Infact at one point, I almost thought it might be a deliberate ploy to show Chelsea that their £30m would be better spent elsewhere.
On saturday against Middlesbrough however, Gerrard had one of his better games for a while (the goal was world class), despite essentially being outshone by Xabi Alonso again. However the signs were there that he was getting some form back which will help to compensate for Alonso missing the game on Tuesday. Because make no mistake about it, a fully fit Gerrard at the top of his game may well be the difference between us reaching our first European Cup Final for twenty years or merely becoming just another side that ducked out in the last four.
To me, this game marks a watershed in our captain's career. I even heard recently that should we go through, Gerrard could well sign a new contract with us before the final in Istanbul. If this is so, then it would appear as if Stevie cannot lose on Tuesday night. If we win he stays. If we lose then all the talk of him moving to the Bridge would be very much back on again.
I think it's a very tricky situation for him. Ask him what would be his ultimate dream and he would tell you that it would be to skipper his hometown club to the final of the greatest club tournament in the world. Having done that, how could he even consider leaving? Whatever way it goes, our fans will demand a huge performance on Tuesday. In my opinion he owes us fans and also owes Alonso one aswell.
For when Stevie missed the game in Turin through injury, a lot of people expected Juventus to stroll to the 1-0 victory they needed to progress. But cometh the hour, cometh the man, in the form of Alonso, who despite not having started a first team game for nearly four months, produced a match winning display in midfield. After his wrongful booking in the first leg, it is now Gerrard's turn to step into Xabi's boots and produce a huge performance.
We will also of course, be boosted by the inevitable return of Didi Hamann. He will be vital to our game plan, especially if Gerrard plays just behind Milan again as expected. Some have suggested that Dijbril Cisse should be thrown on from the start in a 4-4-2 formation but I just don't see this happening, as much as I would love to see it. Attack has to be the best form of defence, as proven in the first half against Juve. Get the crowd going and we really have a great chance. I guarantee you that the Chelsea players will NEVER have played in an atmosphere like they will experience on Tuesday night.
As for Chelsea, despite winning the title, I have seen signs recently against both us and Arsenal, that they are beginning to run on empty. The last thing they needed was a trip to the Reebok 72 hours before this game.
The players have all been heroes so far. Lets not let it slip now.
YNWA
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