BELL AND THE BALL ... Craig Bellamy fires West Ham ahead despite the efforts of Chelsea defender Alex.
GIANFRANCO ZOLA did not allow himself to celebrate one of the most important goals of his career. Even though it came at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea legend sat glued to his seat when Craig Bellamy struck for West Ham.
After all the talk of his future as Hammers boss being in doubt, you would have understood if he had danced all the way down the Fulham Road. But Zola, who spent six years at Chelsea as a player, insisted his lack of reaction was a mark of respect for the fans who still idolise him.
He said: “I couldn’t do that. Inside I was very happy for our goal, especially for Bellamy because he needed it and his confidence will improve now. “He has been working hard, playing well. That goal I’m sure will help. It was like I scored, I’m very happy for him.
“Inside I was very happy for the goal but I had to pay some respect to these people at Chelsea, I like to respect people that have given me so much.” Zola received a rapturous welcome from the Blues fans who even applauded him afterwards having booed off their own team.
For the rookie Italian boss, the point earned in his old stamping ground could yet prove the kiss of life to his struggling side. He said: “It was a great result, it has been a very good performance from my team, it’s been a great day — I’ve had a fantastic reception, it’s amazing.
“I have had fantastic support at this club, to me they showed it again. Thank you very much. “It is very important, especially after last week’s performance against Tottenham. We came from one away win, a draw at Liverpool and then we lost a big game against Tottenham.
“Everyone was down, everyone was nervous during the week. “This performance will help again to build up our confidence and maybe when we play at home we will have more confidence, more freedom and less pressure.
“This point and the performance have been vital to us.” It could have been even better for Zola, as former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole went through on goal in the last minute. But his shot was saved.
Zola said: “When Carlton was through I was thinking chip it over, chip it over. “He had a good shot, Petr Cech has made a very good save. They had another very good chance. I think it was a fair result.
“Stamford Bridge is not an easy place to come. We were very good and made it difficult for them. “It won’t be easy for anyone to come here and pick up points. “I don’t think it is only Chelsea who are dropping points, though. “It’s also Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal who are all dropping points. The other teams are getting more organised, making it more difficult for the big teams to beat them.
“Also, don’t underestimate the fact that this is a very competitive championship, the competition is making everybody better, including the small teams.” Zola was so overawed by his return to his spiritual home in England, he almost went in the wrong dressing room before kick-off.
He said: “The first 10 minutes I couldn’t understand what was going on. It took me 10 minutes just to settle down. To be in this stadium is always incredible for me. “I was thinking of other things — instinctively I just passed my changing room.”
