Moment of Brilliance

No-one who saw Michael Essien’s 83rd minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge in the London derby against Arsenal is likely to forget it. When all seemed lost and a longstanding undefeated home record was in real jeopardy, the Chelsea midfielder came up with the goods - a shot of savage power and stunning brilliance from fully 30 yards which at the last possible moment bent into the corner beyond Jens Lehmann’s desperate dive.

It was an immediate candidate for goal of the season and the outstanding contribution to Chelsea’s game from arguably one of very few players in blue who might warrant a place in Arsene Wenger’s team.