Chelsea demolished a new promoted team, West Bromvich Albion, 6-0 in Stamford Bridge. It is opening for 2010/11 season. Didier Drogba, as usual became the match decider for the 90 minutes game. Malouda added 2 goals with a assist and Lampard make it clear cut for Chelsea for 1 goal on his name.
Line-up : Cech, Fareirra, JT, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
Petr Cech, as expected to come back very soon for the team. By did not have too many chances to save the ball, it is really good to see him with the team. The back look very safe with him in front of goal! What can be surprise me is Alex. Alex is expected to be back as soon as September for the thigh and back injury. But, he look so comfortable last night with JT in central defend. The only weakness for a team is Right Back, owned by Fareirra. He is too old - obviously look – with his lack of pace, ball control, missed time tackling and overlapped run! Why Ancelotti do not use Ivanovic for RM position? It was surprising me. If Ancelotti have a reason to give Farreira a chance because it is a ‘weak’ game, so let it be. He just showed to Ancelotti what he can and cannot do for a game. Ashley Cole and Malouda created a good understanding on the left side. Cole have a good run back-up the space for Malouda with his narrow passes. As a result, he assisted Lampard’s goal - a fourth goal of the night.
Midfielders - nothing surprise. Chelsea still need to use Mikel and Essien as a rotation able for DM and CM position. Well, it seems functional after 30 minutes of the game. Essien and Mikel look so solid with exchangeable roles in DM and CM. Sometimes, Essien make it his run on the right sides. They gave Lampard and Malouda a huge space in attacking moves. Mikel have made a huge improvements within 3 years in Chelsea team with his holding skill. He can hold the ball very well as a DM and CM. His technique so good with a turning on ball, chest ball control and tackling. He only need to improve in his passing skill – he lost too many balls with his passes! Malouda scored 2 goals and have a assist for Drogba’s goal. Malouda had a point again to prove his credentials – specially to France national team. Generally, midfielders still have their own pace in a game. The question is, what will happen when Ramires come into the team? Should Mikel will be bench?or play with a compact midfield and let Drogba alone as a top striker? I do not think Ancelotti will do that. He will stick with his diamond formation and gain as many goals as he can. So risky to play with a compact midfielders in EPL.
Strikers – Drogba. Clear super class striker. He always prove to the world how good he is when he get a chance. With a clinical finished, he scored a hatrick in opening game. Continued his last hatrick for the previous 8-0 win with Wigan last season. His striker partner, Anelka, still need a time to shine. Good to watch him going down and helped the midfielders with his tackle and ball control. Open a little space for Malouda on the left side. He gave Malouda for a little wider space and create a good cross into the box.
6-0 for an opening game,it is good! So, i will waiting for a next game. Chelsea will away to Wigan – won 8-0 for last game in the previous season!
