Redwatch: Chelsea victory was more than just the three points

Either that or I'm just bitter and twisted after all the years of travelling to Stamford Bridge to come away with nothing but a sickly smile. Whatever, I deserve this and I'm going to enjoy it.

Arriving at the House of Hospitality on Sunday, we were given the customary warm greeting as we neared the visiting fans' entrance: I haven't seen so many police and stewards in one place since the miners' strike.

After showing my ticket to at least four separate people, who clearly thought I had a John Bull printing press under my jacket, and being frisked and manhandled by a variety of people in yellow tabards, my warmth for this special club was growing by the minute.

Once inside the ground, all the trappings of the famous, improvisational Chelsea support were there for all to see.

Professionally printed banners adorning the front of the upper tier, proclaiming 'Mathew Harding's Blue and White Army'.

A giant flag passed across the crowd, so blatantly produced by the club itself I'm amazed the fans didn't have to pay for touching it. A ball boy waving the only other flag in the ground.

The rabble-rousing match compere calling for cheers from each stand, pointing his microphone futilely in their direction.

You want atmosphere? Might as well go to the Moon.

As for the game itself, there's no doubt that Rafa set the side up brilliantly.

I'd thought that the United result at Everton might have persuaded him that a draw would be a good result, and that we were in for 90 minutes of European-style defending, which we'd got away with a couple of times in the recent past. Not a bit of it.

As if to show off the new-found confidence of the side, the Reds took the game to Chelsea whenever possible, tying them up in their own half to build frustration once we had taken the lead.

Apart from a 20-minute spell before half-time, we gave as good as we got and created the clearest chances.

It's a long time too since I saw a Liverpool side so comfortable in possession, passing their way out of tight situations and inviting frustrated tugs and pushes from their opponents.

For me there was none better than Xabi Alonso at this, and it's a joy to watch him when he's in this sort of form.

Thank you Martin O'Neill.

With the inspirational Jamie Carragher behind him, and the irrepressible Dirk Kuyt alongside, this trio stood out from a team full of heroes.

Scolari's gracious comments in defeat were a welcome change to the surly arrogance of the Mourinho years; perhaps there's hope for this club yet.

Well, I enjoyed that. I'll be back 'on message' by tonight Rafa, I promise. But believe me, that was not just any three points.