HAVING SEEN Frank Lampard carry off the man-of-the-match award despite putting in a similarly impressive performance, Michael Essien was rewarded with an even greater prize — a place in Chelsea’s starting line-up for Wednesday’s visit to Middlesbrough.
In praising his entire team José Mourinho reserved special mention for the Ghana midfield player, who did the work of two men in standing in for Claude Makelele. If he could only shoot as accurately as Lampard, then Essien would be a truly frightening prospect.
“When a player plays like Essien did for sure he will play the next game,” Mourinho said. “The other players have to be worried, not him. He was amazing. With just two players in midfield he had a big area to cover. The only thing with him is that he has so much energy I have to control him from the side.
“If I don’t control his position on the pitch, he will disappear from the places I want him to be. His energy was amazing, he was good defensively and created some offensive moments. He had a shot for a great save and an assist for Lampard’s goal. He played very well.”
Even Stuart Pearce was impressed, refusing to blame Essien for his part in Bernardo Corradi’s sending-off despite a clear tug on the Italian striker’s long, lank hair. “He’s got lovely hair, I pull it all week,” Pearce said. “The season will not be dictated by how we do at places like Stamford Bridge, it will be dictated by how we do against the teams around us. I was pleased with the endeavour the players put in but we need to be sharper against Portsmouth on Wednesday.”
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Mourinho was less complimentary about William Gallas, whom he insisted will train with Chelsea today despite a renewed approach from Arsenal, understood to be in the region of £5 million.
Chelsea are adamant that the France defender is not for sale and will be held to the final year of his contract. “Ashley Cole is an Arsenal player and William Gallas has to train tomorrow with Chelsea,” Mourinho said.
MATT HUGHES