John Terry takes first step to silence jeers as Arsenal taunts fail to make mark on Chelsea captain
Just when Chelsea’s new brand of entertaining football could win them admirers outside of Stamford Bridge they are hindered by this unsolved moral conundrum over their captain, John Terry.
However much Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar may quicken the pulse-rates, it is difficult to warm to a club that has as its figurehead a man found guilty of making a racist remark.
This hugely attractive side of Roberto Di Matteo’s, all elegant interchanging between three spinning tops of attacking midfielders, really deserves sustained applause. With Mata pulling the strings and Fernando Torres a tireless threat, Chelsea were well worth their win over Arsenal at the Emirates.
Oscar’s refined technique kept moves flowing forward. Hazard has that little bit of magic in possession, his touch transfixing defenders like a cobra’s stare.
Chelsea can win games but can they win over neutrals? Terry is an undeniable asset, a leader, a one-man rallying cry, and still one of the best anticipators of incoming danger. Love him or loathe him, the 31 year-old’s still a good centre half. With the occasionally accident-prone David Luiz requiring an organiser alongside him, Terry is so important to Chelsea. His left-sided understanding with Ashley Cole is incredibly valuable.