John Terry took a personal lap of honour at the final whistle, throwing his shirt to the fans, but the newly deposed England captain's presence had long since ceased to be anything more than a sideshow in one of the few utterly predictable contests between the Premier League's top four sides this season. Didier Drogba won the individual accolades for coming within an inch of a hat-trick but it was Chelsea's overall strength that determined the course of the match, just as it had when the two teams met in north London at the end of November.
There was an ovation for Terry when he emerged for the pre-match warm-up. From the Arsenal fans in the old Shed end, a chant arose: "You're not captain any more." It was soon drowned by an antiphonal response aimed at the entire visiting team: "You're not English any more." And that was about the extent of the personalised hostilities. Terry played, as he always does, with a sort of controlled fury. Against Arsenal's lightweight threat his defending was so impeccable that the eye was drawn to his occasional interventions at the other end of the pitch. When Florent Malouda took a corner from the left in the seventh minute, Terry's delayed run produced a powerful header from a deep position, perfectly angled towards the far post for Drogba to turn the ball past Manuel Almunia from point-blank range.
Chelsea's dominance was never more clearly expressed than on the stroke of half-time, when most sides with a 2-0 lead would be content to hold on to their advantage until the interval. Instead of playing it safe and running down the clock, Terry took the opportunity to lead a counter-attack up the left, playing the perfect diagonal ball to Nicolas Anelka, who found that he had Ricardo Carvalho making ground in support. At that moment Chelsea's two central defenders were marauding on the edge of the Arsenal area – an astonishing initiative in open play at such a delicate moment.
With 25 minutes of the second half gone, Terry took control of a difficult moment in his own goalmouth and cleared an awkward ball with a sideways header, stumbling and falling as he attempted to chase it out towards the touchline. His left thigh was heavily strapped to counteract the effect of a dead leg but he completed the match with only the merest hint of a limp, evoking memories of the day in April 2006 when he played through virtually the whole of a vital home victory against Manchester United with blood seeping through his sock from a deep gash on his ankle. The injury will be assessed today.
None of this is to question Fabio Capello's decision to deprive Terry of the England captain's armband. It is merely to emphasise that, whatever his social defects, Terry is a remarkable footballer whose leadership has been fundamental to Chelsea's success over the past half-dozen seasons. Capello must be hoping that, despite the unpleasantness of the past week, his former captain chooses to give the kind of performance in South Africa that we saw in West London yesterday.
"I believe he wants to win every time he plays football," Arsène Wenger responded when asked if he had been impressed by Terry's display. "Sometimes for people to play football can be a kind of diversion from what's happening in their life off the pitch. I've had players who had problems in their personal lives and it made them stronger on the pitch."
His opposite number praised Terry's "fantastic attitude". "For the team it's very important to have this leadership," Carlo Ancelotti said. "He's always in control of the game. He has a very strong mentality."
Ancelotti said he was not disappointed by the outcome of the meeting between Terry and Capello. "It's not my decision," he said. Nor did he feel that it would serve to increase Terry's motivation in his games for Chelsea. Their ambition to win the Premier League, he said, was motivation enough.
Since the 22 players who started the match included no fewer than nine Francophones, it may not be inappropriate to point out that it is a French phrase without an exact English equivalent which most precisely sums up the current difference between these two teams. Peser sur le jeu, literally to weigh on the game, is what Chelsea do and what Arsenal are so incapable of exerting in an encounter such as this.
For Wenger to emphasise the difference between the teams' average ages – Chelsea's 29 years to his side's 23 – is simply not good enough. Weight – in the sense of size, strength and power – is the quality that he has decided to do without and yesterday the consequences could hardly have been made more damagingly explicit.
Comments in chronological order (Total 78 comments)
7 February 2010 10:25PM
And with that performance and Capello's decision, hopefully this entire silly episode will be forgotten.
7 February 2010 10:26PM
It really is remarkable the different in bulk when watching Arsenal and Chelsea play. Just about every Chelsea player is built like a tank
7 February 2010 10:37PM
It doesn't look that bad in the sunlight.
7 February 2010 10:40PM
"You're not English anymore"
xenophobic Chelsea supporters?
7 February 2010 10:42PM
ashley cole built like a tank? lol
7 February 2010 10:43PM
Ashley is the exception! I did say most...
7 February 2010 10:43PM
'Just about every' equating to most, in my tired head.
7 February 2010 10:44PM
Love him or hate him, you can't ignore him.
7 February 2010 10:45PM
"You're not English anymore"
Didn't they use to make "Hitler" signs at spurs supporters? just a question!
7 February 2010 10:47PM
Ah - are we going to get a John Terry Report after each and every game now? There seems to be a Personal JT Barometer at each game now...
