Solomon Malcolm

Coventry - Sheff. Wed - Leeds - Spurs - Southampton (LC)

Coventry

All weeks last seven days but if one compares what has been written in the press (and on this list) during this period, anyone would have thought we were at best, done for; or worse - that our season is only
marginally better than (goin' down with the)totnum.

Three days after what was supposed to be the end of the world, (no doubt Ken had a few headaches, because the share prices fell), we had reached the ccc  semi final against the arse. Ruud is the embodiment of the CCC - cool calm & collected, as well as being the real thing so that means our name is on it in any case. (That's  just given me an idea for a slogan to use for the t shirt I will be designing for the game.) Following that, on Saturday we met Coventry, who like Wimbledon and Southampton, are the notorious party poopers against a so called big team on a run who can't afford to drop points.

The day started for me taking the tube from Walthamstow Central. Whilst there I met a number of Arsenal fans on the platform. For some reason I usually get greeted by fans singing: 'He's got a pineapple on his head'
However, as I had a club scarf wrapped around it, I heard them shout out: "look at that bloke with a Chelsea scarf on his head!" Different to what I was accustomed to, but a case of stating the bleedin' obvious. No
doubt it was a sign of pessimism  regarding their team's chances in the ccc semis. The gooners tend to be jealous and intimidated by us because so far we are top dogs in London and doing better than them.

As this game was category 'B', I bought a ticket for the top row of the East upper. I had the same view as the TV cameras and was able to see the whole pitch. It was of couse very high up. The splendid view of the
cemetary behind the ground was a reminder of what awaits anyone with vertigo wishing to jump off. However, I could not see the score board, so if the new ones  show action replays those in the upper rows will not benefit. There is not much atmosphere, with little singing but I find people are more willing to discuss the finer points of the game more openly. I suppose that comes from being so high up and far removed from
the action, akin to being in an orbiting satellite, rather than actually sitting in the ground.  Another thing you can not see the visiting fans, only hear them which, could be a good or a bad thing. All in all I missed my usual place in the front row of the   MH lower, and will make sure I get my ST there next  season.

Back to the game. After beating Man Utd and Liverpool the Sky Blues thought they were in for an away win. The game started brightly for us with Hughes, Zola  and Le Saux coming close. However I did detect some hesitancy and nervousness on the ball. A few passes went astray and sometimes we ran out of ideas when we approached their box. Coventry looked dangerous and they soon punished us for failing to clear a loose ball which Telfer fired in. That goal brought back memories of the first game of the season, where similar blunders at the back handed the game to City. I could detect a downer on the side and the atmosphere. Not  another loss, I feared. After the interval the crowd got behind the team, but I could not see us scoring. Coventry were prepared to defend their lead. They must have learned lessons we didn't from the Leeds and Wimbledon games and felt they knew how to contain us. Their fans were confident and sang "You're even worse than United" and "Stand up if you're one nill up".

Two inspired substitutions changed the course of the game. Nicholls a product of our youth set up and also a lifelong fan, came on for Granville during the break. And later, Ruud replaced Zola up front who had a quiet game despite having a few chances. Ruud's presence alone lifted the team and it showed in the way we dominated proceedings upon his arrival. Nicholls scored two finely taken goals within minutes of each other, before Robbie put the game beyond doubt. Le saux also had a fine game as well as Lambourde, who deserves a run in the side. This was what we needed and gave the faithful a good jab of confidence. The
chants of "stand up if you're thee one up", resounded around the ground. It would have been interesting to see the reactions of the away fans, but being perched so far away above them I couldn't.

This game showed we can do what the other on form teams can, dear I say Man Utd and the Liverpool of old; grind out a result when not playing well or against difficult opponents. For most of the match untill midway though the second, I could not see us scoring. The difference was the Ruud boy's presence where he can influence matters directly. He should play more often as oponents tend to be in awe of him, backing off allowing him more room. Our players also looked more sharper. Things are looking bright for Chelsea despite the doom and gloom of a week ago.

We are the Chelsea and we are the best.

