Luck on a Roll

Jose Mourinho is nothing if not thorough and his eyes must have lit up when he saw the referee’s appointment for the game against Everton at Stamford Bridge. It just so happens that in 6 games involving Chelsea, Rob Styles has sent off 4 players from opposing teams.

In the 47th minute Everton’s Lee Carsley became the latest victim. There is no doubt that his challenge on Drogba was mis-timed and there is equally no doubt that it merited a yellow card. Unfortunately, in his enthusiasm Mr Styles brandished his red card with what looked like indecent haste. It was a loss Everton could have done without and, of course, it was a turn of events which proved extremely fortunate for the home side.

But Chelsea’s luck is not confined to Stamford Bridge or the whims of Rob Styles. While helping his beloved Newcastle United to an emphatic victory over doomed neighbours Sunderland, Alan Shearer picked up an injury which will almost certainly keep him out of the last game at St James Park – the clash with Chelsea which may yet be required to decide the Premiership.

Useful!