Last weekend :
"Terry shows he's unaffected by the scandal, as he scores winner against Burnley"
Midweek:
"Terry shows how badly he's been affected by the scandal as Chelsea drew"
Today:
"Terry shows he's unaffected by the scandal......"
7 February 2010 10:56PM
chelsea's record against the other 'big four' teams this year is played 4 won 4, and 8-0 in goals. a large part of this is thanks to terry..he's a magnificent player in big games..
torres and rooney have both spent 90 minutes in his pocket this year and the arsenal front-line followed suit. he won every challenge on the ground and in the air and organised a great defensive performance from chelsea.
7 February 2010 10:58PM
You must be getting us mixed us with another team.
We never had any fans before Roman turned up.
At least that's what we're told on a weekly basis.
7 February 2010 11:07PM
i reckon terry would be a good captain for england
7 February 2010 11:11PM
I could give a monkey's about EBJT's idiotic off-pitch antics, but I can tell you one thing I'm glad he's the captain of the team I support. I've had my doubts, sure. He is the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I don't care about what happens outside of 90 minutes.
The world and all of England can go on hating him, but he doesn't play for their sh1te club so it matters little what they think.
7 February 2010 11:11PM
He is NOT the sharpest knife in the drawer,
...and neither am I for that matter. Humbly yours.
7 February 2010 11:21PM
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7 February 2010 11:32PM
Richard Williams: "None of this is to question Fabio Capello's decision to deprive Terry of the England captain's armband."
You might not question Fabio's decision, but I suspect that he'll question it himself, several times, over the next few months.
Not so much for whether he was right or wrong (and for footballing reasons alone, he was surely wrong), but rather for letting the UK press dictate the terms of morality play which had nothing to do with the work both are engaged in.
Terry may be an arse as a person, and a very foolish one at that, but as he has demonstrated time and again that he is exactly what a football team needs: unflinching, selfless character in the face of adversity. (This is how you guys won two World Wars, FFS!).
But you no longer value that, do you? You'd rather get your jollies at someone else's expense. Prurient hypocrites. Yes, even you broadsheet types are being thoroughly hypocritical in this matter!
As English sports journalists, you should be concerned about the potential of England under strong leadership (on the pitch and off it) to really do themselves justice at the World Cup, rather than tut-tutting all the way to the moral high ground about who's doing what with whom.
Anyway, I suspect that the UK press (in particular and media in general) may have scuppered England's chances again. Not so much that John Terry won't be skipper, but rather that the English dressing room is very likely going to be an uneasy environment for some time to come.
And anyway, if Terry is not fit to be skipper, then surely he's not fit to be part of that squad. So Fabio, are you going to drop him or are you hoping to play it both ways?
7 February 2010 11:36PM
This is undeniable. Does it not apply to England's recent success as well? A lot of the garbage written about Terry implies that captaining your country is largely an ambassadorial tole - swapping pennants, meeting the media etc.
7 February 2010 11:47PM
I thought it was quite witty for an instant response.
7 February 2010 11:50PM
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8 February 2010 12:06AM
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8 February 2010 12:11AM
BTW, we sang you're not english anymore as delicious revenge for all the mindless ingerlund chants we used to get round the country
how could we be xenophobic with a russian sugar daddy, an italian manger, zola for a legend and the best africans in the league?
some of you lot need to get back under that bridge and wait for the billy goats
8 February 2010 12:40AM
Don't like Terry, not 'cos of what's happened recently, but there are just some players in teams you don't like. But how huge of a difference would he have made if he had been playing for the other side yesterday? Imagine Arsenal had 1. a decent no-nonsense defender, and 2. Someone who could threaten when set pieces are delivered into the opposition' s area.
I support Man Utd. and a lot of people I knew reckoned the gooners would take a point today, but I never fancied it. Arsenal need a Terry type player to have any hope of competing.
8 February 2010 12:47AM
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8 February 2010 1:28AM
Undaunted, yes he seems totally oblivious to all that has been going on. I think it's because he's not very bright, but that really doesn't matter I suppose ? The vast majority of footballers obviously aren't.
8 February 2010 1:56AM
Well, what if John Terry just quit England? Why not, then? Petulant, yes, but, why not? If England hate John Terry so much, then perhaps they can settle for Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King who we all know are superior defenders...erm, when they're not in the recovery room.
8 February 2010 2:02AM
More praise for EBJT.
I find it disgraceful.
Tiger must wish he lived in this country.
Oh but he was criticized here as well.
Maybe we are xenophobic.
8 February 2010 4:08AM
Chelsea had a solid back four and Arsenal were blunt in the final third. RVP was a big mss at Stamfrod Bridge. Terry was fantstic but honestly, I saw very little creativity and penetration from Chelsea, it was plain counter-attack and as I said last weekt hat's the best and the most easiest way to beat Arsenal(also aided by a poor goalie in Almunia).
