I never really expected us to get a point at Stamford Bridge so to be so angry that we didn't get three might seem a bit strange.
Phil Dowd well and truly screwed us over on Boxing Day. We might have had a chance to see what Chelsea were really made of if the second half had been 11 v 11. But no, not content with seeing a top four side 0-2 down and getting outplayed at home, Mr Dowd rewards Ballack for his pathetic, embarrasing swan-dive with a penalty and, shock, horror - a sending off for Zat Knight.
Naturally the second half is a defensive battle as we have ten men against their twelve but what courage our boys showed in the face of all this hyped up "big club" crap. Can I just add that I've been to Stamford Bridge many times in the 80's and 90's when they had piss-poor (but honest) crowds, had one half decent stand and were always an average club - nothing more.
Well, they've had a rich owner for a while now - it doesn't make them a big club. No matter what Sky may tell you.
So we claw ourselves back with Martin Laursen's strike from the incoming free kick only for Dowd to try and win the game single handed by awarding another swan-dive with a chance for Chelsea to win the game. Watch Joe Cole very carefully - he falls to the floor as if shot dead, his head actually lies motionless on the floor. Then Dowd blows the whistle and as if by magic his head pops up and he slowly rises to his feet - mission accomplished.
What a surprise - Chelsea score. Many teams would have folded - we didn't. Ashley Cole then claims he's clearly headed a goalbound effort off the line. Funny that Ashley, that's the strangest of clear headers when your left arm comes round to help with the process.
Gareth Barry scored, some justice was done, but we were robbed right on half-time by another referee who is looking after the top four. It wouldn't surprise me if in ten years time we're reading about how Phil Dowd is being done for match-fixing and taking bribes.
Martin O'Neill was taking no bullshit afterwards either - it was great to see. Our players stood up to Chelsea all day and our "special one" wasn't being bullied by reporters seemingly suggesting the "bigger club" had been wronged in some way.
Average club Chelsea got f*cking lucky against a team with a history (which includes winning in Europe - try it sometime) and actual traditon they can only dream of. That Avram Grant must be a real hoot at parties - what a miserable twat he is.
They should do well to remember that - they are not a big club.
The FA have just rejected Villa's appeal for Zat Knight's sending off. Well, what an amazing surprise that is. I hope they realise the message it sends out to kids playing football - cheat, act pathetically and you're OK - as long as it helps your team - it's OK.
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