Whilst the ground echoed to the chimes of Blue Moon and a rash of hugs and high fives broke out all over the stadium, there was nothing but calm in the inner sanctum.
There was no hooting and hollering, no bellicose triumphalism just a quiet air of satisfaction at a job well done and three points hard earned.
There were many ‘man of the match’ performances all over the pitch for City. Nigel de Jong won the television champagne and his former Hamburg teammate Vincent Kompany took the vote of those in the stadium.
“There were fourteen players on that pitch, more on the bench, and thousands in the stand who just refused to beaten,” declared imperious Belgian international Kompany.
There was a collective will and we showed what could be done. Chelsea are a really good team and to beat them is great but it is only three points like any other three points
...Vincent Kompany on Chelsea success
“We will not win the league or finish in the Champions League places by beating Chelsea – though it will help – but by winning the games like the ones that are coming up against Newcastle and Blackpool.”
When the lack of celebrations surrounding the 1-0 win courtesy of Carlos Tevez’ winner just before the hour mark was pointed out to Kompany the midfielder turned central defender merely shrugged.
“Of course we are happy – very tired and very happy – but in this game you do not dwell on results,” he continued.
“Today is already yesterday as far as we are concerned – if you see what I mean. Tomorrow is now the only day that counts.
“We must enjoy this win recover, and then start work for the next game. When we beat Liverpool the next game we lost at Sunderland. We must make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
