediction. The atmosphere was good and regular and it looks likely that they will re-claim the title this season.
This was made all the more likely by the unfolding of the following game on Wednesday evening. The north London derby is always fairly frenetic but on this occasion the stakes were quite high for both of the rivals. Arsenal have managed to stay in the title race far longer than expected in pre-season, and Tottenham remain in the thick of the hunt for fourth place.
The game started with Arsenal on the front foot and seemed to be making inroads towards the Tottenham goal. This all changed in the eighth minute when Almunia's punch from a corner fell to debutant Danny Rose, 30 yards out. He hit an outstanding volley as sweetly as they come and it flew back past everyone and the goalkeeper.
Not to put any pressure on the 19 year old, but it is worth noting that he is a left-sided English midfielder. A position that has not been England's strong point over the years. Arsenal were naturally a little stunned but quickly set about gaining parity.
As much as the away side dominated possession they could not create a clear opportunity, Tottenham's defense was strong and assured. Arsenal were then hit by the loss of Thomas Vermaelen, who is now confirmed as missing the rest of the season because of his calf.
Within a minute of the second half starting the home side had doubled their advantage. The Arsenal defense looked remarkably unsteady when Defoe sent a split pass through the centre of the penalty area ahead of Mikael Silvestre. The ball found Gareth Bale perfectly and he side footed in to make it 2-0.
Arsenal showed no signs of a crucial break-through as Tottenham's defense held more than their own. Only the introduction of Robin Van Persie, for the first time since November, spurred Wenger's team into action. The Dutchman made an impressive contribution and highlighted how much he has been missed this campaign.
In a two minute period Van Persie forced Heurelho Gomes into two quality saves, first from an over the shoulder volley and perhaps even better from a free-kick to his top right hand corner. Sol Campbell, performing well on his derby return, was then denied by a reflex Gomes save from his deflected header on to the bar.
Arsenal finally scored when Theo Walcotts's cross was bundled in by Nicholas Bendtner, four minutes of added time then made for a scene from the Alamo. Try as they might there was to be no heroic comeback and Tottenham could celebrate bragging rights in a league game for the first time in 11 years.
The title race now looks like being Chelsea's to lose, stranger things have happened but it would take a bizarre turn of events for Manchester United or especially Arsenal to overturn their deficits. Still, it has been the most competitive and unusual season for many years and starting this weekend there are some very big games left for this stage..
Not to worry I thought, "you never know, they may well drop points and you'll have to sit here pretending to look upset, keeping your smug glee hidden well within!" An extremely optimistic hope, but one that was to be tantalisingly close.
A few pre-match ales at a local pub 'The George' went down very nicely before it was time to get our game-face on and head back towards the ground. All the while our former ed. promised me a performance of champions, although it was a little tongue in cheek I think..?
With Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal being separated by a mere 3 points prior to kick-off (United's extra game played withstanding), the home fans certainly new the importance of maintaining their winning streak. After only 15 minutes the first smatterings of nerves and frustration began to emanate from the Matthew Harding stand, betraying the usual confidence.
The game was tentative as Chelsea probed at Bolton who were living up to their more assured defensive showings since Owen Coyle was made manager. The best efforts they had to show for the first half hour amounted to two uninspiring free-kicks from Didier Drogba.
Bolton started to come into the match a little more when Kevin Davies almost got through on goal, but the context was to change two minutes before half-time. Yuri Zhirkov had just recovered from several attempts to patch up a gash in his head, caused by a Kevin Davies challenge which left him receiving some choice words from the home fans.
The Chelsea left-back responded by going on a surging run down his flank, the ball dropped to Drogba who swept the ball across the Bolton goal face. The opportunity was too good to miss for Nicholas Anelka, who guided the ball in from close range.
The second half started with more purpose for Chelsea, forcing saves from Jaaskelainen via Kalou and Zhirkov. The rest of the game saw a case of what-ifs for both sides, but Bolton were ultimately unable to force an equaliser.
My first visit to Stamford Bridge was certainly enjoyable, even if the class of football wasn't up to my friend's prediction. The atmosphere was good and regular and it looks likely that they will re-claim the title this season.
This was made all the more likely by the unfolding of the following game on Wednesday evening. The north London derby is always fairly frenetic but on this occasion the stakes were quite high for both of the rivals. Arsenal have managed to stay in the title race far longer than expected in pre-season, and Tottenham remain in the thick of the hunt for fourth place.
The game started with Arsenal on the front foot and seemed to be making inroads towards the Tottenham goal. This all changed in the eighth minute when Almunia's punch from a corner fell to debutant Danny Rose, 30 yards out. He hit an outstanding volley as sweetly as they come and it flew back past everyone and the goalkeeper.
Not to put any pressure on the 19 year old, but it is worth noting that he is a left-sided English midfielder. A position that has not been England's strong point over the years. Arsenal were naturally a little stunned but quickly set about gaining parity.
As much as the away side dominated possession they could not create a clear opportunity, Tottenham's defense was strong and assured. Arsenal were then hit by the loss of Thomas Vermaelen, who is now confirmed as missing the rest of the season because of his calf.
Within a minute of the second half starting the home side had doubled their advantage. The Arsenal defense looked remarkably unsteady when Defoe sent a split pass through the centre of the penalty area ahead of Mikael Silvestre. The ball found Gareth Bale perfectly and he side footed in to make it 2-0.
Arsenal showed no signs of a crucial break-through as Tottenham's defense held more than their own. Only the introduction of Robin Van Persie, for the first time since November, spurred Wenger's team into action. The Dutchman made an impressive contribution and highlighted how much he has been missed this campaign.
In a two minute period Van Persie forced Heurelho Gomes into two quality saves, first from an over the shoulder volley and perhaps even better from a free-kick to his top right hand corner. Sol Campbell, performing well on his derby return, was then denied by a reflex Gomes save from his deflected header on to the bar.
Arsenal finally scored when Theo Walcotts's cross was bundled in by Nicholas Bendtner, four minutes of added time then made for a scene from the Alamo. Try as they might there was to be no heroic comeback and Tottenham could celebrate bragging rights in a league game for the first time in 11 years.
The title race now looks like being Chelsea's to lose, stranger things have happened but it would take a bizarre turn of events for Manchester United or especially Arsenal to overturn their deficits. Still, it has been the most competitive and unusual season for many years and starting this weekend there are some very big games left for this stage..
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