29 04 2007 Chelsea 2 Bolton 2
Oh dear. To come from such highs to such lows in the space of 45 minutes is something that I have rarely encountered
at Chelsea in the recent past.
The most disappointing aspect of the match was the woeful defending at set pieces. We know that this is Bolton's strong
point and yet both our goals were conceded from silly free kicks.
What was even more embarrassing was that Bolton could only take 500 fans with them to support their team while they
are fighting to enter the UEFA Cup at the home of the champions. You can imagine why their support is so tepid: Bolton
is a very cynical side. Although I and many others were hoping Allardyce would be England manager he does not seem
to embrace the English spirit of fairplay. On several occasions the Bolton players writhed around on the floor as if they
had been shot and time wasted at every opportunity. Not that I can blame them for Chelsea's woeful defending!
As per usual, we had more than enough chances to score. Shevchenko was very average in the first half. He can't seem
to finish the easy chances but then nearly scored the goal of the season. Kalou was superb and looked dangerous
attacking in from the left but his finishing in the second half was poor.
With Liverpool coming up Jose wanted to rest some key players. Putting Drogba on for Sheva, however, did not seem to
be the right move.
Now United are 5 points clear. Chelsea have to beat Arsenal away, United at home and Everton at home and pray that
United lose to either Man City or West Ham: or draw both. A tall order for any team and our last two performances have
probably handed the league to the Red Devils - how it hurts....