Skoko and Taylor came into midfield for the attacking pair of Bullard and Francis while Jackson led the defence in De Zeeuw’s absence. Upfront, the hard working David Connolly came in for a complacent Henri Camara.
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The back four of Baines, Jackson, Henchoz and Chimbonda defended well in the first half against the threat of Crespo, while in the second half they adapted well to Chelsea’s change of formation and kept Drogba, Gudjohnsen and Crespo to a minimum.
The midfield was much disciplined and whilst offering little going forward, they created a superb barrier in front of the defence. Each player held their position, followed the runners and limited the attacking midfield of Chelsea.
David Connolly and Jason Roberts worked incredibly hard up front and Roberts was unlucky not to break through shortly before half time with a surging run.
The obvious frailties highlighted at Anfield the week prior had been addressed and the team can feel hard done by not to come home with anything.
It is clear from Paul Jewell’s after match comments (click here to read them) that he was upset with Lee McCulloch for the Blues winner.
John Terry stole a yard on the Scottish international striker at a corner midway through the second half, and the Chelsea captain thumped his header into the net, despite Pollitt’s best attempts to keep it out.
McCulloch had a warning of Terry’s abilities in the first half when he fouled him in the area from a free-kick, somehow the referee didn’t give a penalty!
Should the Latics put in such a display at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, it is highly likely that they would bring at least a point back to the JJB Stadium.
For a match report, click here.
The players will have welcomed the spirited away following from the army of Latics supporters who sang their way through the 90 minutes, something that the money boys of Chelsea did not do.
Those supporters who forked out the £48 plus travel expenses to make the game, must be amongst the most loyal that the club have.
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