X

EPL Villain of the Week: Chelsea's Didier Drogba

Timothy NCorrespondent ISeptember 14, 2010

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11:  Didier Drogba of Chelsea evades Scott Parker (8) and Valon Behrami of West Ham United (L) during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground on September 11, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
Hamish Blair/Getty Images

Welcome back to another edition of Premiership Villain of the week.

Once again we look to Premiership leaders Chelsea for the topic of the article.

Unlike last time, there will be less praise, and as much as it hurts me to say as a Chelsea fan, deserved condemnation.

Didier Drogba has been absolutely imperious for the past year, breaking ankles with his tricks and scorching nets with his shots.

Even though he has not scored in two games, he has been the driving force in Chelsea's attack that has continued to score goals at a record setting pace.

Didier Drogba also has a reputation for being petulant, vicious, and diving, and unfortunately, all of his traits both good and bad were on full display this past weekend in the London Derby.

Sure, he hammered the Hammers and made the opposing centre-backs look as if they were gargoyles glowering at his dribbling but unable to move to stop him.

And yes, he either assisted or pulled defenders away for the three goals.

He also took the captain's armband at the end of the game and was encouraging to his fellow teammates throughout, including newcomers Ramires and Gael Kakuta.

He also showed why he is such a reviled figure amongst opposition supporters.

While former Villain of the Week Chris Foy did miss a few calls in the game, he otherwise handled the contentious match well and did deserve more respect from Drogba who must have torn his throat out screaming at him throughout the day.

He also went to ground more easily than a toddler on ice on more than one occasion, making even my forgiving eyes wince in disbelief.

So, for being both brilliant and petulant, Didier Drogba is the EPL Villain of the Week.