Wed 23 Aug 06
Opening Week Blues
The acquisition of Shevchenko aside, many Chelsea supporters were confused by the Special One’s fixation with building up what was already an embarrassment of riches in the midfield and back. The past two weeks have shown that perhaps Mourinho was on to the problem but he has vastly further to go.
While today’s defeat at the hands of Boro was in no small part due to the fighting spirit of Southgate’s lads, there were gobsmacking gaps in the Blues otherwise iron defence. When Terry’s back line was off, it was glaringly so. Part of it could have been poor communication with Cudicini, judging by some instances of lazy marking in the box.
One may argue that their lacklustre performance against the MLS All-Stars in Chicago and the loss to the Scouse in the Community Shield are but signs of a newly reconstituted side trying to come together. Well, there’s little time for this theory to be put to the test. If Mourinho is not going to pursue barnstorming strike tactics like the Gooners, then there is little slack available in the back. Then again, having Cech back between the sticks may make some difference.
Paul Canniff
I’m actually quite neutral when it comes to the top four of the table. The Chelsea loss was a surprise and it was a great victory for fans at the Riverside; from a neutral perspective, it was most promising for an interesting battle come this spring.
I guess I should say “expected” top four of the table at this point, right?
8-)