Sheff Wed

The day started for leaving home at seven to get to Victoria station to miss the queues to get the coach. When I got on the coach would you believe it, but who would sit next to me? Sheffield Wednesday supporters going to the same game! What a coincidence. As I finished work at 4.30 that morning and did not get any sleep I took the opportunity to catch a few winks as I did not want to get involved with any friendly banter with them. Mind you there were a number of Chelsea fans on as well surprisingly a few all female groups and a few on their own. I opted not to sit with them if you do get into a conversation with them as it could be read that your out looking to chat them up on the pretext of talking football. Again I always have my excuses. I will definetly change when we lift trophies this season I promise:- The rest of the  Chelsea
contingent mainly male, got on at the next  London pick up point in Finchley. The Wednesday fans had by that time moved and sat somewhere else. The coach arrived  at 1230 fifteen minutes early. After meeting
Alan we found that there were no away fans pubs near the ground so we headed back and took our seats after speaking to other listees.

Now back to the game. For the opening 15 minutes or so, Wednesday had most of the play. We had difficulty getting the ball out of our own half. The game brought back memories of the West Ham game. Zola had a sitter early on when a bad back pass went straight to him and one on one with the keeper he shot wide. From where I was sitting I had a feeling the chance would be fluffed. The reason being that was perhaps the first time we had the ball in the final third of the pitch against the run of play so our front men were probably not warmed up as yet. Having said that is no excuse for missing that chance from a player like Zola who we have seen put away more difficult chances.

As the half wore on we seemed to gain control and the build up leading to Petrescus opening goal was testament to this. His strike put an end to the booing he got from home fans keen to have a go at a former player doing better elsewhere. The problem  with Wednesday despite having a lot of possession they did little with it, carved out few opportunities and Ed in goal was not really tested.

In the second half it was evident that more goals would be scored.Vialli was on form scoring with a header direct from a long corner. Perhaps Ruud has decided to cut them down as they did not reap in a lot
of goal; or we changed tact to confuse the opposition who have by now, come to expect them. Well Vialli did waste a goal scoring opportunity by choosing to shoot wide from a narrow angle instead of laying on the ball square to Zola who was unmarked. Perhaps he felt that since Franco had missed a sitter earlier he would show the maestro how to do it. He was perhaps aiming to boot the ball to the away supporters in the upper tier as an early Xmas present. However he did make amends by winning the penalty which was coolly put away by Beefy three nil.

Later Wednesday scored a consolation on the rare occasion they had the ball in the final third of the pitch. Again we gifted it too them not clearing the ball until it got to the unmarked Pembridge who hit a
superb volley from outside the box. It was a good strike and a lot of us applauded it. However as I said earlier this game brought back memories of the West Ham game. Instead of the opposition squaring up to each other the flair up came from our side between Wise and Sinclair. This brought bemused cheers from the Wednesday fans who resigned themselves to defeat. Robbie rushed in as peacemaker and it was good to see them shake hands. Apparently Wise must have had a go at Frankie for not picking up Pembridge who scored. For good measure he was subbed soon after to cool him down. Flo came on for Zola and ran rings around the Owls defence. We have two magical dribblers one short and one tall. Flos performance dispelled the myth that tall players are only good as target men. He is brilliant on the ground and his goal Chelseas fourth again proved the point.

Wednedays performance made me wonder how they had won, was it four games on the trot, three of them under Big Ron? They were completely outclassed even when they had possession. This obviously said a lot of our abilities that we are now title contenders on merit. There I have said it again. Despite witnessing the game I have to almost pinch myself that its Chelsea that myself as well as the media are referring to.

Before the end the Owls fans started leaving in their droves as we sang "Wednesday's going home!". I may add that I tried to start off John Walsbys song Hes fat hes gonna get the sack but it did not catch on. Those sitting around me looked on bemused as Midster and the others will bear witness to. It was good to  sing the age old Jingle bells number which was heard through the second half. Later on the Atkinson chants were heard: Hes bald, hes fat, hes gonna get the sack, Atkinson, Atkinson! perhaps if I had changed the words earlier it may have  caught on.

