Chelsea Rule OK!

That would be the traditional graffiti and side-comment cheer for the Blues, at least in its modern-day expression (exclamation point is optional). Links rule, e.g., http://forums.skysports.com/members/posting.aspx?s=1&b=2&c=2&f=20&t=28196&m=316357&p=1&q=y#post, not to mention the well-titled canonical variation "Chelsea Rules. OK?" (http://toksie.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html).

"Chelsea Rule OK!" (along with its predecessor, the well-regarded "Chelsea Rules, OK") sounded throughout all the belfries of Chelseadom today after their clutch win at home yesterday against their arch-foes, Manchester United.

The 2-1 margin was earned by a 86th-minute penalty for a handball in the box by Devils' defender Carrick--disputed, of course, by the road losers (at home they never have to worry about such things). Michael Ballack scored the game-winner.

Ballack, owner of the second-most controversial megacontract of the 2006 summer (after Andrey Shevchenko's) scored both goals for Chelsea, the penalty being particularly excellent. Shev's play on the line (as a late substitute just before the penalty call) saved an even later goal attempt.

Ballack's quality should never have been doubted, only the necessity of his presence (and, given the injuries he's had since, the cost of it). The problem is that he basically serves the same purpose as Frank Lampard, the longtime Chelsea and England scoring midfielder. By acquiring Ballack, Lampard was put on notice that he was dispensable, and it has showed up this year (not so much last year, as Ballack ended up being hurt most of it). Lampard will probably go now, and that's a shame.

The big rematch for Man U. still awaits in Moscow, if they need it. (They probably won't: the teams are tied but Manchester United has an unshakable lead in goal differential, the tiebreaker. So if both teams win both remaining games--all are against decidedly inferior opponents--Chelsea will be nosed out.) The big-time showdown in the Champions League final looks quite possible after the first legs of the two semifinal matchups.

Chelsea's possibilities of making the final look bright, now that they finally caught a break at Anfield, the home arena of their perennial nemesis, Liverpool. A 95th-minute own goal by longtime bane, the Norwegian Jon Arne Riise, gave Chelsea a largely undeserved draw and a critical away goal. Chelsea's prior failures against Liverpool always seemed to come down to scoring at Anfield, and Liverpool would shut down the games and squeak through. Now Chelsea advances with a scoreless draw at home or any victory.

Manchester's chances to advance against Barcelona are slightly less favorable but also decent after a scoreless draw on the road. What they have to watch out for in the replay is giving up a goal, which, whenever it occurs, would then force Manchester U. to score at least two. Of course, scoring has never been at issue for them. What was impressive about their outing was keeping a clean sheet despite giving Barcelona 65% of ball possession. We also saw St. Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty shot (!) for Man U. in the first minutes, making me a believer (in their doom).

It would be a shame to squander such a miracle and let them get through, but perhaps it is only just and appropriate that the two English club giants should have their final face-to-face in the Champions League final. I welcome it, "not without trepidation" (as T.C. Boyle says in "Friend of the Earth"--see post to come).