John Terry’s week of turmoil ended with a measure of consolation as he helped Chelsea return to the Premier League summit and apply a potentially fatal blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
Terry, stripped of the England captaincy by coach Fabio Capello amid allegations of an affair with the ex-girlfriend of international team-mate Wayne Bridge, received vociferous backing from Chelsea’s fans as he led his side into a crucial battle.
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has also been fervent in his public support of Terry, and was rewarded with a typically robust defensive display and a vital early contribution in attack that set his side on the path to victory.
Terry helped to create Didier Drogba’s first goal after winning a header from Florent Malouda’s corner - and the striker continued his stunning form against Arsenal by scoring his 12th goal in 10 starts against the Gunners with an emphatic strike before half-time.
Drogba almost completed his hat-trick late on with he hit the bar with a free-kick, but by that stage the game was won and Arsenal’s misery was complete.
The focus was all on Terry, and once again he demonstrated his ability to overcome personal difficulties in a football environment by ensuring Arsenal never seriously threatened a comeback.
It was a display which will also have pleased England coach Capello, who will be looking for vital signs of how Terry responds to his decision to take away the captain’s armband and hand it to Rio Ferdinand.
Terry ended the game with strapping on his left leg after an accidental clash with goalkeeper Petr Cech, but responded to applause from Chelsea’s fans by throwing his shirt into the crowd and giving away his captain’s armband.
