Of Bayern, PFA and Benitez

Despite a nervous last few minutes Chelsea still won 6-5 on aggregate and sent Bayern Munich packing. An excellent Drogba goal to put the tie beyond doubt. But I felt the substitutions were confusing. Was there a serious need to introduce Nuno Morais who had little to no experience in Europe? I felt Glen Johnson would be more appropriate as he could give Huth some support as he lacked some pace against Pizarro. And worse still, Geremi who hardly played this entire season was thrown in against the experienced German side. Conceding 3 goals in 45 minutes was kind of disappointing. But a semi-final place is already secured as we take on Liverpool next, thus guaranteeing a CL finals spot for an English team. We have been letting in goals lately, but that is understandable as the long season starts to take its toll on the players. Duff was looking weary and also our defence was understandably tiring out. However our goals-conceded ratio is still very impressive and hopefully we can lift the Premiership trophy against Fulham and then concentrate solely on the CL semis. Furthermore we’re still unbeaten at home which is an amazing feat.

PFA Player of the Year should go to Terry. If he fails to win then Lampard should. If both fail and Cech doesn’t bag it then something is very wrong. The Young Player award could go to Robben but Wright Philips in my opinion could and should win it.

A word on Benitez: He, like Jose, is a foreign coach and this is just the first season in charge. To make it to the semis of the CL and finals of the Carling Cup is an achievement and full credit to their abilities. These 2 managers (and Martin Jol and his predecessor Jacque Santini) bring a fresh flavour to the league with new coaching (and playing) styles and techniques. The usual 2-horse race at the top has seen a new player in the game, in the form of Chelsea. Wenger and Ferguson has been playing the English game for ages and has only tasted some foreign blood in the CL. Hardly any experience gained and really not much to brag about when thrashing the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace. What we have in Benitez and Jose are foreign expertise stuffed and ready with loads of ideas to spice up the EPL and give Wenger and Alex something to think and worry about. Unsettling for the 2 jabronis but joy for the rest of the Premiership and fans.

Winning the Carling Cup, EPL title and possibly the CL trophy this season is a start. The future is Blue, and it is damn exciting.