On this day 27 years ago, Chelsea got one of their biggest ever wins over their London rivals Arsenal, and Gianluca Vialli was the star of the show.
After Ruud Gullit’s sacking in 1998, Chelsea turned to another player-coach, Vialli. Signed by Gullit just two years earlier, the Italian was a savvy tactician and a clinical centre-forward.
During his time in charge, Chelsea lifted five trophies while also emerging as regular challengers near the top of the Premier League, finishing third for the first time in three decades.
Vialli saw plenty of success, but a London derby during his first full season at the club surely stands out amongst the best.
Gianluca Vialli coached against Arsenal and joined in on the fun
Arsenal were a formidable opponent under Arsene Wenger, who was in his second full season in England at the time.
Fresh off a domestic double, the Frenchman was no doubt on the hunt for more silverware.
But they wouldn’t get past Vialli and Chelsea. Frank Lebouef opened the scoring with a penalty, and that’s all Chelsea would manage before the break.
They came out in the second half with a different energy, chasing the Gunners down on their home turf and pushing to kill off the game. And that’s exactly what they did, with Gus Poyet adding two goals and player/manager Vialli bagging a brace.
Tifo of Gianluca Vialli
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
5-0 against the champions of England — even a somewhat rotated side — and knocking them out of the league cup was a statement win for Vialli’s Blues.
The player-coach options since Vialli
It’s hard to imagine a modern Premier League side turning to a player-manager again, but it’s possible.
Reece James would be the sentimental choice — a Cobham graduate who embodies the club and commands respect in the dressing room. He’s a proper leader. Levi Colwill, too. But are they tactically astute enough to face off against some of the best coaches, while also taking on the best players on the field?
Chelsea are a very young team now, and don’t have the experience needed to take on that responsibility.
Looking a few years back though…
Filipe Luis has shown his coaching chops with Flamengo.
Frank Lampard is flying with Coventry City.
Oh, and John Terry says he’d love to be Chelsea manager.
Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The player-coach trend was ended at Chelsea to great success. They wouldn’t go back in that direction. But there have been a few pass through the Bridge who have some of the necessary traits.
Maybe they could have done it, but one thing is for certain — Vialli could and he showed it against Arsenal.