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09th September 2006 : Chelsea 2 Charlton 1

This was another game we should have won comfortably after an inspiring first half display - but were made to work hard in the second half for our victory

The first half display was one of total control with the midfield combination exerting their dominance as Chelsea peppered the Charlton goalmouth with numerous chances.
The attention that defences are giving Shevchenko is giving Drogba plenty of space and he will be wondering how he only scored one goal in the first half.

Not that he was the only player guilty of squandering chances, an error that almost cost Chelsea some points in the second half. Essien was once again in great form breaking down Charlton's forward advances and executing telling passes to his teammates. Ballack too had a very good game, holding the ball well, some exquisite passing and a lovely shot inches past the upright with the keeper beaten.
Even Wright Phillips playing on right midfield gained in confidence as the game went on, playing his game of beating the defence down the wing and getting in some good crosses. Bridge had a great game on the left, looking dangerous as he surged forward as he has done all season. It really should have been 3 or 4 to nil at half time.

In the second half there were visions of Middlesboro as Charlton put on a battling display and disrupted the total control Chelsea had imposed in the first half. Hasslebank got Charlton back in the game with one trademark goals that we've all seen him score while playing at Chelsea over the years. His subdued celebrations actually got the Chelsea fans singing his name. Mourinho rolled the dice and brought on Ashley Cole for his debut and Kalou, bringing off the impressive Bridge and Wright Phillips. Seconds later Chelsea restored the lead with Carvahlo towering header getting a slight deflection and beating the Charlton keeper.

Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Kalou was pushed off the ball after another of his surging runs, but Lampard's penalty was impressively saved. It is probably time to give the penalty duties to Shevchenko - everybody knows the Lampard shoots to his left. Charlton continued to battle and I was glad to hear the final whistle as Dowie pushed three forward in an effort to get the equalizer.