The year 2012 has been one filled with great emotions. A year when Chelsea has hit rock bottom, and at the same time ruled Europe and was one goal and a clean sheet away from ruling the World. Today, as I write this document I am basically reflecting on how the year has been for Chelsea fans.
Early 2012, Chelsea were out of form. We were losing to every team in the English premier league. Our cup run wasn't so good either, but we hang in there. Having witnessed a change of guard at the beginning of the season, some fans were still patient with the new manager then. Others called for his resignation, while others blamed the older players or dead wood. Goals weren't coming, Drogba had just recovered from Malaria, we had just escaped Champions League elimination the previous month courtesy of Drogba magic against Valencia and were now looking forward to meeting Napoli in the knockout.
The only shining light at the end of the tunnel were the fact that were able to capture Garry Cahil from Bolton, Sturridge was scoring goals and Didier Drogba was back.
Come February and our F.A cup run continues. We easily beat Leicester City, a match which Torres starred as he had a hand in the four out of five goals scored. It was a good game, although not convincing we still looked forward to the next game, against Birmingham. The Napoli match too was in the offing. With our style of play, our form then, well most fans weren't too optimistic. At this point, anything like a draw at Norwich or a draw at Swansea was considered "good enough" by our standards then.
The match against Napoli was one with a lot of expectations. The British media had already made things difficult by claiming Napoli had already scored one against Chelsea when they successfully signed Eduardo Vargas two months earlier, a player who Chelsea were reportedly also interested.
Come the match day and just like the British press had indicated, Napoli were victors. Everybody was was sure Chelsea were out already. We needed a miracle. Our manager was shown the door and his assistant took over on interim basis.
My friend Alfred Oduor Afc Cfc, however kept on insisting were still in it. His words were " Frank, we have Drogba and Juna Mata's priceless away goal in Naples. That will be the difference". And as it came to pass he was right. Chelsea were in the quarterfinals, against all odds.
The change of guard prompted a positive reaction from the players.Terry marshaled the defense, Lampard was again pivotal in the midfield while Drogba suddenly became "younger and stronger". Cech was unbeatable in goal while goal line clearances became Ashley Cole's new hobby. We were good again. Not better, but good enough to beat Birmingham away and good enough to knock Benfica out. But were we good enough to knock Barcelona out? That was the next question.
So the Catalans arrive at the Bridge and again Drogba is on the score sheet after an amazing pass from Lampard to Ramires who didnt disapoint with his run and the eventual cross to DD. One nil was good, but not good enough. We had to work alot harder at Camp Nou. But before then there was a small matter of Tottenham at Wembley. But would you worry if you had Mr. Wembley in your squad? I wouldnt. He delivered, and the result 5-1. The belief was there. I mean how many times had we seen a long ball from deep in midfield from Lampard to Drogba, and the finish. What a finish that was. And the Lampard free kick? Barcelona, we are coming for you. We would definitely go down with a fight.
We arrive in Camp Nou. Two things kept us going. We were in a domestic cup final unlike United and Man City who had been knocked out of Europe. And did I mention twice. Atleast we would have reached the semifinal unlike them. After all, we have had so many challenges. From Drogba's malaria to the change of guard and now, we have Barcelona. History however was on our side. The team that loses the first leg of a semi final has never gone ahead to overturn the result in the Champions League history. That and plus the fact that Chelsea had never lost to Barcelona when playing 11 against 11. So our first strategy was to avoid a dismissal. Well, even that didnt last as Terry was rightfully sent off. "Well, this how they always win against us " I said to myself. Soon, they were two goals up, one man up.
Something amazing happened. Ramires exchanges a pass with Lampard who spotted his run and the finish from "the blue Kenyan" was awesome. We will go down yes, but we will go down with a fight! We hang on and in the second half, defend with our lives! Then they get a penalty. Some of us saw that coming even before the match. They should have given that penalty to Iniesta or Xavi but not Messi. I think Petr Cech's mask scares the hell out of him. We were still in it. Cech didnt have to move. Then at the end, Ashley Cole clears the ball, which lands into Torres feet and he runs and evades Valdes and slots in past an empty net. It was 2-2 with zero minutes to play. How far is Munich from JKIA, coz Munich here we come!!!!!
Before Munich there was a small matter of Liverpool that we had to deal with, yet again. It was Wembley and again Mr Wembley was in the house. That was our first cup. First goal represented the future. Mata's through ball to Ramires and second goal represented our proud past, Lampard's through ball to Drogba. We already have a cup. It definitely hadnt taken us seven years. We now had to deal with Bayern at their back yard.
We arrive at Allianz Arena with our center backs fighting for fitness, our key players and captain suspended. What about Mr. Wembley? Well, he was there. But this wasnt Wembley.. Its an open game. We defended more. In the 83rd minute Muller scores and from the way he celebrates, its like they have won it. Torres comes in for Kalou and a few minutes later we have a corner. Now, who was likely to score? How damn were these Bayern players? I would have imagined they should have man marked Drogba and just left Mata alone. (Have you ever seen Mata head a ball?) They didnt and Mr. Wembley punished them.
Extra time and they earn a penalty. When interviewed Drogba later said " David Luiz told me to believe. Mata told me we still had time, even if they scored we would still score another goal". This is the belief I am talking about. Of course Cech saved the penalty. Now lets hang on and hang on we did. Penalties is the next thing. Now, it was up to the fate!! I used to call them the "gods of football"!
To be continued.......
