David Showell


In a season that has seen more fluctuations than a list of Nick Clegg’s Facebook friends, the endgame is proving as fascinating as the rest of it. The top three have each shown scintillating form for two or three games before self–destructing just when it seems they’ve cracked it.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have had sublime performances in which they’ve played like eleven Lionel Messis, then a week later like eleven Lionel Blairs. It’s this inconsistency, however, that’s made this campaign such an entertaining one, and has worn out the edges of seats in several stadiums.

During the final run-in, injuries to key players have also had a profound effect on all three clubs. In recent weeks Cesc Fabregas (broken leg), Didier Drogba (knee strain) and Wayne Rooney (stress fracture of the frown) have all missed out on some vital matches. It’s the return from injury for one player, however, that has really boosted Chelsea’s chances.

Joe Cole returned to fitness after a serious knee injury in the early months of the season, but found it hard to break into the side. Chelsea’s midfield options had been boosted by the form of, among others, Florent Malouda, who in 2009/10 has looked twice the player he was in the previous season.

But Paddington-born Cole, having missed out on so many games, was desperate to make his mark. Like all players returning after a long lay-off, his form didn’t hit the headlines. But as each week went by, like Clark Kent coming out of the telephone box, he emerged a different man.

His deft finish at Old Trafford, opening the scoring in a truly vital fixture, showcased his immense skills and put the cherry on the cake of his comeback. For a player who’s had more than his fair share of serious injuries, few non-United fans would have begrudged him his moment of glory.

For Fabio Capello, his return couldn’t have come at a better time. In this World Cup year, the Italian supremo, and 60 million England fans, are hoping, dreaming, wishing and praying that every English player with a chance of going to South Africa has a clean bill of health. The chances of David Beckham being the only absentee, judging by past tournaments, are slim.

If Joe Cole makes the plane, or boat if the Icelandic volcano is still being naughty, it will be his third World Cup. While many remember his stunning goal against Sweden in 2006, this could be the year in which he truly makes his mark on the international stage. More good form for the Blues will surely have Signor Capello giving him a bell in June.

In recent weeks, there has been speculation about Cole’s future at Stamford Bridge, with contract negotiations having stalled over wages. Manchester City, desperate as ever to throw money around like a man with twelve arms, have reportedly offered him the chance to earn ten million pounds a minute, or something equally ludicrous.

Cole, who will turn 29 in November, may well be tempted to take the gravy train, or gravy limo perhaps, to Eastlands. If he played for five more years earning the sort of money that City are likely to be paying, he could end up rich enough to be one of the panel on ‘Dragons' Den’ one day. Who knows? These are strange times indeed.

 

 

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