Ashley Cole hatred from us was warranted given the obvious tapping up and the manner of his leaving. It being a hated rival only added to it, but was not the major cause of our hatred of Ca$hley.

Fans need to realign expectations, yes. From 1989-90 until 2002-03 they finished 11th or below 5/14 seasons, and 5th or below 11/14 seasons. Then Roman’s dirty money came in and bought the league for a long time. I’m not saying that previous period is what should be accepted or acceptable, but expecting top 4 every year just because you are Chelsea isn’t realistic.

Liverpool finished outside of the top 4 in 7 out of 8 seasons more recently. Arsenal had a run of 6 straight. Man United not quite as bad, but missed it in 4 out of 7 seasons. The reality is that clubs need to reset and rebuild sometimes, and that takes time. This isn’t La Liga where Barca and Real are guaranteed top 3 every year.

Yes and no. I was Arsene Out from earlier than most, and while I still look back and see mistakes I also think we have to acknowledge what he did under terrible conditions. He was given no budget at all, and I don’t think any other manager could have kept getting top 3-4 finishes with squads full of Squilachis and Yaya Sanogos and Andre Santoses and Bendtners. How he kept us in the CL every year with that trash is a miracle.