Striking Entertainment

I suppose that, say, Chelsea supporters watching a game which sees their team scoring an early goal might think that the players only need to hold on to that – and could be forgiven for doing so. Their team would be able to hold on to a lead like that. Chelsea often win 1-0. But when we went up after 12 minutes, with some lovely touches by our strikers, I just knew that there was a long way and many goals to go. Yes, the trademark entertainment continues. Even if the defence looked wonderfully improved, with a Ledley King coming back to form, and the offensive play looked convincing, and we were 2 up, and Robbo seemed alert… it was never going to be. Clean sheets are for playing Watford.

So where does this leave us? Well, finally above Reading, for a start. They have to play Newcastle on Monday, but are at home and could very well come away with three points. It’s all still very tight: Bolton’s draw with Chelsea placing them on 55, Everton’s defeat placing them on 54 and Pompey, courtesy of Benitez’ European ambitions (yes, I’m bitter), are on level points with Spurs on 53 but above in the table due to superior goal difference. For a while it looked as though we would find ourselves in the positives again, but at least it’s not negative anymore…

Ok, we still can’t defend set pieces properly but despite that, and despite letting in another goal (very well done by Viduka), the defence looked better. Ledley is a joy to watch, even if he still isn’t fully fit, and hopefully there is still scope for positive development in the last games – we’ll need it. Rocha had some problems, but Malbranque filled in to help very well – his tackle on Johnson, for which he was booked, was a clean effort on the ball. Didier, bless him, did a good job defensively but he just cannot seem to aim a shot to save his life. Jermaine Jenas, who can aim a shot, had another good game as well, great movement and passes. We had an excellent first half but let Boro into the game in the second – they had at least 20 minutes of domination which really tested the defence. Any sloppy pass (of which there were a few then) they turned into an opportunity. When Malbranque had to be more defensive we lost some attacking intent and found it hard to turn the game back. Scoring another goal and holding on was a bit of an effort, but it happened, beautifully, the game turned again, and ended as a job well done. Calm consistent play and an easy win are for other teams.

Berbatov (always our star and fast becoming the pet favourite of all pundits, commentators and journalists) and Keane (also reaping a considerable amount of praise) are amazing together at the moment. Just delicious. Curse over.