West Ham 1, Chelsea 1: Christmas Champions

Another draw. Exactly at a time we should be winning. Manchester United were thumped by a fantastic Fulham side earlier and a win would have put us really on top. All that we could get was a draw. I must say that was a fair result considering the performance we put in. Honestly, as Lampard put it, we did not turn up in the first half.

The first half display by Chelsea was the most lacklustre effort from Chelsea that I’ve see this season. We knew that we had to win but the way we played in the first half was like how you play a dead rubber in a champions league group stage knowing that even a defeat would retain you in the top spot.

We missed Anelka. I don’t believe I’m saying this. I truly think we missed Anelka. It was exactly in these kind of matches his holding up skills and slow dribbling would have helped us in getting people into the attack or even winning free kicks. The reason why I missed him so much was also made up by how shite Kalou was that night. He simply didn’t cut it. I know he’s getting to play after a long time but he just did not impress.

We should have got a clear penalty from a handball in the first half. It was so unfortunate for us not to get it. On the other hand, we conceded a somewhat needless penalty. We defended rather well and we seemed very determined not to concede a goal.

You could see that in Ashley Cole’s effort for that tackle that led to the penalty. In those circumstances, you could allow the ball carrier to go for the shot and hope that your world class keeper pulls it off instead of making a messy sliding tackle.

Though the first half ended 1-0 West Ham thanks to a poor display by Chelsea, I was very sure that I’d see a different Chelsea in the second half. I’d always put my money on that. Ancelotti suprised me pleasantly by making a double substitution at half time.

I was happy that he subbed Kalou and I was happier that he didn’t wait too long. I was impressed. Sturridge and Zhirkov came in. Sturridge played really well. He was very physical, he held the ball well and he had some pace too. He had a very good pitch presence which Kalou was sorely lacking.

Zhirkov played like he has been playing in the premier league week in week out. We’ve all known that he is a good dribbler and we saw just that. He could get past defenders with ease. He definitely brings us a new dimension in our attacks. The inclusion of both Sturridge and Kalou definitely made a difference in our attacks.

When we got that penalty, it was a dubious one. As a fan, I’d always say that it made up for the first half handball penalty that was not awarded. I think, to take a penalty, after having missed a penalty in your last few matches, is really a big challenge. And, Lampard had to take it thrice. Man, he got three in three.

Full credit to him for keeping his cool and slotting the ball. When he scored to the right of the goalie in the first chance, I was wondering what’s going on in the minds of Lampard and Green for the second shot. Would Lampard be thinking that he should go left or would Green also pre-empt that? Something must change in that rule.

If the opponent players are stepping in, they must receive a yellow. Otherwise, the opponent players can always happily step in so that the penalty is re-taken. Not every player can take three successive penalties and score them all. I see an opportunity for teams that are not very keen on fair play.

Anyway, I’ve concluded that taking three successive penalties is one of the most toughest thing in football.

We could have got a winner but West Ham played like their lives depended on this match. Credit to them for the way the defended. They were counting on counterattacks. Though that did not align with what Zola said before the match, it made sense for them to nick a point from a Chelsea match. It’s a big point for them.

Much has been said about John Terry and the Cobham visitors. I think this is just tabloid nonsense. The club statement is very clear. Firstly, JT is well within his authority as the captain of the team and the club’s ambassador to bring in any visitors as he deems fit. Secondly, he did not ask for or accept any money in relation to the visits.

As we get closer to the world cup, you’ll see more such stories on Terry. These are just meant to dislodge him from the English captaincy which some of the scousers etc don’t stand. They just can’t stand a Chelsea man leading England to the world cup with the best opportunity to win under the best England manager.

Mark Hughes is gone. Poor chap. I’m not sure if Mancini can do better. As it is, Mark Hughes was doing a decent job. If Mark Hughes’ performance deserves a sack, what would you say of Rafa Benitez? Lucky chap, if there’s one. But for the good of Chelsea FC, I pray to God that Rafa continues to be manager of Liverpool and if any point of time he needs to move, let him take Fergie’s job.

Next up is Birmingham City. The other "blues." That being an away match, we would be playing in our "other" kit. Will we break our jinx? Can we beat them resoundingly in that away kit? I really hope so. Meanwhile, we will be on top of the table by Christmas time. And that’s the first time this has happened since '04-'05. You know what happened in '04-'05!