This has made me feel a little better, hope it helps in a small way at least....

After being tormented by the wizardry of Ronaldo for the first half-hour they got a foothold in the game, thanks to the industry and endeavour of the peerless Claude Makelele and from then on were by far the better team.

They had twice as many shots and, as Ferguson himself conceded, they overpowered United through sheer physical strength and dynamic displays from Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.

It was Chelsea at their imperious best. And you know what? They were awesome to watch, too - not something they have been labelled with much during this turbulent campaign.

For that and so much more, Avram Grant should hold his head high.

Even if he is shortly relieved of his duties, nothing will ever be as cruel as the way in which he saw his team suffer defeat in the most important game in Chelsea's history.

If Abramovich has anything about him, he will let Grant have another shot at glory.

He has more than earned it - just ask Sir Alex Ferguson.

Full story here SOURCE

Thanks for sharing, Coco. A good read

I never took any of Fergie's words for more than his usual mind games, but the tone of that article was dead right. For me, my opinion of Grant turned when we beat Liverpool and then the Mancs on the second to last day. That was no small task. True enough that we won nothing, but in the end, he couldve done so much worse.

And I used to be of the opinion that it was mostly the quality of this squad driving us on, and that Grant, really, was just a caretaker who didnt really have any actual tactical knowledge. But looking back, that was pretty naive. Because at the end of the day, he was pushing the right buttons

I have to say as one of the lucky few who went.. this does kind of sum up the feelings on our long journey back. we were proud because the world saw who was the better team overal. we were just incredibly unlucky and that is all it comes down to.

Agree great read !

I have to say as one of the lucky few who went.. this does kind of sum up the feelings on our long journey back. we were proud because the world saw who was the better team overal. we were just incredibly unlucky and that is all it comes down to.

My feelings exactly Andy.

Everyone i spoke to in Moscow, Chelsea and reluctantly Man Utd fans all said the same thing. The best team didn't win in this particular game. Like you said i was certainly proud of the team, and still got absolutely legless in Hotdogs after..

I deleted the "Inside Sport" program earlier from the Sky+ i had'nt got round to watching it...it was broadcast the Monday night before the CL final, the edition with the Petr Cech interview...full of confidence, determination & how much Chelsea were looking forward to the final etc...

then the heartbreak,watching something like that program knowing what happenened 48 hours later...reading this...

i feel much better

we were out of ideas in the first 45 but second half onwards we were def the best side. i sat in a bar in belfast with...and i kid you not... about 100 united fans. myself and one other blue took dogs abuse after but i was extremely proud of our lads for the effort we put in and the great football we played. keep the heads up boys it will be ours sooner rather than later i think

Thanks for bumping this thread; a nice read