A blog of two halves

Frustrations abound in the corridors at Stamford Bridge, summed up in one 10-letter word... Manchester.

He only needed a second to score.

An extraordinary week in the life of Chelsea Football Club looms as Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday... followed by the Blues' reunion with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford on Sunday next week.

It’s the kind of goal that inspires folk songs. The fact that it broke Dry January’s drought made it extra special.

It’s hard to express the disappointment of a goalless draw.

The reigning champions meet the title winners from the previous season this weekend.

The Blues travel to Norwich for the 5.30pm FA Cup third round game on Saturday.

The Blues have a relatively restrained and low-key festive programme... and a thoroughly relaxed New Year, thanks to TV changes.

Yorkshire grit v Southern softies? It should have been no contest.

Saturday’s West Ham v Chelsea lunchtime timing suits the Met, but won’t help agoraphobics.