ARJEN ROBBEN’S contribution was bound to be closely scrutinised last night, which probably explains why he kept his feet even when fouled in the penalty area. But the performance of Shaun Wright-Phillips may have had the wider significance.
Not just for José Mourinho or Chelsea, who will require all of their fringe players as they continue to fight on three fronts, but also for England, who will need their full attacking artillery at the World Cup finals this summer. Admittedly against easily outgunned opponents in last night’s FA Cup fourth-round replay, Wright-Phillips gave a reminder of his talent as well as his existence.
If the winger could be accused of selfishness at times, it was hardly surprising given that he has hardly seen a ball for months. This was only his third start since November and his first full 90 minutes since his £21 million transfer from Manchester City. Mourinho gave him a kiss on the forehead as he walked off, although the winger should bear in mind that his next start is more likely to be against Colchester United in the fifth round than Barcelona in the Champions League.
Chelsea are gathering the form and momentum to carry them through both diverse challenges and Everton were swatted aside with three goals in 17 first-half minutes.
The visiting team’s evening had got off to a troubling start when they lost Richard Wright before kick-off. The former England goalkeeper was deputising for the injured Nigel Martyn but tripped over a sign telling him that, because of the state of the pitch, he could not practise in the goalmouth. He once hurt himself stepping down from his loft, so this was not his most unusual injury.
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It left Iain Turner with about ten minutes to prepare for his debut. “Good luck. He’s going to need it,” the master of pre-match ceremonies said. As predictions go, it was as accurate as it was arrogant.
Turner had picked the ball out of his net three times by half-time, but this was not a case of a young player being overcome with nerves. The Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper, an imposing 6ft 4in, acquitted himself impressively.
He could do nothing about any of the goals, the first featuring an instant return to the headlines for Robben. Set up by a wonderful flick from Hernán Crespo, he stayed on his feet long enough to slip the ball past Turner. It did not wipe out his antics against Liverpool but provided a reminder that he brings flair to Mourinho’s side.
So, too, Wright-Phillips. Full of penetrative running, he created Chelsea’s second goal when his dash through the penalty area was ended by a daft, crude foul by Nuno Valente. Frank Lampard was his usual composed self with the spot kick and four minutes later it was 3-0 as Lampard whipped a free kick towards the near post. Crespo, unmarked, supplied a feint touch with his curly locks to beat Turner. Chris Woods, Everton’s goalkeeping coach, approached the 22-year-old as he made his way off at the interval, presumably to tell him that he was far less culpable than some more senior colleagues.
James Beattie’s only significant contribution had been to shoot comically high over the crossbar and, complaining of a calf injury, he made way at the break along with the hapless Valente. Mourinho also decided to tinker, although the withdrawal of Crespo was to give the striker a break, given that Didier Drogba is still required by Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.
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With Eidur Gudjohnsen moving up front, Stamford Bridge prepared for the rout, but the next goal was to come at the other end when James McFadden’s shot was blocked by Robert Huth’s arm. Mikel Arteta dispatched the penalty.
The goal provoked an instant response from Chelsea, who restored their lead when Huth’s free kick was deflected to John Terry. The Chelsea captain’s shot into the far, top corner was stunning in its ferocity.
The scouts from Barcelona, and not just Colchester, had plenty to mull over.
CHELSEA (4-3-3): C Cudicini — G Johnson, J Terry, R Huth, W Gallas — E Gudjohnsen, M Essien, F Lampard (sub: Gérémi, 80min) — S Wright-Phillips, H Crespo (sub: Maniche, 46), A Robben (sub: J Cole, 64). Substitutes not used: P Cech, A Del Horno. Booked: Gallas.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): I Turner — T Hibbert, D Weir, M Ferrari, N Valente (sub: S Davies, 46) — M Arteta, T Cahill, P Neville, K Kilbane — L Osman — J Beattie (sub: J McFadden, 46). Substitutes not used: G Naysmith, L Carsley, V Anichebe. Booked: Valente, Cahill, Carsley.
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Referee: P Dowd.