It is a lesson that not every player takes on board, it isn’t always easy when you are being lauded by everyone to see the value of having pride in your work even when things are not go so well. I watched Newcastle a few weeks back against Manchester United and I saw an echo of that spirit, which is handy for them, as the week before when losing to Leicester the spirit was notable only for its absence.

The young Longstaff brothers in midfield last week were the epitome of the pride in their play and in their shirts that the home fans wanted to see. Every football fan knows it when he or she sees it. All players try during games, but there is something over and above the norm that we as fans are looking for. At Chelsea I think we should consider ourselves lucky that we have that attitude all the way through our entire current side.

You do not have to go back generations to find one or two players whose total commitment was questioned by some Chelsea fans. That is the case at every club, not everyone is the hardest worker and some aren’t giving 100 per cent all the time but right at this moment, I do not have a single complaint about one Chelsea player in this area.

There is a great affinity being built between our fans and the players just now. We know the initial reasons; this is Frank’s team so we are bound to be on board, the kids coming through are our kids so once again we are onside. But look around and consider everyone else and the obvious work-rate and spirit from them, it has been superb this season even during the tougher times.

When we lost 4-0 up at Old Trafford, yes Frank in his debut game was always going to be excused, but neither were the players abused by the fans. This was because all the effort and a good deal of quality was there for everyone to see. You can’t fake that stuff for too long with the fans. Take Jorginho, the statistics alone will tell you about his incredible work-rate but it is his passion for every tackle and every chase that shines almost as much as his ability on the ball. Willian obviously is reborn as well but try thinking of someone in the group that isn’t giving everything for every moment, it is impossible.

