Blue Hart Win; White Hart Pain.

The 3-0 win against Sheffield United over the weekend gave hope to the Blues fans that the boys are finally getting back on track. After weeks of being in poor form, that victory seemed to have provided the pedestal and confidence very much needed for the FA Cup Quarter Final replay against Tottenham Spur at White Hart Lane.

The excitement could not be contained for this defining moment for either of the two London teams. First, this game could have ended Chelsea's sweet run for their second silverware of the season. Second, a tough 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge could have meant another 2-1 victory for Spurs at their stadium, just like what happened in November when the Blues lost. Finally, it was a time for revenge on the side of Chelsea for that reason, but so was it for Spurs who deceived themselves capable of winning at Stamford Bridge, even without Keane, Robbo and Defoe. Remember that at half-time last March 17, Spurs were leading by 2 goals, 3-1. But the resilience of the Blues became evident as they answered back with 2 more goals to end the game with a draw after usual 2nd half catch-up. Spurs went home disappointed with the promise to win it at their home stadium. After all, Keane, Robbo, and Defoe would already be there. Unfortunately, for Spurs fans, that was still not quite what happened.

Kevin McCarra of The Guardian writes, "If the first meeting had been enthrallingly spectacular, the replay of this FA Cup quarter-final intrigued with its element of surprise. No one could have anticipated the finish with which Andriy Shevchenko opened the scoring or the volley from Shaun Wright-Phillips that doubled Chelsea’s lead." Indeed. If there was anything sweeter than the victory itself, that would be the 2 simply and undeniably magnificent goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Shevchenko's goal in the 53rd minute was so good Mourinho hugged him after he was brought out to rest in the 81st minute of the game. That kick, which left Paul Robinson motionless proved to have been a boost to the already strong Chelsea side that SWP's equally brilliant goal came in just 7 minutes after. Perhaps we have just seen competitors for FA Cup Goal of the Season. It would've been less special if it didn't come from Shevchenko. What's the big deal that every time he scores people talk about it? Because people like continuously thinking that he's a flop signing. Therefore, every goal of him is a celebration.

With him scoring more and more goals as the season wears out, people will start to see the GBP30 million who was once the shining AC Milan striker; he is on his way to becoming THE Chelsea FC striker. As ChelseaFC.com's Neil Barnett writes, Welcome to England, Sheva! In the same manner, many Chelsea fans wanted SWP to be taken out of the squad. Today, he proved why he needed to be part of the starting XI. Not only did he play a great midfield role, he also gave us our second and winning goal for the day, courtesy of a chest pass from Didier Drogba. Just like Shevchenko, we are starting to see why we paid so much money for these 2 players. Again as Barnett says, Welcome to West London, Wrighty! Furthermore, SWP's outshining Aaron Lennon will prove to be crucial and threatening to the latter in the selection of a central midfielder for England's upcoming Euro 2008 Qualifier game against Israel.

Now that we are through to the semi-finals, with Blackburn Rovers as the next opponent, we can smell the brand new and wonderful that is Wembley. I can sense a classic match between the best and second best teams in England, Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively. Despite the Devils winning through controversial penalties lately, we have just got to accept it for fear that we win the FA Cup, our second silverware, so easily. I am expecting some United thrashing of Watford in the semi-finals but to give all my respect to the Rovers, I will not say it will be an easy one for us. After all, they beat one of the top (but struggling) teams, Arsenal. The only thing we can do is wait and expect for a win.

This will not be complete without mentioning the controversial mad Spurs fan who attempted to punch Lampard on the face. It was good he caught the madman on time. As for the allegations that Drogba incessantly stomped on the fan's ankle with the intention to break it, well, I only heard it from Spurs fans. But I am keeping my eyes open for whatever comes out of the investigation. However, I think this is the worst kind of fanaticism.

Spurs fans should be ashamed of this incident, let alone not mimic what was done. One, we didn't win by a controversial penalty, like the Red Devils did. Two, what was wrong with celebrating on the pitch? Wouldn't Spurs have done the same if they won the first match? At least I know Blues fans won't be running to Berbatov, Lennon, Keane or Defoe to punch any of them. (The worst we were once able to do was throw celery. Now, it is even banned. Nothing else is left of us but passion.) Therefore, what was the point of wanting to harm the opponent's players? Passion is not to be blurred and overpowered by emotions. Devotion to a team does not mean willingness to resort to violence and cheap shots, especially in cases of defeats. It is very well appreciated that the club (Spurs) took immediate action to give a lifetime ban to the madman from matches at White Hart Lane.

To rid myself of disgust of the Spurs fan, I just tell myself, Wembley, here we come.