John Terry having an affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-partner might just turn out to be the best thing that could have happened to Manchester City's season.
City have looked overly defensive and predictable since Roberto Mancini was appointed coach in December but on Saturday they produced a second-half performance full of fight and no little skill to hammer Chelsea 4-2.
Pure voyeurism prompted many to tune into this match, those eager to see whether Bridge would shake Terry's hand before kick-off. He didn't. But what was also significant was Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy's refusal to look at Terry as they put skin on skin.
And at Stamford Bridge I watched these two protagonists tip the balance in City's favor with a double each after the visitors had gone 1-0 down to a Frank Lampard goal.
Tevez was all heart, battling bravely on his own against Terry and Ricardo Carvalho in the first-half, and teaming up with the fleet-footed Bellamy in the second to rip the Blues defense to shreds.
Tevez could be seen pointing at Bridge in one of the goal celebrations, a gesture clearly designed to demonstrate that the players are fully behind the defender, who announced on Thursday that he no longer wishes to be considered for England selection.
I don't blame Bridge for not wanting to spend a minute of his time in Terry's presence. Formerly the best of friends, Bridge has clearly been devastated by news of Terry's affair with Vanessa Perroncel.
But if City's second-half showing is anything to go by, and the way the players appeared to be fighting for Bridge, the revelation may have a galvanizing affect on City's season.
Mancini's men will not play Chelsea every week of course, but this vibrant display suggested renewed hunger in their bid to finish fourth and reach the Champions League.
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