February Player of the Month

A month perhaps not quite as unsatisfying as it looks on paper, and improved drastically be a tremendous and completely unforeseen result at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. February's certainly seen us wobble, yet somehow end it still on course to snatch a place in the top four.

The defeat at Hull was every bit as disappointing as those at Spurs or Everton. At least we bagged a goal, but it was another case of no-one really playing very well at all. The tempo to the afternoon was set by some early erratic defending, and we never really settled. I thought Wayne Bridge coped admirably, but a cameo from Adam Johnson was about as good as it got. With him in the side at least we started to believe we could get something.

It wasn't all too dissimilar a tale against Bolton, the drabbest of drab home wins. Johnson's home debut was an excellent one, real bums-off-seats stuff. We've not been short of quality wingers in recent years, but his display had everyone i spoke to foaming at the mouth, and i'd say it was as good a first run-out as i can remember seeing at the new place. The defence, however, was again edgy, though Joleon Lescott certainly steadied the ship from the bench, and fellow sub Wright-Phillips provided a much-needed boost, not to mention a bit more balance to the midfield.

The first of three ties with saviours of football Stoke City started brightly but fizzed out. In a game that was billed as Wayne Bridge's big chance to impress watching England boss Fabio Capello, the former Southampton left-back stood up to the plate, by far the best player on the field, first half especially, bombing forward like his old self and looking assured in retreat. SWP was also generally bright, grabbing the only goal following some terrific defending from Ryan Shawcross.

I sadly didn't see the league game at the Britannia so can't really say too much bar what i've heard and read second-hand from those who did. Almost all agreed that Micah Richards was our stand-out performer, but again Joleon Lescott received a fair amount of praise.

The reaction of both the press and neutrals to the goalless draw with Liverpool was at odds with my own opinions of the game. I enjoyed it, and whilst there were few clear-cut chances it was relatively end-to-end, and a real tactical battle between the two managers. Slightly disappointed we didn't get the win and put further space between us and them, but there were enough good performers on the day for it to have been considered a successful afternoon at the office. Pablo Zabaleta was our best player, a real warrior-like showing on the back of a few hooky ones. He never relented for a single minute, and it was maybe even his best performance for the club. Honourable mentions to Nige de Jong, and once again Joleon Lescott.

Though the evening ended in disappointment and saw an end to our trophy hopes for yet another season, i agree with Mancini that we played very well at Stoke, probably as well as we did all month. The first half hour was an absolute joy to watch, and we looked more like the expensively-assembled squad we are than the conservative, tepid side we've generally seen as the new manager settles in. When Stoke did have patches of play our central defenders coped well (in ninety minutes at least), but if was Ade who stood out most for me. He ran his socks off, and his tireless evening's work was only undone by the red card that cost us the game. Craig Bellamy also showed signs of being back to his best, demonstrating fantastic movement and bursts from midfield, although sadly not being able to tuck away a great chance before the break.

What can be said about the mauling of Ancelotti's Chelsea on their own turf? Every single player came out of that with credit, from Given's key stops in the latter stages, Vince and Joleon's pocketing of Drogba save a couple of good early opportunities, the midfield three who stood firm all afternoon, Bridge's noble shift considering the circumstances, and obviously the attacking menace of Bellamy, Tevez and Wright-Phillips. It would be unfair to really single any one person out.

There are a few who have had mixed months; performing some weeks but not others. Adam Johnson has had a promising start so far, but it will be some time before he can prove a key player every week. Craig and Carlos are back on the goal trail but have missed games, Zab started the month poorly but ended it back to his best, Ade seems more motivated, and Bridgey's been a safe 7/10+ pretty much every week through a troubled time.

For sheer consistency, though, there were two real contenders this time round. Despite conceding five in the last two games the circumstances shouldn't be ignored. Down to ten men at Stoke and away at the side who are the best side in the land on merit this gone weekend. That general improvement at the back has come with us having our two most competent centre-halves back in the side, if neither are probably fully fit.

Vince has been a revelation since returning to the fold, but for my money Joleon has done enough to pip him as our best player over February. He's looked like a player worth an eight-figure fee, and as he regains his match fitness i've high hopes for the partnership that has already showed promising signs. Kolo might have a real battle on his hands to regain his place.

February: Joleon Lescott