8 February 2010 4:16AM
Formica,
I hope Arsenal fans treat all players with such morality.
To pick a name out of the air, let's suggest Robin Van Persie.
8 February 2010 4:53AM
ChuckSchick,
I like you more and more. Carry on, son.
8 February 2010 7:36AM
The most interesting comment I heard yesterday was regarding the sheer physical presence of the sides, or more to the point, the lack of it where Arsenal are concerned.
It would seem that, based on his observations of the Spanish game, its success with the national side and clubs, particularly Barca, that Wenger made a conscious decision to emulate the fast tip tap (what is the right phrase?) approach with his own team and with the accent on fast, nippy, nimble players.
It would appear however, that this approach has been somewhat simplistic and, as resoundingly exposed by both Chelsea and Man Utd, this Arsenal side can be literally overpowered by the very best teams.
There, I suspect lies Msr. Wenger's source of growing frustration and recent humbling disappointment. Perhaps the first time in his Arsenal experience, his theory hasn't worked. It's failed, albeit a 'failure' that should still see Arsenal challenge for third place. but he now faces a conundrum. Does he revert to a more traditional side and style of play with a renewed physicality or does he pursue his leaning toward a more cerebral approach and risk a degree of failure which might eventually make his position untenable, if it proves to be unsuccessful?
Those that criticised him for not going out to buy a striker in the recent window might be missing the point; he might not actually have wanted one?
It may well prove that Arsenal may now, in stylistic terms, be as fascinating to watch to see how, if and when Wenger changes the approach and profile of the team , as it was to see him build some of the best club sides to grace domestic football.
Anyone want to take odds that there'll be a couple of 'insightful' articles about this in the near future?
8 February 2010 8:00AM
Villain on Saturday, Hero on Sunday, Villain on Monday...
Oh I like the English media clichés very much.
8 February 2010 8:08AM
It does annoy me that people keep going on about the strength and size of Chelsea players as it is not just that they bring to the game. Yesterday Ashley Cole and Riccie Carvalho were superb in defence and frequently moved swiftly into midfield to anticipate and break up Arsenal moves or start Chelsea ones. Yesterday Chelsea employed a superb game plan that worked against Arsenal, to take them on the counter-attack. In other games we dominate with fast passing and movement, one-touch football that is a joy to watch. In additon there are people like Drogba, Terry, Lampard, even Anelka, who work for 90 minutes constantly chasing, closing down and tackling. It's a superb team performance led by a determined, focused captain.
8 February 2010 8:20AM
he is a ...er....rock
8 February 2010 9:35AM
The fact that Terry's performance was unaffected says less about his professionalism, and more about the fact he doesn't give a toss about any of his indiscretions, or the effect his behaviour has had on his wife and children.
I'd actually think more of the man if he did show some feelings and started playing like someone who was carrying a guilty conscience.
8 February 2010 10:08AM
Nice to see Carvalho and Cech back to their best; they have been struggling this season but they both raised their game against Arsenal - which is what is expected from them. Personally I thought the whole defense and our goal keeper were pretty much the reason why we looked so uneffective by Arsenal side passing. Mikel infront of the defense also had his best game this season.
Terry, got on with it; which was expected. While Drogba did what he does best. I think some Arsenal defenders have some pshycological disorder when they see him running at them-they naturally want to get the hell out of his way. I think Wenger needs to get a shrink with some of these players because it seems they suffer withdraw whenever they see Didier against them.
Arsenal's goalkeeper once again was in shambles, Almunia I think would have a hard time getting into most teams in the EPL - yet Arsene seems to think he is good enough for a team challanging for the honours. While Arshavin is simply best used as an inside forward and doesn't seem to enjoy being the focal point of the Arsenal dull blade.
I'd be worried if I was a Arsenal fan - the current captain Cech is showing some signs of frustration with his team. Which is understandable he seems to be one of the few players in this Arsenal team who really has a winning mentality.
8 February 2010 10:10AM
Meant to say *Cesc, sorry about that Arsenal fans; don't take it personally
8 February 2010 10:47AM
it seems quite clear that Capello would have definitely preferred to maintain Terry as captain and that relieving him of the captaincy was done simply to take the pressure off.
Whether it was the correct decision; only time will tell, but as he has proved over the past three matches, Terry is by far and away the best natural leader England has, on the pitch.
What is also clear is, that this tabloid led feeding frenzy has again shown the gutlessness of the F.A. The F.A. should have stated from the start, that a players private life is none of their business and that only performances on the pitch matter.
If a virtuous and spotless private life is part and parcel of being an England football captain; that surely leaves an extremely limited field to choose from.
As an Italian, Capello must have been baffled by the furore.
