I digress. A roughly half capacity crowd meant that, even though I only bought my ticket on Monday, I could get a seat in the Matthew Harding Lower right behind the goal. Which was nice. The Levski fans only filled up just over half the away stand, but made it clear from the outset that they were out to make as much noise as possible (all credit to them). Not to be outdone, we all erupted in a loud "Carefree" immediately after the two-minute silence.

The game started in a sprightly way, Zola getting a chance after only a minute or two and Chelsea getting in plenty of attacking play. For all the hype about Levski Sofia, they really looked out of their depth from the start and created only a handful of chances during the entire game, most of which were in the last ten minutes. Their defending was excellent, though, and despite numerous runs forward Chelsea couldn't seem to get the ball in the net. Zenden was flattened in the area but no penalty was given, not the last example of crap refereeing of the evening. I know it's a cliche that referees are half-blind but I really did wonder about this one at times.

Petit was brought off midway through the half, and on came Jody "Dennis Wise Jr" Morris. This was a decision that went down very well with the Chelsea support, and I have to say that I thought Morris was great. He gave 101% from the moment he stepped onto the field, getting the tackles in left right and centre, helping out the defence one minute and racing forward the next, and always on the look out for passes to intercept. I am particularly chuffed that he was brought on in preference to Sam Dalla Bona - I have no wish to launch into a Dr Les-stylee rant BUT I am highly concerned by the rumours in the press that, in the light of Dalla Bona signing a new contract, Morris may go elsewhere.

Jody Morris has been on the fringes of the first team for several seasons now, and his willingness to fight for a place and determination on the pitch when he actually does get to play are exemplary and show true loyalty to the club, a priceless commodity. Dalla Bona is only signing a new contract with Chelsea because his moves back to Italy fell through, and that is totally the wrong attitude in my view. If we have to lose one of the two then I say get rid of Dalla Bona. Dalla Bona will only stay until he gets what he considers to be a better offer from abroad, whereas Morris is Chelsea through and through, and I will personally go down to Stamford Bridge and have a serious go at Bates and Ranieri if he is "allowed to leave".

I digress. Gudjohnsen was clearly out to prove how good he is (and he is, very) and finally got the goal he deserved just before half time, twisting around four opponents before calmly chipping over the keeper; he made it look so easy. I really do hope that we'll be seeing a lot more of him this season - he's way too good just to be used as a backup for Hasselbaink. Players like Gudjohnsen represent the future of Chelsea and need experience now, just like Lampard, Terry, Melchiot seem to be getting, to ensure that by the time they reach their mid-late twenties they can compete at the very highest levels.

The second half was brighter. Chelsea clearly weren't going to sit back on their lead and they went at Levski even harder. Le Saux was always a danger on the left flank and Gudjohnsen, Zenden and Lampard combined well to dominate the right and centre. The Levski players were becoming rattled and this resulted in plenty of Oscar Nominee antics whenever they got tackled. The Matthew Harding got pretty fucked off with this very quickly, and before long every such incident was met with chants of "let him die, let him die, let him die" as well as the widespread boos and whistles.

A blazing shot from Zenden was tipped out by the keeper, but the resulting corner was well headed in by Gudjohnsen and things started to look much better. One of the Levski defenders used both hands to block a cross from Le Saux, but the referee, despite being all of six yards away, didn't see it - "you don't know what you're doing", we chorused.

In the last ten minutes Levski went all out for a saving away goal, and Ed De Goey had to make a couple of pressured saves. The final goal, though, went to the Chelsea again as Lampard picked up Zenden's cross. The Levski keeper blocked the shot but Lampard flicked in the rebound. The look on his face as he ran up to the crowd said everything, and I think he deserved it after his efforts. I gather he had a good game at Tottenham as well, and he certainly has come on noticeably since the first day of the season. Good stuff.

All in all an excellent result for Chelsea, especially considering the absence of some key players. Oh, and in case anyone missed it, Leeds lost. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha................

What do YOU think ? Want to add your point of view ? Here's your chance to send me some feedback. NB: Opposing fans: abuse will be laughed at and then binned, so don't waste your time. Considered, intelligent argument, presented in the spirit of friendly rivalry guarantees a response.