Monday, August 08, 2005

Chelsea roll on..

The first title of the the new season, the community shield has gone the way of Chelsea with their 2-1 win over Arsenal. Didier Drogba returned to the starting line up with two goals either side of the half-time whistle.

Cesc Fabregas managed to pull one back for the Gunners, but the Blues held firm (as usual) to see the match out.

Arsenal had more of the ball, and kept probing the Chelsea back line but were guilty of over elaborate play with few clear cut scoring oppotunities resulting. Henry, Pires (replaced by Gilberto) and Co were guilty of continuing their search for the beautiful goal - a trademark of their play over the last few seasons, which probably explains their lack of European success. They are able to dominate weaker teams in the Premiership but fail against the more determined defences of teams like Bayern.

Cech made a few good stops, with Makalele continuing to disrupt most of the opposing attacks - why Real sold him is still a mystery to me, they have struggled ever since.

Robben was effective occasionally on the flank, and Drogba used his skill and technique to repeatedly expose Senderos.

On evidence seen so far, the Blues are still the team to beat. Although Man U are the only team to succesfully defend their title.

News from the International Blues - Zizou has announced his return to international football and will captain the struggling french team in their next match. Claude Makalele announced his return too. Qualification should not be too difficult now..

Real have agreed to lower their price for Owen, who scored in their pre-season friendly. (Also on the score sheet Ronaldo, Portillo and Julio Baptista)But will they lose Ronaldo too? Cafu claims they might.

Figo joined Samuel and Solari at Inter, ending his 5 year tenure at Real rather abruptly. One hopes that this move does not come back to haunt the whites. Remember Morientes' goals knocked Real out (while he was on loan to Monaco?)

Transfers continue to make news as the weekend is the deadline for the Premiership. Will the Michaels make it? Hessien and Owen?

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