~ Originally published in the Kerry’s Eye, September 28th, 2017 ~
It’s been a tale of two strikers over the past month at Stamford Bridge, but the saga is now nearing an end.
Late last week news filtered through that Chelsea and Atletico Madrid had agreed terms on a deal that would take Diego Costa back to the Spanish capital, in a move worth around £57 million. It’s a bitter-sweet moment, The Guvnah’ has been simply imperious since signing in the summer of ’14. Although it’s easy to write him off as a complete nutjob, he did lead the Blues to two Premier League titles.
Now, Costa’s departure should be a far more jarring blow, but Alvaro Morata has been exceptional throughout September. In his last 6 games he’s bagged six goals and two assists. The 24 year old is a joy to watch and more importantly he has linked well with Cesc Fabregas, similarly to Costa, and we all know how productive of a relationship that was. Morata’s hat-trick against Stoke at the weekend was just a glimpse of his multi-faceted skillset. Leading up to this, we had only seen the former Madrid man’s aerial ability as such, but against the Potters he demonstrated his ability to embark on powerful runs towards the box and finish with class. More of that please Mr Morata.
Despite all my initial concerns at the start of the season regarding squad-depth, the team have been performing very well. Two solid wins against Everton and Leicester either side of the international break instilled confidence and the 6-0 thrashing of lowly Qarabag on our return to the Champions League was an enjoyable moment, yet nothing was learned in a game that was played at the pace of a testimonial. Let’s not overlook new boy Davide Zappacosta’s absolute wonder strike on his debut but don’t tell me it was a cross, I won’t be entertaining such statements.
Cracks somewhat began to show in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, with the Gunners putting in a solid display at the Bridge, something that is generally unheard of in recent years. Conte’s men weren’t necessarily bad, but they weren’t great either. Hazard when introduced was lively but the decisive blow never came (Where’s Didier Drogba when you need him?). David Luiz unfortunately showed glimpses of his former self by being sent off in the dying moments of the game, tut tut David, behave.
Is the 5-1 victory at home to Forest in the League Cup even worth mentioning? Not really. I think all blues fans were delighted to see some more youngsters get a run out. Andreas Christensen has been assured when asked upon in the early months of the season and exciting prospect Charley Musonda netted a wonderful goal on his home debut for Chelsea. There’s high hopes at Cobham for the 20 year old Belgian winger, most definitely one to watch. His compatriot Michy Batshuayi managed to slot three goals whilst Hazard effectively tormented the Championship side. The sooner Hazard gets back to full fitness the better, the League Cup was just a timely reminder of what the Blue’s number 10 is capable of.
Away from the Bridge, things are going very well in Manchester. It appears Pep Guardiola has finally berated his Man City mercenaries into playing his type of football and it is eventually paying off. I’m still greatly irked by the fact Jose Mourinho let Kevin De Bruyne leave London for the paltry sum of £18 million in 2014, what a player he is. Speaking of Jose, United are also doing well. After years of shouting “You can’t buy the league” from their high horses and pedestals, the United fans have done a complete 180 on this stance after banishing their precious “ideology” and just letting Mourinho buy a title-winning spine. £75 million Lukaku is doing the job up top whilst £90 million Paul Pogba is finally starting to do something useful. The early front-runners and most definitely the ones to beat.
Spurs look shakier than a young lad trying to ride a bike without stabilizers for the first time and Arsenal are languishing somewhere around mid-table in what is fast becoming familiar surroundings for Arsene. Liverpool are far more perplexing however, Klopp’s team is a very good one, they play great football but still continuously get caught out by the weaker teams. This past weekend’s result against Leicester was a step in the right direction, they need to learn how to grind out a result.
Chelsea have a very tricky week ahead, first off it’s a trip to Atletico Madrid mid-week in the Champions League. Simeone’s side have been somewhat of a bogey team for us in recent years, quite frankly I think a draw would be a stellar result on the road. Then it’s City at the Bridge. There’s an opportunity to make a massive statement here. Hazard *should* be or nearing 100% for this game and if Conte gets a decent result on Wednesday night, confidence will be high. Guardiola’s team are weak at the back, but they are incredibly devastating up front. If Chelsea can take the Citizens scalp, it’ll blow the title-race wide open in these opening encounters. Come on you blues.
J.J. Lee - Poncy Writings 