With all the discussion surrounding the implosion of Arsenal as they conspire to throw away their title hopes, there is no suggestion that even if Arsene Wenger's boys screw it up royally, leading to a third barren season without silverware, the Frenchman would be shown the door.

Arsenal know that long-term success demands long-term stability, and Wenger is key to executing that plan. The same blueprint for success has most recently been adopted by Bill Kenwright at Everton and John Williams at Blackburn, whose respective sides have benefited in securing their league status and strengthening their European ambitions.

Over in west London, the atmosphere is far more treacherous. Avram Grant is living a day-to-day existence, needing the safety-blanket of a healthy win every match day to stave off the boo-boys. The Israeli, who persists in tempting fate with his constant all-black attire, knows that criticism is always just around the corner. Grant is a dead man walking, and there appears very little he can do about it.

'For success to flow, Grant needs to be afforded the freedom to make difficult tactical decisions without being crucified if his opponents prove too strong'


Defeats by Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs seem to have consigned Grant's future. No slack is offered due to the fact that the defeat at Old Trafford came days after Jose Mourinho walked out, nor that the defeats to both north London sides came courtesy of two uncharacteristic blunders by Petr Cech in dealing with standard crosses, which led to the respective winning goals.

The truth is that Grant's present-day record lacks conclusiveness with 25 wins and eight draws stacked against the three losses. Chelsea are still fighting on three fronts, with the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup crowns all within striking distance. Yet for success to flow, Grant needs to be afforded the freedom to make difficult tactical decisions without being crucified if his opponents prove too strong.

Unfortunately, support is thin on the ground as Grant is the hero nobody wanted. His demeanour, sullen face and Israeli accent were never likely to win over any of the fans who were left stunned after the Special One walked out of the Bridge. Coupled with this was the air of mistrust which followed his appointment, an appointment which only Roman Abramovich seemed keen on, leaving many with a strong whiff of in-house favouritism and collusion.

And then there is the taboo subject, Grant's identity as an Israeli and a Jew. While it would be difficult to qualify the extent to which many Blues supporters hold this against Grant, anyone who has witnessed live matches between Chelsea and Tottenham will know that antisemitic abuse will always be heard in the stands. Such unpalatable vitriol made the headlines as recently as last week, following the Carling Cup final, when the Daily Star reported that "Blues supporters sitting close to Meir Granat – a Holocaust survivor – yelled insults which made reference to the Chelsea manager being Jewish. The abuse comes after Grant was sent white powder and antisemitic death threats during the build-up to the final."

The negative atmosphere over Grant's tenure spiked during last week's revelations that Frank Rijkaard is waiting in the wings to take over at Chelsea.

When Spurs courted Juande Ramos under the nose of poor Martin Jol, the press vilified the Tottenham board for their underhand behaviour and unscrupulous ethics. Yet strangely not a murmur was forthcoming from the press or moreover Chelsea, to temper the story last week. Rather, it was left to the beleaguered Grant, at his Friday press conference, to draw on memories of Dreyfuss and look his accusers in the eye to defend himself and his reputation.

Should Avram win a trophy this season, his fate will rest in the balance and, dependent on the competition, he may even receive a stay of execution. Should he draw a blank, he will be expected to candidly collect his belongings and step aside.

The understanding is loud and clear. For whatever reason, time is a luxury which the Israeli will not be afforded, and only against all the odds will Grant be able to prove himself to be a success at Chelsea.

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