Drogba eases the tension at the Bridge

SOCCER: Chelsea 3 Valencia 0:THIS MAY be the night that constituted the true start of Andre Villas-Boas's reign as manager. A resounding victory on an occasion when Didier Drogba, with two goals, irresistibly ushered Chelsea into the knockout phase of the Champions League as group winners.

Defending and fine goalkeeping by Petr Cech were also crucial, but the team had tenacity whenever technique wobbled.

The match may have looked as if it could be overwhelmed by anxiety, but the teams behaved initially as if they would relieve the tension by launching themselves into attacks. Chelsea were ahead after three minutes but even that goal felt delayed since Diego Alves had made a save from Raul Meireles shortly beforehand. It was Drogba who struck for the hosts as he converted a cut-back from Juan Mata with a left-footed finish after eluding the right-back Antonio Barragan.

With 22 minutes gone, Drogba assumed the role of orchestrator as he freed Ramires on the left to go clear of the centre-half Victor Ruiz and extend the advantage with a low shot. The score spoke more of ruthlessness than overwhelming superiority in that part of the evening and Valencia could also have made an impact then.

There was no lack of verve in Unai Emery’s line-up. Cech had needed to stretch to divert a long-range shot from David Albelda in the 10th minute that could easily have tied the score at 1-1. Chelsea, though, had made an impact by then and debate died at that stage over the decision merely to have Frank Lampard on the bench.

The midfielder had a disgruntled air when he was taken off during the weekend victory at Newcastle United so a further demotion to substitute must have left him dismayed. He has been absent from the first XI on other occasions in this campaign, but this exclusion had resonance.

The early phase of this contest seemed like vindication for the manager Villas-Boas. If the Portuguese had judged just one veteran, he seemed to have been astute then in opting for Drogba. More generally, altering and rejuvenating the line-up cannot be a mere aspiration. It is a task Villas-Boas is obliged to undertake.

There must have been feeling, too, there needed to be unwavering energy if Valencia were to be overcome. Emery has an appealing side and it seemed in their nature to mount attacks, even if Chelsea’s early impact had left them with scant choice.

Daniel Sturridge had a chance to add a third, but the attempt was turned away by Alves in the 28th minute. Chelsea had impact in the first half that is not demanded regularly of the Premier League’s representatives. The group phase has often been akin to a waiting room for the English teams. They fidget and get a little bored but know virtually for certain their journey will begin in earnest soon enough as they stride into the last 16.

This season has been different for everyone other than Arsenal. Given Chelsea’s expectations, there was almost an indignity in hearing people discuss the arithmetical calculations that could have been called for if the sides went on being so difficult to disentangle from one another.

The contest did not retain its full intensity immediately following the interval. Chelsea may have been told to take care, but it was also true Valencia had shed inhibitions by then. There was nothing left to fear when they were already in such a plight.

Chelsea concentrated mainly on discipline. Valencia therefore had more of the action and there was animation among the visiting supporters. They would have been conscious, too, of the difference one goal would make. Chelsea appeared orderly and understood they were bound to find opportunities on the counter. Ramires and Sturridge did break away but then bungled the move. They could have been punished for such laxity but Cech made an excellent leap to turn it away for a corner.

Chelsea do not resemble the impregnable line-up of days gone by and it was no mystery Villas-Boas resorted to conservatism when replacing Ramires with the specialist holding midfielder Mikel John Obi.

In practice, Chelsea were in a strong position, but they do not have the aura of invincibility of years gone by. Drogba would have been adored all the more if he had lifted the tension in the 73rd minute, as he thundered away from Adil Rami, but his drive was miscued.

Even so, Drogba was not to be denied three minutes later as he slipped a shot home to release all tension from Stamford Bridge.

Guardian Service

CHELSEA:Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Romeu, Meireles, Ramires (Mikel 65), Sturridge, Drogba (Torres 77), Mata (Malouda 83). Subs not used: Turnbull, Lampard, Ferreira, Kalou. Booked: Romeu.

VALENCIA: Diego Alves, Barragan, Rami, Victor Ruiz, Jordi Alba (Aduriz 54), Feghouli (Pablo 64), Tino Costa (Parejo 76), Albelda, Mathieu, Jonas, Soldado. Subs not used: Guaita, Topal, Piatti, Dealbert. Booked: Tino Costa.

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi(Italy).