Saturday 20 September 2014

Chelsea v Swansea and Schalke

Fantastic game against Swansea - we look really good at the moment! At least thats what I thought until the momentum halted slightly against Schalke, a game we dominated but were maybe too complacent. Swansea once again saw Costa take centre stage, scoring a hat trick and delighting everyone who had him as their fantasy football captain everywhere (me included). It wasn't a great start though - John Terry scoring an early own goal to give Swansea the lead. I'm just wondering if maybe we're still Terry on the wane a little, as he diverted a cross past Courtois - although if he had left it maybe Dave (Azpilicueta) would have cleared it, but then maybe Dave didn't shout at him that he had it covered. After the goal, Swansea seemed to have slightly more of the possession although they were restricted to long range shots. Routledge for them seemed lively and looked likeliest to make something happen. Right on half time though - Chelsea pulled level which changed the game I think. A close range header from a Fabregas corner - another assist for the spaniard. Chelsea came out firing in the second half - I always feel confident in Jose making changes at half time if things aren't quite going well, tactical or personnel. I can imagine him slapping a few under - performing players in their faces or splashing hot tea at them. If that's what he did on Saturday it certainly had the desired effect as Costa put Chelsea ahead early in the second half, side-footing home from a Fabregas pull back (another Fab assist). He completed his hat trick on 67 minutes, tucking the ball away inside the six yard box as a Ramires (a half time substitute for an ineffective Schurrle) ball somehow found its way through a statuesque Swansea defence. A new king of Stamford Bridge being born? Seven goals in his first four games is certainly a phenomenal start, only the second player in the premier league to score in his first four games. If Costa can keep this up he will definitely stake a claim for Stamford Bridge royalty. The Brazilian/Spaniard received a standing ovation as he was subbed for another new Chelsea striker, Loic Remy making his debut. Within no time at all - Remy himself got on the scoresheet. So Arsenal passed on Remy to sign Welbeck for more money? Ok then....

Anyway Shelvey scored a late consolation goal, and Chelsea won the game 4-2, top of the league and a blistering start. Going into the champions league against Schalke, I think there was a fair bit of complacency at hand as to why we didn't win. We dominated the game, but couldn't bury our chances, although in the long run (hope I don't regret saying this) I don't think it will matter. Costa was dropped in favour of returning Champions league hero Drogba, playing his first game since the famous night in Munich .... "He's done iiiitttt!!'

Mourinho would then go on to say Costa is 'not fit yet to play twice a week', possibly a worry as he did have a few hamstring injuries at the end of last season, but then it could be Jose cooking up a storm as he loves doing. I still think our team was good enough to win the game, Luis made his debut at left back and made a solid start. Chelsea started well too, Fabregas playing a one too with Hazard (and possibly fouling in the build up) and slotting home his first Chelsea goal. Hazard himself had made a very lively start to this game, forcing openings and running at defenders, he certainly looked up for it. It could have been 2-0 but Fabregas side-footed over when it looked easier to score, and Drogba saw a planted header easily saved by the keeper. Schalke themselves fashioed  a few attempts on goal towards the end of the first half, with the lively Draxler and Prince Boateng coming close. The second half started as well as it started in the first, but again Chelsea failed to take their chances, Drogba failing to connect with a low cross and then firing wide from a Hazard through ball. Not long after the second miss, Huntelaar scored an impressive equaliser for the Germans. Just before it went in, it was starting to remind me of the Basle game last season.... although unlike that game, the score stayed 1-1. Remy came on and had a late shot cleared off the line but Chelsea were set to remain punished for not taking their chances. So a break in momentum ahead of the City game on Sunday, arguably our first true test, I just the break in momentum doesn't affect us too much. Anyways - come on the Chels!

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