Chelsea fans from the local community came together in their masses at 16:30 on Sunday to roar their team on in a clash against Manchester United, displaying the banner pictured above to show their support before the game kicked off.

 

As the teams walked out onto the pitch, the words ‘The Pride of London’, which has become a slogan of sorts in recent years for the Blues, could be seen dominating the famous Shed End. After Chelsea thrashed Juventus 4-0 midweek in the Champions League, in what was  manager Thomas Tuchel’s 50th game in charge of the club, the fans were eager to show their appreciation ahead of this next huge encounter. The banner also featured all the different pieces of silverware Chelsea boasts in their trophy cabinet; they’ll be hoping to add a sixth Premier League trophy to that collection come May.

 

I was at Stamford Bridge for the game, and the anticipation in the air was tangible during the short walk to the stadium, with large crowds gathering from all over the local area as the big-game atmosphere built up. Throughout the showdown, the home fans were doing all they could to push the team on, their frequent chants and shouting elevating the noise inside the Bridge. 

 

In the photo above, there is not an empty seat in sight, and the bright floodlights of the stadium contrast the dark, late-evening London sky. The royal blue banner proudly unveiled by the loyal home supporters is the focus of the photo, with every head in the sea of blue turned in the direction of the pitch. Overall, the photo demonstrates the strength of the local community in coming out to support their team and providing the most electric atmosphere possible in which the players could thrive.

 

Despite the efforts of the local fans in braving the cold to cheer Chelsea on, the Blues only managed to earn a point against a Manchester United side struggling for form. However, that said, the constant encouragement of the crowd arguably helped the side find their way back into the game after going a goal down. The fans were treated to the excellent attacking performance they would have wanted to see, and the only thing missing to wrap up all three points was some better finishing. 

 

Because of the dropped points, the disappointment was palpable among the supporters as we all filed out of the stadium, but nevertheless the community and the team can be proud of their efforts.