There has been lots of talk of the successes of Arsenal and Manchester United, as both sides seek to capture multiple silverware this season. But let’s not forget Avram Grant’s men could feasibly still collect a clean sweep of trophies, and given that Jose Mourinho's successor has had to deal with a myriad of injuries and a mass African Nations Cup exodus, some could argue that Chelsea's achievements far outweigh those of the top two.

Whilst United and Arsenal do battle in the big game in fifth round of the FA Cup, Chelsea will, hopefully, be easing past League One outfit Huddersfield. Blues fans then have the Carling Cup final to look forward to as they take on their big time enemies Spurs in the Wembley final next Sunday. Things are pretty rosy in the Stamford Bridge garden and that is all the more surprising given the managerial change at the club.

The injury list at the club hasn’t just been a long one, it has also taken out most of the stars for huge chunks of the season. John Terry has managed just 11 league starts and has been out since Chelsea’s last defeat, away at Arsenal. Frank Lampard too was out for a couple of months before returning for the big clash against Liverpool last weekend.

'His [Ballack's] form in the closing stages of this season is going to be vital to the success of the club'


The Premier League’s top scorer last term, Didier Drogba, hasn’t kicked a ball in the league since December 1. Michael Essien has also missed almost half of the domestic campaign, yet Chelsea still find themselves within reach, albeit extended reach, of the title.

The prizes that Chelsea are chasing also include a real good shot at the Champions League. After an unbeaten group stage, the Blues find themselves with probably the easiest knock-out stage opponent of the lot, Olympiakos. It would be unwise to get complacent about such a game. The Greeks did, after all, qualify from a group that contained Real Madrid, Lazio and Werder Bremen. That being said, the signs are there that the boys should make it to the quarters-finals.

Since Jose left, Chelsea seem more of a team. Squad players have kept their ambitions on track and the mental approach on the pitch seems more positive. The return of Michael Ballack has, of course, been key. The German, who had a distinctly average first season, has bounced back from long term injury to answer critics who had clearly forgotten just what the former Bayern Munich star can do. His form in the closing stages of this season is going to be vital to the success of the club. It’s no coincidence that since the 31-year-old came back from his long lay off the side has picked up eight wins and three draws from eleven games.

Of course it’s a cliché but every game from here on in is like a Cup Final and these are exciting times for the west London side. For those who believe the league title is a distant dream, please think carefully about the closing words of this piece. We are unbeaten at home in the league for almost four years and we still have Manchester United and Arsenal to entertain on our home patch. So miracles can happen.

Either way the lads have made me proud to be a fan and their do-or-die mentality, far more evident over the last five months than the previous 18, has been a joy to watch.  Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.