Cole on the Defensive

Sky’s pre-match coverage of Chelsea’s not too successful away day at White Hart Lane included a very interesting interview with Ashley Cole, in which two quotes in particular from the ex-Arsenal full back demonstrated how quickly he has become housetrained:

“It’s not how you play, but whether you win.”

“We don’t mind playing rubbish all season if we pick up a trophy.”

How Cole must rue all those wasted years at Arsenal. Given licence to roam in the opposition’s half of the field. Encouraged to attack and even (perish the thought) score goals. Forced to take part in attractive imaginative football. Winning the Premiership and the F.A. Cup. Going a whole season unbeaten. Reaching the final of the Champions League.

What a relief it must be to join a club where life is so much simpler and all you have to concentrate on is results, square passes, bigger pay cheques and a spot of amateur dramatics now and again.

But the thing he has appreciated most is being taught by the manager how to defend properly. As anyone who witnessed his performance against Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon could see quite clearly.