Contrary to what may have been gathered from ITV's The Premiership programme, Geremi's curling free-kick, which swept Middlesbrough into a stylish lead just past the half-hour was not the most eye-catching thing about the game. That honour goes to the distinctive leisurewear in which he left the ground. Middlesbrough may not have any silverware, but they do at least have a player who wears silver.
The Cameroonian, on the shortlist for African Player of the Year, has become an instant success with both team-mates and fans since arriving on a season's loan from Real Madrid, his performances on the pitch reflecting his exuberant personality.
"I like to make people smile," he said, grinning theatrically. "This is me, this is what you get. I'm naturally happy."
He is not alone in that respect. Life is a little bit sweeter on Teesside at present than its residents have been led to expect through recent experience.
"It is very hard for me to compare because I wasn't here but last year was very different. We are a much better, stronger team this year," said Geremi. "Everyone works very hard for the team and that's important. We've got a good attitude."
This was another significant marker of their improvement. Against a Chelsea side in rich form, Boro had some impressive spells in the first half and a manager capable of identifying his opponents' strengths before acting to annul them, taking Massimo Maccarone off in a half-time reorganisation. The visitors' delight at taking a point was evidence enough of Steve McClaren's success.
"I think everybody knows they're going to get a hard time against us," said McClaren. "We defend, work hard and some of our football has been absolutely fantastic. But we're not satisfied by any means. There's more to come and we can get better."
Maccarone, in particular, embodies a continuing problem in front of goal. He has toiled without reward since September, yet remains the club's top scorer, jointly with Geremi now and Szilard Nemeth. The Italian is clearly demoralised and missed his one good chance here with an embarrassing lack of conviction. "He's got to score eventually," reasoned Geremi.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are close to their peak, but Claudio Ranieri too was left with some frustrations. Despite a disappointing if disciplined performance from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the visitors had the better chances but, often thanks to Mark Schwarzer in the home goal, were frequently frustrated. "We should have scored more but it's okay, one point is good," said Ranieri.
It could have been better: the free-kick from which Boro took the lead should never been given, Emmanuel Petit having cleanly tackled Jonathan Greening - the Frenchman was also given the game's only caution - but their bad luck was cancelled out when Nemeth was wrongly judged to be offside when played through in the second half.
The visitors may have needed their stand-in centre back and captain John Terry to score a scrappy equalising goal from Hasselbaink's corner, but Chelsea are an increasingly fearsome side. "I remember when Ranieri took over he said it'd be two years before you saw his side, his culture and his way of playing," said McClaren. "He's had that now and he's reaping the benefits."
Like Ranieri, Frank Lampard demanded a little patience last season but has improved noticeably and, one glaring miss apart, again enhanced his international chances.
Graeme le Saux, who must have given up on his, enjoyed a fascinating duel with Geremi. "They were kicking me all the time," said the Middlesbrough midfielder. "Football is not love. The first thing I learned in England was 'whack'."
It seems Geremi is quickly acclimatising to English football and the prospect of a long, harsh winter does not scare him either. "I've got a lovely collection of jumpers," he said. You have been warned.
Guardian Service
MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Queudrue, Ehiogu, Southgate, Parnaby, Boateng, Greening, Geremi, Nemeth, Maccarone (Whelan 45), Boksic. Subs Not Used: Vidmar, Wilson, Crossley, Wilkshire. Goals: Geremi 32.
CHELSEA: Cudicini, Melchiot, Gallas, Terry, Le Saux, Gronkjaer (De Lucas 73), Lampard, Petit, Stanic (Zenden 67), Zola, Hasselbaink (Gudjohnsen 83). Subs Not Used: de Goey, Morris. Booked: Petit.Goals: Terry 42.
Referee: M Messias (N Yorkshire).
