Finally the Champions League Group Stage is upon us and what a fantastic opening round of games it was. I had a feeling there was going to be some seriously exciting football on the cards so not only did I throw down a fat accumulator (I didn’t win obviously, cheers Zenit St. Petersburg), I also streamed Barcelona vs. Milan with Chelsea vs. Leverkusen on the TV -- while most of my focus was drawn to a 32” Sky Sports HD viewing experience, I still managed to catch all the goals from Camp Nou. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts regarding Chelsea’s opening game at Stamford Bridge against very efficient opposition, Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea 2 (Luiz, Mata) – 0 Bayer Leverkusen
GK: Cech
DR: Bosingwa DC: Ivanovic DC: David Luiz DL: A. Cole
CM: Meireles CM: Mikel CM: Malouda
RF: *Sturridge* ST: Torres LF: Mata
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| Sturridge continues to impress. |
A strong Chelsea side graced Stamford Bridge for Andres Villas-Boas’ first Champions League game and notably without Terry or Lampard. This for me was a fantastic sign and is completely in tune with my line of thinking throughout pre-season and currently in the Premier League campaign. Some Chelsea fans may not like it, but sooner or later, these players have to be slowly phased out. Hence why this game was so important for AVB, as a strong showing would suggest that they don’t need the aforementioned players to function.
There were of course a few issues, but that’s to be expected considering some of these players haven’t really had an opportunity to play together competitively – this includes the centre back partnership and all three central midfielders. I don’t really like Malouda playing the central role, as I believe you lose his effectiveness, but with Mata playing his preferred position, it’s to be expected, especially considering Malouda can put in a competent shift. Nevertheless, apart from a shaky conclusion, Chelsea looked very strong in the centre of the park and distributed the ball well, something that AVB will be extremely pleased with.
This new air of dynamism and pace that Meireles, Sturridge and Mata bring to the team definitely addresses the core issue Chelsea had to solve, their slow transition from defence to attack; something they had no problem doing against Leverkusen. Chelsea executed a number of fantastic moves and Sturridge especially provided most of the serious chances up until David Luiz scored the opener; it’s just the lack of an on-form striker that is hurting Chelsea.
| If anyone can unlock Torres, it has to be Juan Mata. |
AVB stated that if Torres compromises the Blues in front of goal, he will be dropped – his two assists suggest that he’s contributing but they weren’t exactly phenomenal assists last night; the first was a mere lay off and the second he just passed calmly across goal. The commentator praised Torres for his unselfishness in the second Chelsea goal, but he was on the left flank with nowhere to go and no angle for the shot (this was due to his poor touch and control), of course he was going to pass. I feel like Torres has both been criticized far too quickly, but also praised for menial contributions that I believe are only being noted because everybody is trying to find some positive out of an otherwise poor performance from a man who should be scoring. He had numerous opportunities in front of goal and with such a poor first touch, there’s no wonder he can’t find the back of the net. I can say it all day long; it is all well and good that Torres links other players into the game etc, but a £50 million front man MUST SCORE GOALS.
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| I stand corrected, Bosingwa has impressed so far this season. |
Chelsea’s strength resides now in their fantastic wing-play, very similar to Manchester United. Cole, Mata, Bosingwa and Sturridge provide pace, flair and fantastic delivery, much like Evra, Young, Smalling/Jones and Nani do for United. The difference now is the Red Devils have two twenty-goal strikers, which Chelsea have in abundance on paper, but when they come onto the pitch, it just doesn’t seem to happen. Watching Chelsea I honestly feel players like Ivanovic have a stronger chance of scoring than Torres, which is just not right.
The transfer market has certainly put Chelsea on the right path, another central player like Luka Modric would really help solidify the midfield and what can you say about the strikers other than they need to find form; Chelsea don’t need any other players, they have the best strikers, it’s just a matter of continuously knocking on the door and eventually they will burst through.
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| What a hero, and was terribly unlucky not to score last night. |
I feel like I’ve gone off on a tangent, so returning to last night’s game, Bayer Leverkusen were clearly a very good side and it will be a fantastic battle for second place between them and Valencia. I think Chelsea were always firm favourites to take three points and they did so, but by no means was it a comfortable victory as a thoroughly efficient and organised Leverkusen troubled Chelsea throughout with a goal disallowed and two fine one-on-one saves from Cech ensured Chelsea could breath a sigh of relief. Also let’s take this moment to pay tribute to Michael Ballack who came back to the Bridge, what a magnificent talent he was and still is.
Chelsea’s next Champions League venture is in Spain on September 28 as they take on Valencia, so stay tuned for coverage then. In the mean time I hope you all enjoy the rest of the fixtures tonight.
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