There were fans with flares outside of Villa Park’s Trinity Road Stand turning the air claret and blue as the team coaches arrived. ‘On our way, on our way, to the Champions League, we’re on our way,’ they slurred after a thirsty Saturday build-up.
Even the bloke with a broken ankle was hopping on his one good leg to the chant. They expected a victory against a Chelsea team that have resembled a £1billion travelling circus at times this season, not least in their five-goal mauling at Arsenal in midweek.
It looked like that victory was on its way when Villa led by two goals, and yet, this Chelsea team as much courage as we have seen from them all season.