I caught the train back as there was a spare rail ticket among the  fellow listees at the game. At Derby, Palace fans got on. As stated elsewhere on the list like Man Utd, other teams sing songs about us and
Palace were pretty vocal as they rang out their version of Stick the blue flag up your arse! as they boarded.  Leicester fans got on later but there was no trouble, only Palace making a lot of noise and singing
their Cantona song over and over. I suppose they had to make their present felt since we are top dogs in London at the moment. I suppose we will have to learn to expect this on our travels that is the price to
pay for success. Who cares I am happy anyway! Well later on the journey some Palace fans continued in the tradition of vandalism and started wrecking the area near the toilets. Yes they were confirming to us that
their team is bog standard. Grown men acting like teenagers. The police were on the scene quickly. At St Pancras with all the footie fans out loud singing was to be heard with Chelsea as usual outsinging the
others.  Some things never change as I heard some Eagles whispering about Brighton coming down and some from our side saying theres more of us than them, lets run em! Nothing happened as things turned out as those doing the whispering on both sides were youngsters feeling up for it when in a group.

I got home and slept like a log and missed the rave at the Bridge that night. What a day! Cant wait for the Dons on Boxing day and the rave after.

Leeds (home)

"Nine men went to mow"

Well what do you say after witnessing a game like that. Tackles flying
in all over the place with the ref sending out his Christmas cards early
with bookings every five minutes and two Leeds players sent off for good
measure. To call the first half dirty was more of a cliche than a
description of what it was like. It was blatant thuggery with mercifully
no serious injuries. George Graham had the nerve (as some said later in
the press) to accuse Chelsea of diving. However he was right. Anyone
would go diving through the air on the receiving end of the ferocious
tackles and kicks from his players. Sitting in the uncovered West Stand
some of the challenges sent us diving for cover. The refrain Dirty
Northern Bastards! was heard through out the game. Maybe it was
invented as a result of the style of play of the old Leeds side under
Don Revie in the 60s & 70s. The dismissal of kelly, the second Leeds
player given marching orders, saw him being slagged off by his team
mates for the mindless challenge. Well it was a touch of hypocrisy some
would claim as it was the inevitable outcome when one side sets out with
such a game plan in mind.

It begged the question why did they adopt such tactics in the first
place. I presume following on from the game at Elland Road last season
where we were beaten two nil. Commentators were quick to lament how
Chelsea play stylish entertaining football but could not cope when up
against strong physical teams who would not let us play our game like
Wimbledon (who beat us 4-2) and Leeds. After our 2 successive thrashings
of Derby and Spurs perhaps Leeds were intimidated by us so Graham
thought the challenges would disrupt us. He said later that some times
you have to win games by playing unattractive football to grind out a
result against opposition who made it difficult for you. We all know
about his success at Arsenal but his teams played like that in all their
games irrespective of the opponents:-


At the end of the first half with Leeds down to 9 men the general
feeling was that we would win without a doubt. Game over, (for Leeds)
game started (for us). However the expected avalanche or break through
never came. Another thing was that the dismissals brought the heavy
challenges to an end as Leeds set their stalls out to contain us. The
crowd grew impatient and it was frustrating to watch. We expected a goal
but Chelsea did not know how to create one. We made it too easy for
Leeds where their strong point is defence. The slow build up was
predictable and we fell short of ideas whenever we reached the edge of
their box. All we kept trying to do was get it on the wings and in the
middle. With good defending and Nigel Martyn on form they held us. Some
would say that any team playing against nine men should win but it is
not always the case. You train to play against the full quota and with
two missing who have a solid defence can be unsettling. Remember last
season Rangers played against a side down to seven men. They only won by
two clear goals and not by a landslide. Truth was they did not know how
to play against seven and the game soon lost its momentum.

So all in all this home game was typical Chelsea form. We play good one
week and poorly the next. Compare how badly we played against Everton
and still won, to how well we played the following home game against
Derby.

That night I went to the Tots Club in Southend wearing a Ruud t shirt
freshly purchased from the megastore. One pretty young lady asked if I
was a Chelsea fan. I told her I was and was at the game. She turned out
to be a season ticket holder in the Matthew Harding Upper, but
unfortunately missed the game as she and her mates had to leave early to
get to Southend. Beat that - missing Chelsea to go to Tots nightclub.
Was Chelsea's loss my gain, some of you may ask? Well I was on a
downer following the game which saw us fail to put the pressure on
Man Utd, so I was not in the mood to make the most of the
opportunity. Well that's my excuse for bottling it:- Wearing a Ruud
garment does pull in the birds, I bragged to a mate who witnessed the
encounter. However he did not need one because a bird he met that
night invited him back to her place afterwards. I can't wait for the
away trip to Sheffield on Saturday, where hopefully the song by
John Walsby will catch on:
He's Rich, He's Fat, He's gonna get the
Sack, Atkinson ! Atkinson ! .

