Joe Cole gave Chelsea a decisive Premiership advantage with a stunning goal against Norwich.
LION OF THE WEEKEND: Joe Cole gave Chelsea a decisive Premiership advantage with a stunning goal on Saturday
Since an injury to the world-class Arjen Robben, England’s Joe Cole has stepped up to the plate to ensure Chelsea’s charge to the Premiership hasn’t faltered.
Cole was the key player for Jose Mourinho’s team on Saturday evening, scoring one stunning goal and having a hand in another as Chelsea beat Norwich 3-1 to go eight points clear of Manchester United with a game in hand.
England’s 1990 World Cup defender Paul Parker is glad to see the skilful Cole playing such a significant part at the top of the table.
"Everyone compared him to Gazza when he started and it’s good to see him get a run of matches and look comfortable as part of the team," said Parker.
"Players need to have an end product whatever their talent and Joe is no different. He made good choices at Norwich, when to dribble, when to pass and of course when to shoot.
"Mourinho isn’t a fool. Losing Robben was a big blow but he felt Joe Cole was the man to replace him and in the Premiership at least, they haven’t lost any ground."
Chelsea had been frustrated by Norwich until Cole rode a couple of tackles and let fly with his left foot from 25 yards to score midway through the first half.
Norwich levelled in the second half but Cole combined with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Frank Lampard to set up the crucial second goal for Mateja Kezman.
If Robben isn’t fit for Barcelona on Tuesday night, Cole will again be needed to produce his magic in a classic European match-up.
Lion of the Season - Total nominations so far
Stewart Downing 3 (08 Nov, 18 Oct, 04 Oct)
Shaun Wright-Phillips 3 (25 Oct, 16 Aug, 22 Nov)
Michael Owen 2 (01 Nov, 30 Aug)
John Terry 2 (29 Nov, 13 Dec)
Alan Smith 2 (23 Aug, 04 Jan)
Frank Lampard 2 (06 Dec, 17 Jan)
Wayne Rooney 2 (15 Nov, 31 Jan)
David James 2 (13 Sept, 07 Feb)
Jermain Defoe 2 (20 Dec, 14 Feb)
Rio Ferdinand 2 (11 Oct, 21 Feb)
Ashley Cole 1 (27 Sept)
Ledley King 1 (20 Sept)
Steven Gerrard 1 (06 Sept)
Darren Carter 1 (10 Jan)
Dean Ashton 1 (24 Jan)
Andy Johnson 1 (28 Feb)
Joe Cole 1 (06 Feb)
* Every Monday TheFA.com announces the outstanding England player from the weekend’s matches, selected with the help of a former England international.
Lion of the Weekend is chosen by five former England internationals: Alan Mullery, Russell Osman, Mick Mills, Malcolm Macdonald and Paul Parker.
The player with the most votes at the end of the season will be crowned 'Lion of the Season'.