Reading Roars!

“Mourinho at a loss as Reading expose Chelsea’s fragility” (The Guardian)

“Chelsea squandered two priceless Premiership points against Reading” (BBC)

“Regal Reading show Chelsea value of class” (The Scotsman)

Reading have achieved something stupendous, drawing away to Mourinho’s giants, Chelsea, at the Bridge, a feat that not even mighty Barcelona could accomplish this season.

It was never going to be an easy game. The difference in wealth between both clubs was poignantly demonstrated by the record signings made last summer. Shevchenko moved from Italian superclub Milan to the Blues in a £30 million move. Seol Ki-Hyeon joined Reading from un-giants Wolves in a transfer costing a whopping…£1.5 million.

Furthermore, the Petr Cech collision in Reading’s home game against Chelsea resulted in anger among some Chelsea supporters. Stephen Hunt, disgustingly, received death threats. Mourinho stupidly attacked the town’s ambulance service.

Despite the gulf in spending (and therefore talent), and the air of bitterness, the Royals contended well. Blues marksman Didier Drogba, who unlike his Ukranian counterpart has had a cracking season, was first to score, from a header after 38 minutes. Reading, however, equalised through Leroy Lita on 67 minutes before Drogba headed in another a few minutes later. The Royals’ fighting spirit persisted and the team was rewarded with an own goal courtesy of Michael Essien, bringing the game level.

With a point apiece, it is Reading rather than Chelsea, who are the more content side. They have complicated Chelsea’s bid for the title (thank you!) and won themselves even more credit with a strong, battling display. Having a team of Seols rather than Shevas is clearly no bad thing.