The Beautiful Game

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeIt's been an interesting week for the Beautiful Game as with the transfer window open wider than Chelsea's defense there is a lot of speculation. As you would expect the most noise is coming from Manchester City with the financial backing of Sheikh Mansour they aren't affected by the global recession. Although even with the recession they still appear to be bidding over the odds for players.

I'm hoping that they come in for Drogba because he hasn't performed well this season. Just look at the Manchester United match at the weekend! :( Their primary target appears to be Kaka, who Chelsea themselves have courted in previous seasons. What makes this deal so intriguing is the staggering £100m offer being tabled for the player! An incredible sum and sources have indicated that they are prepared to offer £500,000 a week for his services as well. If Manchester City are prepared to approach potential players in this manner then what hope is there for the rest? At least when Chelsea were the big spenders they remained grounded to an extent. Although would I say otherwise having supported the Blues for as long as I can remember!

Tonight was a decent result for Chelsea coming after a week of negativity and press accusations about unrest at the club. With Didier Drogba axed from the squad and the pressure on following the crushing 3-0 defeat at Manchester United the FA Cup clash with Southend was always going to be tense. Pressure mounted as Southend took a shock lead - against the run of play - through skipper Adam Barrett from another set play which was disappointing!

The response from Chelsea was fantastic with Michael Ballack, Saloman Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard insuring progress to the next round! The victory came at a cost as Joe Cole pulled up injured which will be a setback. Also in the Premier League Manchester United moved above Chelsea with a 1-0 win against Wigan to move within two points of leaders Liverpool. I'm enjoying the championship race and hopeful that a few results go our way over the coming weeks. With City likely to sign everyone in the summer I hope this will be a campaign to remember before they make the Beautful Game become less attractive!