8 February 2010 10:48AM
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8 February 2010 10:51AM
Well, I watched on from the stand feeling strangely detached from the game yesterday. I really wanted the points of course and I never at any time thought there was a threat to them landing.
I'll leave others to comment on the obvious shortcomings in the Arsenal side. I'm more worried about the shortcomings in Chelsea.
We have gone from playing wonderfully fluid football with fabulous movement and sharp passing to the most stodgy, static team in the league - in just three games - getting worse in each of the games.
Yes, it was something to see our excellent defense playing to that level, but outside of that we hardly strung two passes together. The lack of movement to support the man in possession was lamentable.
Of course you can choose tactically to defend and play on the break, particularly when you are leading. But it wasn't just that yesterday. If we are going to really progress in the CL and win the PL, we're going to have to play much better football than that. ManU's game has been on the up in recent weeks.
Hopefully this is just a blip for us.
8 February 2010 11:21AM
Spot on about Terry and about Wenger. The Frenchman's excuses are wearing thin.
Five years, no trophies, end of story.
8 February 2010 11:22AM
Sorry deepbluesee but you must have been the only Chelsea fan at Stamford Bridge yesterday with those feelings. It was a fantastic day out with a great atmosphere, good football from both sides at times, but with great finishing and great defending from Chelsea. A proper day of entertaining English Premiership football that the world watches and loves.
Perhaps the issue is not about Chelsea's shortcomings, but more to do with your expectations. If you want Chelsea to go out and play pretty football every week like Arsenal and pass the ball aimlessly around the middle of the park for much of the match like the Harlem Globetrotters, then you will continue to feel detached I'm afraid.
Some weeks Chelsea can play amazing football such as in January with the outstanding displays against Sunderland and Birmingham City, and others we can grind out a result. Yesterday we had a game plan and played it brilliantly well. The forwards won the match in the opening 20 minutes, and the defence ensured it stayed that way. A great team effort. That's how you win the Premiership - getting results and not trying to entertain purists who worship the water they think Arsene Wenger walks on.
I must also say that calling us "the most stodgy, static team in the league" ranks up there as one of the more silly comments I have read about us in recent times, and even the most die-hard Arsenal fans from yesterday are unlikely to back you up on that one.
8 February 2010 11:25AM
It's been a close-run thing but PompeyScum wins the Darwin Award.
8 February 2010 11:32AM
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8 February 2010 11:39AM
deepbluecheese"Hopefully this is just a blip for us." I don't pretend to know the pre-match tactical plans of Ancelotti, but the old adage of there are more than one way to skin a cat - or if plan X works against Y in Z game then use it. I'm neither for gung-ho nor tippy-tappy any more than defence and shape above all else - but there has to be just this variation for certain key games. Every blue played their part and the result hinged on putting the ball in the net which the opposition failed to do.
8 February 2010 12:01PM
I'm actually really enjoying this blog being quiet. Once you filter out the bloggers on the JT hate fuelled bandwagon there really isn't a lot to say about Terry. Great to have a home game where he could get a bit of support. (before people start going for my head, yes he's an idiot but as a chelsea fan I couldn't care less)
More of a talking point is Arsenal's shocking performance. Despite what Wenger or any stats suggest, that was awful. Before the game Ancelotti said that the way to beat Arsenal is counter attack... So what do Arsenal do... "ATTACK!!" ha it's laughable. If they come up against an Italian team (hopefully AC) in the CL than they are out and it will be the same story, lots of possession, lots of passing, comfortable defeat.
8 February 2010 12:35PM
OzzyBlue
Yes, it's quite unlike me to not be positive.
And the stodgy bit was over the top - must be Monday morning.
And I'm no fan of the aimless tippety-tap.
But I saw the general play as an extension of the Burnley and Hull games.
8 February 2010 12:44PM
Just thinking about it, Terry must be gutted to lose the armband (nobody himself to blame mind). I mean to lose it in the normal course of events is bad, but just before a World Cup?..gutted! Don?t get me wrong, its not as if we have a chance in hell of winning (quarters at the very best), but still?. how many people can say they lead out a top 10 team in the World Cup finals.
Saw some Chelski fans wearing Team Terry t-shirts last night?lol?how sad! They will support Terry no matter what he does!......lemmings!
8 February 2010 12:58PM
Very easy to be undaunted at home in front of a small time crowd.
The tests will come away from home. Terry and co have to go to some grounds that will be packed with noisy and wonderfully inhospitable fans who love to 'welcome' Chelsea. Can't think which ones!
Then we'll see. Shame he has no class to help him deal with the prospect. But then some of us have always known he has none.
8 February 2010 1:08PM
RIJKAARD81 I suppose you have to clear your throat a la your mentor. You should have adopted RIJKAARD(World Cup'90) if you really want a spitting game.