Two weeks into the season and some of the pre season
ambiguity is clearing up while some is being added. Manchester United despite a
great pre season tour of the US where they beat the likes of Liverpool and Real
Madrid, have yet to win a game or even look like title contenders. Liverpool are
looking to avoid a Tottenham like situation after selling Luis Suarez and
buying the likes of Lambert, Markovic and Balotelli to fill the gap. Arsenal
look defensively frail and yet again try to convert a winger, Alexis Sanchez,
into a world class striker as Wenger did with Henry. Tottenham, under new boss
Pochettino, struggled a little against West Ham in the opener but easily
dismantled QPR in round two and all signs suggest the signings made last season
might come good after all. Manchester City ground out a win against Newcastle
without being too flashy. City and Liverpool’s credentials will be tested a
little more severely when they meet tonight, although I suspect it’ll be a
cagey affair with both sides not wanting to lose so early in the season.
Chelsea have however got everyone talking with two
performances of note, albeit against promoted teams who are widely regarded
weaker. The first game against Burnley at Turf Moor had threatened to turn into
an exhibition match at half time before Chelsea eased up in the second half and
were content with the three goals scored before the break. Burnley did take
the lead unexpectedly but the gulf quality was soon evident and Diego Costa
opening his CFC account with a poacher’s finish leveled scores. The goal of
the night and an early entry for goal of the season, however, was scored by Schurrle but
was created by a fantastic through ball by another CFC debutant Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas actually had a hand in all three goals and had two assists. The second
match, at home to Leicester City, was a little more closely fought than
expected. Leicester came to play and had their moments. They could have even
snatched the lead but Courtois came off his line to block David Nugent when
the striker was through on goal. After a sedate (and seemingly lethargic) first
half, Chelsea came out with much more purpose and Costa again showed his
physical presence to control the ball in the box and stab home under pressure
and Hazard produced a fine jinking run to fire into the far corner with some
help from Fabregas.
Despite doing the double over City and Liverpool and getting
4 points off United, Arsenal and Tottenham Chelsea’s season came unstuck
against Palace, Sunderland, Stoke and Aston Villa, teams that were ready to
defend resolutely. In Fabregas and Costa Chelsea seem to have found the answer
to this problem. Costa gives them the big presence in the box who can bully
defenders, score and can hold up the ball for others to join in attack. Something
Torres was sorely lacking and was often playing more as a false number 9. It is
sad to see him relegated to the third choice striker behind Costa and Drogba
but more disheartening is to see him give up without a fight and stay on just
for the money. Costa has scored two in two and has been given the thumbs up by team mates including
Hazard who said it would be easier for him to concentrate on creating goals
now. The biggest problem has been taken care of.
With the addition of Fabregas in the midfield there is a lot
more fluidity. He can play as the number 8 or the number 10 and so can Oscar. With
them playing together and exchanging positions it is easier to keep possession
and bring the wide players into the game to unlock teams that sit deep in
defense. Possession was also a concern over the last season where the creative
players, although quick, could not keep the ball for long putting John Terry
and co under pressure. The passing game, though not exactly tiki taka, has been
pleasing to the eye. The calm presence of Matic as the defensive midfielder
adds to the solidity. When you consider the fact that Ramires, Van Ginkel,
Willian and Salah are waiting on the bench no opposition manager will sit easy.
It has also ensured that though Frank Lampard will be missed, it will only be
emotionally and not on the pitch.
Last but not the least it seems Petr Cech’s time at Chelsea
FC has finally come to an end. Cech and Courtois can comfortably be counted as two
of the three best goalkeepers, along with Neuer, at present. To keep one of
them away from the game would be criminal. Cech has been one of the Premier Leagues
finest goalkeepers with the second highest ever number of clean sheets (would
be the highest if not for that terrible head injury). But as Jose has
reiterated, the club is bigger than any individual and Courtois is the future.
The season is still
in an infant stage and there is still a week to go before the transfer window
shuts. Man Utd will be looking to sign some more players and have already
stated that money will not be a hindrance. Angel di Maria has reportedly been
signed for £64 million while Arturo Vidal and Daley Blind have been heavily
linked with Utd. Liverpool and Arsenal are in the market for a marquee striker,
namely Falcao and Cavani, who can give them the edge. A very promising season
is in the offering for the neutral where the fight for a top four will be more
intense than ever.
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