Wednesday’s controversial defeat to Barcelona is history and it’s time to concentrate on getting back to winning ways in the Premiership after suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside a fortnight ago. Despite that our lead at the top of the table remains a relatively comfortable twelve points.
In team news, Michael Essien will return to the starting line-up after missing out on Wednesday because of suspension, while William Gallas could also return having recovered from a hamstring injury. Jose Mourinho reported in the pre-match press conference that he can “make two or three changes to give some fresh blood” and that the squad is in “good shape”.
Prediction: It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Harry Redknapp will do a “Harry” and guide Portsmouth to Premiership safety. Since he took charge Pompey have won just two matches of eleven and lost seven and remain eight points from safety.
We’ve never conceded a Premiership goal to Pompey and have put three past them on each of the previous Premiership encounters at the Bridge. The players will no doubt be looking to exorcise the defeats to Middlesbrough and Barcelona, so I cannot see any reason why that shouldn’t be the case again today. 3-0.
Chelsea 2 – 0 Portsmouth · Update
It took a while but eventually two sublime goals from Frank Lampard and Arjen Robben secured the win to take us fifteen points clear at the top of the Premiership table.
I’m not sure if my eyes deceived me, but did I see Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joe Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff playing in the side at the same time? I do believe I did!
Read Jonathan’s match report here. And see Lampard and Robben’s goals here (downloadable zip files).
Match reports: BBC Sport; Sky Sports; ESPNSoccernet; Official Chelsea FC Website; The Observer; Independent on Sunday; Sunday Times; Sunday Telegraph; The Guardian; Daily Telegraph; The Times; The Independent.
Related links:
- Reaction: Successful substitutions explained
- Harry disappointed with result
- Pompey’s foreign legion lost in the drop zone
- Chelsea replace Stamford Bridge pitch
