Chelsea quickening the Premiership pulse
Chelsea were impressive against newly promoted Birmingham City. And exciting to watch, summoning a new era of ‘let it loose’ football and in the process treating us all to a great game.While it was excellent watching, 3-2 didn’t match the run of play. Chelsea were totally dominant in a match they could have easily scored 6 or 7 goals. Mourinho was quoted in the pre-season saying he would bring more entertainment to the pitch and he didn’t disappoint. Five goals as Chelsea were on the attack for 90 minutes was a definite departure from the often dour result grindings of the last couple of seasons.
Most exciting was Chelsea’s wing play. Shaun Wright-Phillips bathing in new found freedoms, Salomon Kalou was at the touch-line more often than the mid-line, and Florent Malouda efficient and dangerously effective. I beg to wonder whether Birmingham’s full-backs are a shambles, but one way or another Chelsea owned the wings where 80% of their chances emerged.
Claudio Pizarro, who scored, made an impressive debut. Olivier Kapo for Birmingham was also excellent, you will be hearing more about him this season, he actually scored the best goal of the game and second only to Obafemi Martins stunning overhead smash for the goal of the weekend.
Wright-Phillips may finally be coming good. Inconsistency was his trademark, but slowly and steadily he’s been growing into the club and I expect him to cement a regular starting place as Chelsea have plenty of size to cover. His quickness was a huge asset and for me he was man of the match.
Chelsea have now set the record for the longest home unbeaten streak ever, at 64 matches. An astonishing achievement. Add to that the fact that only 4 teams scored more than one goal at home last season and you have a daunting place to play.
My money is on Chelsea to win the Premiership this season. From what I saw in pre-season and in their first match, they have the discipline to win ugly and the class to put on a show. As for Birmingham, there is nothing to be ashamed of. They have a good squad and look certain to stay up this season.
Labels: Chelsea
by Football Commentator at 8/13/2007 09:11:00 PM
5 Comments:
Post a Comment
Chelsea looked great, love the new look
SWP will not get an easier game all season. He was up against an unfit fullback who went missing for most of the time he was on the pitch Birmingham took him off and played Kelly, a right back at left back. SWP didnt hardly get a kick afterwards.Not wanting to be negative but it was only such a good performance because he was allowed so much space. Also although it would have been an injustice the Birmingham goalkeeper had his hands to two of the Chelsea shots that ended up in the net. A pro goalkeeper should never be weaker than the shot, so Chelsea are a bit lucky to have won this game. Althougth Birmingham didnt threaten much and had little of the play the two goals they scored were very good. The Kapo goal took the credits but if you get to see the Forsell goal from behind the goal it was one of the best bits of reaction and skill I have seen for a long time. The ball came towards him like lightning but he actually managed to shape his body and direct his header. When everyone first saw the goal it looked almost as if it had just hit him and gone in. He actualy had his eye on the ball and glanced it wide of the keeper. Nice to see he has got repect for the Chelsea fans and kept his celebration subdued. It would be nice to se a bit more of this in the game.
Very well said, I agree with most everything that you said. SWP did a bit more than you comment, but that Forsell goal was one of those subtle pieces of brilliance.
Kapo was exceptional, I was tracking him before he came to England and knew he'd be sharp.
Thanks for the comment
saw on tv that chelski had offered 31.5m euro for daniel alves, and 6.5m euro pay over 5 years.
Appreciate you blogging this
Post a Comment
<< Home