Chelsea vs. West Brom.
So there we were, sat with baited breath at 5.25, wondering which Chelsea would turn up. Would it be the Chelsea who only pass sideways and backwards, try and walk the ball into the net and concede early? Or would we see the Chelsea who are incisive, direct and apply pressure for 90 minutes? Thankfully it was the latter.
The biggest surprise was Ferreira in for Ivanovic but with Alex, Petr and Didier all back in the team it looked set to be a promising afternoon.
We started bright as we pretty much always do at the Bridge, creating three chances in the space of four minutes, one being converted by Malouda. From there it was a blue wave which continued to descend upon Carson’s back four and himself, with his wall at set pieces not doing him any favours. Ashley Cole was doing his best roadrunner impression up and down the wing to the liking of all Chelsea fans, and in my opinion was our best player.
Ashley was great. But not when he decided to wear this...
Mikel really surprised me on Saturday. He apparently has lost half a stone and looked fitter and sharper than previously. He was direct, rarely played the ball back to JT and Alex and kept the pressure on the West Brom midfield when they had the ball. Maybe I am just hard on him because he’s trying to replace Lord Makelele but he needs to play like that every week to keep Ramires out of the team and me off his back.
West Brom didn’t really have much to shout about. Chelsea just did the job required and once we had entered the 3-0 comfort zone the players looked at opening up that goal difference, prematurely you could say. But I will take six goals against anyone, even Man Utd. With thirteen shots on target you could ask why was it only six, but the rest were right down Carson’s throat.
Ramires has finally arrived and has been given the number 7 shirt, last worn by a certain Mr. Shevchenko. I am looking forward to seeing what he brings to the side as he is sure to be fighting for the defensive midfield role with Mikel which is good to see.
Roll on Wigan, Stoke, Blackpool and West Ham.
Up the Chels
Submitted by Martin Fee
17/8/2010