Spurs 1 Chelsea 6

"..can we play you every week?"

Here follows my report on our annual three pointer at No Hope Lane.
Was the team we played really "Totnum in disguise?":-

I got down to the lane which is a short trip from where I live in
East London. I met up with some Chelsea regulars who got me a match
ticket for forty quid, which was the price I wanted to pay. Another
fan was selling a ticket close to, but not actually in the away fans
area for sixty, I'm, glad I got a decent price. It was my first time
at the lane and I was impressed with the large screen. Hopefully
those who operate the Chelsea scoreboard should follow their lead and
get one. That was the best thing about my visit being able to follow
the action when everyone in front of you decides to stand up and
blocks your view in the process. It was also good for showing the
action replays of the goals. One complaint which i will be writing to
(there's only one) Alan Sugar about, is why after the third goal went
in they stopped showing anymore action replays. I am a paying
customer after all and ought to get my money's worth Mr Sugar. You
are a businessman and ought to know this.

Back to the game. Totnum ('s goin' down) actually started well and
had most of the early action. Ginola ('.. takes it up the rear')
did play a blinder and was unfortunate that Ed de Goey was in fine
form. I actually DID believe Spurs would break their run of bad form
as they were playing well. It reminded me of the West Ham game. Ruud
the master tactician made one of his early substitutions taking of
Babayaro after 18 minutes who was apparently injured with Nicholls.
The move paid dividends and we went ahead just before the break with
Flo. They pulled an equaliser back shortly and I feared Spurs would
battle for all the points going by how their fans celebrated.

Well the rest is history with goals going in. I did not see the
highlights on telly and the due to the reluctance of the Spurs
scoreboard operators to show replays my memory is a bit foggy.

It was quite an experience sitting with the home fans and getting a
feeling of what they think of Chelsea.
I sat with my arms folded looking straight faced through out. As
Spurs fans did not have much to rejoice about that afternoon I
blended in well with the home supporters. There were Chelsea fans all
over the ground. This showed whenever the goals went in. When Flo
scored the first goal, a scuffle broke out at the other end of the
stand. I believe this must have been the incident which left the
police officer and steward injured. I can not recall Le saux making
any gestures to the crowd so it beats me where that story came from.
Perhaps the home fans pounced on the Chelsea fans celebrating amongst
them. Well it would be asking for trouble letting it be known your
allegiance in a game like this after all. I did notice a bloke with
his kid in Chelsea colours. They were waving their scarves and
joining in with One man went to mow with the Chelsea fans in the away
enclosure at the opposite end of the ground. It was not long before
the stewards went in and evicted them, despite the poor bloke
pleading that he would put his hat and scarf away. He should have
known better. Perhaps due to the earlier fight breaking out, whenever
we scored the stewards went in like a flash to throw out any Chelsea
fans celebrating. In fact some were thrown out even when a goal was
not scored, presumerably for singing Chelsea songs or joining in with
the anti Tottenham chants.

Despite the scoreline I have to admit I felt a trifle sorry for
the one's around me. I was expecting sheer hatred and abuse as their
team capitulated. However I did notice grudging respect for our
abilities. Early in the game when they looked in control chants of
Engerland, Engerland were heard when ever Zola or Robbie were on the
ball. However in the second half I heard in self mockery "We could do
with him in our team!"when either of them had the ball. When the
chelsea faithful sang "There's only one Gerry Francis", the Spurs
laughed and applauded. Some even joined in. With "Can we play you
every week?" was met with "no thanks, please!" The scoreboard showed
De goey make a save and their fans shouted at Walker: "look and learn
Ian!" It was quite amusing. There was a general feeling that a
relegation battle ensued and that going down would be a
blessing, as it would give them a chance celebrate going back up
again as champions, which was what happened the last time they went
down.

On the final whistle I stayed until the queues for the exits
cleared, which was my excuse for watching Chelsea salute the fans in
the away section. I noticed that the screen did not show the scores
of the other games at the end. Was everyone at the ground that
miserable?

