I’m an un-orthodox fan of Chelsea, who actually finds match after match heartbreak endearing. I recall one match against Arsenal which typified what it was to be a Chelsea supporter…

The match was at Stamford Bridge so we had the home advantage, but you would not have guessed it in the early stages as Arsenal seemed to control the game.

Despite this, in true Chelsea fashion Petrescu swung in a cross that was met by the majestic head of Tore Andre Flo. 1-0. Get in!

The game rapidly descended into half time, and Chelsea came out full of confidence with Seaman saving early from Flo after Le Saux had robbed Dixon and put him through on goal. Chelsea began to play with self-belief and on 52 minutes, Petrescu deservedly made it 2-0 with another close-range header assisted by a superb Le Saux cross from the left. At this point victory looked beyond doubt and for the first time in the match I felt relaxed. Even when I took a swig of lemonade I could taste victory but this would turn out to be bitter sweet.

On the 75^th minute lady luck showed up for the gunners as a half volleyed Overmars cross slowed on the wet surface and fell very kindly to Kanu, who from 10 yards out poked it past a stranded De Goey. Lo and behold within 10 minutes Kanu had done it again. He slid the ball wide to Overmars and when the cross came back in, slightly behind the big man, Kanu dragged it round and hit the back of the net through the legs of Desailly. Anger started to fill my head at this point. I shouted at the screen; how was he allowed the space to turn? , and why was the cross not dealt with by Ferrrer? – This was to no avail, the top left of the screen still read 2-2.

In the 89^th minute Chelsea where awarded a free kick just on the outside of the box, queue the magician Zola. My heart racing as he trots up to the ball in true Zola fashion; was this a lifeline…no! the shot deflects off Dixon only to graze the right hand post and out for a corner, this was to be out last opportunity.

However it was not Arsenals and it is hard to find the words to describe the last minute of the game through the mental image of me punching the nearest thing to me (luckily this was a pillow). In as little words as possible so not to bring back the memory this is what happened.  93^rd minute – Ferrer smashes the ball at Kanu to get a throw in: fail, its now one-on-one – De Goey comes off his line and is sold by Kanu but his angle is very tight – a few touches means by this time Le Boef and Desailly are on the goal line to defend – it seems like there is hope – but no there isn’t – he smashes it past them – kick off – the whistle blows – Arsenal celebrate – I don’t.

Related posts:

1. Moving from the Blue of Chelsea to the Blue of City?
2. Blues Reunion
3. West Ham’s home shirt unveiled
4. Same old Chelsea always cheating…
5. It would be funny if it didn’t hurt so much