By K’Onyango Ochieng Dennis
I had wanted to keep quiet about the loss by Chelsea at the Wearside in the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup. The reason is that the Capital one cup is really a small thing and the least of priorities for Chelsea.
However I cannot keep quiet when Arsenal fans keep poking me and inundating my inbox with ridiculing messages. The last time Chelsea clobbered Arsenal in the Capital one cup at the Emirates Stadium, it was important to demonstrate to them in their backyard that even though they were on top of the EPL table, they were merely holding it temporarily as Chelsea sought to find their rhythm.
Chelsea is battling it out for honours in order of priority:
1. The English Premier league
2. The Uefa Champions League.
3. The FA.
The Capital one cup was never Chelsea’s priority. In fact, Arsenal which has had to endure a very long trophy drought needed it more and would perhaps been strong contenders had they not met Chelsea along the way. Chelsea was playing spoiler against Arsenal that night because the noise would have been intolerable had they lost at the Emirates. It is better to lose to Sunderland.
The match last night was the perfect practice session ahead of the derby on Monday. It was important to improve the match fitness of the players and I reckon they go to it fitter and sharper.
It does not bother us that Chelsea lost to Sunderland. We wish Sunderland well, they need any cup. We also thank them for granting us a terrific practice session before we go hunting in a match whose outcome will propel Chelsea to the top of the league. Which team is Liverpool playing next? they are our competitors, at least for now.
We’ve got the last word!