When I left the Lane, the Chelsea fans coming out of the away fans
exit were as could be expected, rubbing it in to max. I could sense
a ruck brewing and in no time at all the two sides were at each
other. I saw police rushing in and I ran with the crowd to avoid
the trouble. Further down the high road I met up with other Chelsea
fans and we silently nodded to each other then spoke in brief
whispers. Until we were well away from the ground one had to keep
their heads down it was that sort of game. On my short tube journey
to Walthamstow Central low and behold there were Chelsea fans, not in
colours, on their way back from the live screening at the Bridge. It
was great being able to discuss the game and have a laugh about it
with other fans. They were more interested in the live experience at
the Lane, but I did not get a chance to find out what was it like
at the Beam Back. Anyone on the list can give a report from the
Bridge?

Southampton - League Cup

The above was one of the songs heard last night, at the end of the game. If you did not hear it on Sky or the radio that was because the combined voices of myself and two other blokes does not carry far or loud enough.

I got to the ground early before 6pm partly to get to the box office before the crowds formed. I got tickets for Leeds and Wimbledon and the only ones available were in the uncovered west stand. I trust it wont be raining. However for this game I was in my TV seat in the front row MHLT right behind the goal. The ground did look half empty, loads of room in the MHLT and the West Stand virtually empty. The Shed upper MHUT and East stands were more or less full. Perhaps fans prefer the views in the higher tiers. I was suspecting a mad rush to fill the stands like the last midweek game - Tromso but the surge did not happen.

Before the game started during the warm up, I was reading the latest Chelsea Independent after getting into a conversation with one of the sellers at the stalls. However the Southampton players were warming up and taking shots at goal. I could not read it because every twenty seconds or so therir shots kept cannoning off seats. One just missed me and bounced off the seat in front. From the pre match experience I guessed we would have little to fear from the shooting during the game. Especially from Matt Le tissier - he was the main culprit. Either he is a bad shot or he was taking a careful aim at my pineapple top but kept missing.

When Elleray's name was announced whistling and boos were heard. When Reggae Boy Sinclair went down injured earlier on which resulted in a booking for the Saints culprit. Elleray stood over him as he called on the physio. He must have heard the chants directed at him the most notable: "We hate Elleray say we hate Elleray!" He knows that he will never be forgiven for the 1994 cup final. Some fans say we rarely win
under him, but this was clearly an exception. I wonder if the toffs at Harrow public school sing the same songs at him heard at matches. Well probably their interest lies in rugby.

I believe contrary to what others may feel that the keepers both played blinders. Maybe i am biassed because I had a close view of them during most of the game. Hitchcock pulled off a string of fine saves and one can tell he is definelty fighting for his place. He perhaps may get a run of games. Jones the Saints keeper was barracked through out. A group of school kids kept shouting out at him "Jones your shit!" He politely applauded them. He got further abuse but knew how to deal with it by turning it into a playful banter between him and the fans. It was quite amusing at times. During a goal kick he took his time to strong protests from fans to hurry it up he let them know he cant help he's that shit. In the second half Hitchcock received a different kind of rapport with encouragement and praise. During a substitution he sat on the barriers next to the fans and had his picture taken with a young kid.

Back to the game. Lambourde did play well and I was impressed with the performances of our young upstarts, Morris , Granville, Nicholls. It is clear Manu are not the only team with a promising youth set up
for the future. As the game went on I had a feeling it would not go to penalties and we would sneak the result. Well I am glad Morris proved me right. It must show the class or widening gulf between us and the lower reaches of the premiership, if our reserve team can beat a full strength Southampton, who one would imagine have their minds set on winning the cup more than us.

On the tube back A chelsea fan got details of the draw on the phone and shouted we were away to Ipswich. ( By the way at Parsons Green three rabbis got into the crowded carriage. Someone shouted out "Tottenham's playing away!" and the whole carriage roared with laughter.) I was relieved and now feel we have a strong chance of going all the way. I assumed we would have got either Liverpool or Arsenal in the draw. It would be interesting to see what our ticket allocation is. A chelsea fan told me the last time we played there he got his tickets from them over the phone by credit card. As he lived in Essex he just gave
the post code and did not mention London. Perhaps this could be an option if our tickets are sold out. He also told me that he got tickets for the Spurs game by queing up at White Hart Lane during the day of the Tromso home tie. They were on sale to the general public. Some were buying five or six each so presumerably the touts will be active.

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