Everton 0 - 1 Chelsea

Scorers: Essien(41')

Starting Eleven:
Cech
Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, A.Cole
Wright-Phillips, Mikel, Essien
J.Cole, Anelka, Kalou
subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Malouda, Makalele, Alex

A first half goal from Essien meant we are still in the title race and the ultimate disappointment of knowing that the League title wont belong to us this time is further extended by some more days. But seriously I think we still have a chance, a twist in the story may be round the corner.

Another not-treat-to-eyes win at Goodison reminded me that Grant is not ousted yet and is still in charge. Well nobody is blaming him here, its just that some things are beyond him and the pressure is too much for the old man. He made a fool out of himself in front of press last night, or at least that's what I heard. And one more thing I would suggest- Sell wright-Phillips, or if that's difficult announce that he's a 'free transfer'.

The win goes some way to making up for the disappointment of Monday's home draw with Wigan, but we still require United to slip up against either Blackburn, West Ham or Wigan, as well as being beaten at Stamford Bridge a week later on Saturday. That is a massive game and we have been waiting for it for months now, regardless of what the table looks like. That could change everything, or end everything.

In the first half Wright-Phillips got a couple of chances which he missed as he always does and then Cech was forced to save a Manuel Fernandez free kick. Within minutes away from the break, neat passing involving Kalou, Essien and Wright-Phillips ended with the ball deflecting off Phil Jagielka straight into the path of the Ghanaian - who lifted the ball into the top corner with clinical ease.

After the break Everton looked more threatening. They brought in Thomas Gravesen and Victor Anichebe for Johnson and Pienaar. Cahill and Arteta was unavailable for the match. Malouda replaced Joe Cole after 76 minutes and Claude Makalele for Wright-Phillips with 10 minutes left. Then it was all about clinically running down the clock.

The absence of Lampard is too obvious in our attack and with Ballack and Drogba too missing attacking was poor. Add to that Avram's managerial ability and then you get what Roman calls 'beautiful football'. But the defense looked solid and Yakubu would certainly agree with that. Lets hope that some good things will happen to Chelsea, for a change, and that too in Ewood Park this weekend!