Daylight Robbery In Moscow Night

There is no doubt in my mind; Chelsea were robbed.

Yes, I am bitter. Yes, there are sour grapes. Yes, there are the hidden fantasies of seeing Edwin van der Sar ripped to pieces by a pack of wild dogs, but that is not the point.

In the clear light of day, it is painfully obvious that Chelsea were robbed. Countless times, corners or throw-ins or even penalties should have been awarded and were not. Didier Drogba was sent off for something that barely merited a yellow card. The referee was United's best aquisition since Christiano Ronaldo, all bought and paid for by Brian Glazer's money.

And in the cruelty of the penalty shoot-out, the robbery was driven home. The hour cameth, the man did not. The hero of Chelsea for so long, Captain John Terry, led Chelsea for the season, only to stumble at the final and most important hurdle of the season.

In defeat, there is nothing but hope for the future. Next season, in the '09, Chelsea will be eager, determined and hungrier than ever. They have so much to prove to their detractors, and prove it they will.