Chelsea

Unlike Sheva, Grant has reason to smile

By Tim Wigmore ⋅ October 28, 2007 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

It’s too early to suggest Roman Abramovich’s decision to part with Mr Mourinho has been vindicated, of course, but the Chelsea meltdown so many predicted has stubbornly refused to materialise. The unknown Avram Grant entered promising football that was both entertaining and winning. Emphatically, that is what his side delivered against Manchester City.

Grant has now delivered five consecutive victories - enough to prove he is more than a hapless puppet to Roman’s will. Over this period, his side have retained the innate combativeness that characterised the Mourinho era, but there are signs of added attacking flair. In particular, the new manager has allowed Joe Cole to play with a freedom never allowed by Mourinho. His superb finish against Man City was indicative of a player at ease with himself and his role in the side. Additionally Grant can also take credit for the outstanding form of Alex, less-than-convincing at the start of the season.

Under Mourinho, Chelsea never won 6-0. And one sensed he would never want them to. Home games were characterised by Chelsea going 2-0 up then, with the opposition resigned to defeat and Mourinho refusing to give them the faintest whiff of a goal, seeing the game out. It was not pretty, nor was it exhilarating. But it was the sort of ruthless efficiency that secures back-to-back Premier League titles.

“Drogba’s significance goes beyond scoring and creating; his presence and power is such that can worry defenders even with no strike partner, allowing time and space for Chelsea’s other attacking lights to shine.”

Moreover, his side time and again displayed the ability to win through sheer force of will, such was the sense of togetherness he inspired in them. Yet the 2-1 win in Valencia displayed all these qualities in abundance. It was a truly exceptional result which, one day, may be looked back upon as the moment when Grant began to convince the team and, not least, himself that he really could be a success as manager of Chelsea.

Essentially, this is still Mourinho’s side. Andriy Shevchenko may have scored today but, contrary to expectations, Grant is not compelled to select him. So far he has been more adverse to his gifts than his predecessor. If things do not change, and quickly, one could easily envisage a January departure for the Ukranian. Such a turn of events would be a victory for the methods of Mourinho and Grant; and a defeat for Abramovich’s desire to run the club Football Manager style.

Meanwhile, Didier Drogba, such a favourite of Mourinho, is said not to be happy. He is, however, scoring goals and providing copious commitment, which is all Grant can ask for. Terry, Petr Cech and Frank Lampard are all men of colossal importance to Chelsea but one senses Drogba’s significance outweighs even theirs. Even with their increased attacking intent, the side’s threat still revolves around Drogba. It goes beyond scoring and creating; his presence and power is such that can worry defenders even with no strike partner, allowing time and space for Chelsea’s other attacking lights to shine.

Grant still has to convince fans and key players that he can win major trophies with the club. He has been successful elsewhere, but has never faced a challenge to remotely resemble his current one. Yet the last month has seen a fusion of Mourinho’s results-orientated pragmatism and hitherto unimagined attacking verve. These are early days, but Grant can afford himself a tentative thumbs-up.

Is Chelsea’s success because of, or in spite of, Grant? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

Related Articles

• No related posts.