CL Group Stage Game 1: Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen

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

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.

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.

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.

Chelsea - Calm before the storm

If we were to look back to August 2010 it is impossible to suggest that Chelsea weren’t in fantastic contention to build upon their Double success of the 09/10 season and retain their Premiership crown. Beginning the 10/11 campaign just as they ended the previous beating Liverpool away 0-2, Wigan home 8-0 and Portsmouth away 0-1, no one could have possibly imagined the turbulence and unrest that would occur in the foreseeable future.

AVB, the new chosen one?

Indeed the sacking of Ray Wilkins and a barren campaign all led to the demise and inevitable sacking of Carlo Ancelotti and appointment of Portuguese hot-prospect Andres Villas-Boas for the 2011/12 season. Now Chelsea sit in a relatively calm transfer window as AVB analyses his squad and puts the chess pieces back on the board to give an aging team, one last go. It has been clearly established that AVB believes Chelsea has all the firepower and squad depth needed to win trophies and the quiet movement in the transfer window supports this, but can the new Chosen One rally the players and find their once utterly devastating form?

The drought can only last for so long, surely?

Many believe that AVB has what it takes to re-light the fire in Chelsea’s dressing room, but in order to do so, he must answer and resolve a number of key issues. The large wage bill and dead wood has certainly made an impact on this transfer window as Chelsea can’t seem to get rid of unwanted players such as Nicholas Anelka and Salomon Kalou to fund new purchases. An aging squad should also be a huge concern of AVB, with players like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry reaching the end of their careers in top-flight football. An inconsistent starting XI is also a massive issue, especially the striker partnership – buying Fernando Torres for £50 million almost guarantees the Spaniard a place on the pitch, but will newly appointed manager AVB see it that way? Blocking young talent like Daniel Sturridge and about to be new arrival Romelu Lukaku is also a concern. Ultimately, there are plenty of things for AVB to get his head around, only if Roman Abramovich loosens the collar...

Mimic Drogba and Lukaku could have a bright future.

The transfer window hasn’t been completely dead, with AVB’s first signing Thibaut Courtois, a young goalkeeper from Genk arriving and swiftly going out on loan to Athletico Madrid. Courtois was quoted saying he is considered by Chelsea as the natural successor to Petr Cech and can now calmly concentrate on his progression as a goalkeeper until his time arrives. The Blues also acquired the signature of young midfielder Oriol Romeu, a hot prospect from Barcelona. Romeu is tipped to be great cover for the unfortunately injured Michael Essien and with a buy-back clause in place by Barcelona; one can believe that this young lad has serious potential. The Belgian beast Romelu Lukaku is currently undergoing a medical at Stamford Bridge; aged 18 and standing at 6”4, the similarities to Didier Drogba are uncanny. Yuri Zhirkov has also all but departed to FC Anzhi Makhachkala but Chelsea still need to drop more players to free room for emerging and incoming talent.

What I hope to see –

A consistent formation; AVB likes 4-3-3 and Chelsea should stick to this formation. They were at their most deadly playing in this style and switching to 4-4-2 simply did not work. Without the acquisition of a proper right winger this window either, 4-4-2 is a dead formation for the Blues and sticking to the 3 forwards supported by deep full-backs should be the most effective style of play.

Sturridge is ready for first team football.

Play Daniel Sturridge (or loan him out, just don't force him onto the bench); Sturridge has too much talent and has proven this during his spell with Bolton. If he does not play now, Chelsea could lose him and potential top future forward. With a deadly left foot, he has to play Right Forward to cut-inside and cause major problems for defenders. It’s time to think about the future and Sturridge is that future.

Slowly exclude Terry, Lampard and get rid of Anelka; It’s time, it really is – Chelsea need to let go of their beloved captain, the once deadly Lampard and the French Forward. It is always incredibly difficult to remove fan favourite players but they must be circulated out of the team slowly – they have it in them for one more season but there must be adequate and experienced replacements come the end.

Chelsea need a fresh creative midfielder.

Purchase Luka Modric; The Croatian playmaker and Josh McEachran look like possible replacements for Frank Lampard and it’s obvious that Modric is already proven in that role so it would make sense to pick him up. The elevated price tag on Modric simply cannot be helped but he is a player worth every penny.

Play Benayoun; Yossi has to be one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League. Incredible technical prowess, fantastic vision coupled with terrific passing, unselfishness and a strong work ethic places him on top of the pecking order for me in the centre of Chelsea’s midfield.

Proposed Line-up –

GK – Cech

DR – Ivanovic

DL – A. Cole

DC – Terry

DC – Alex

CM – Lampard

CM – Benayoun

CM – Ramires

LF – Malouda

RF – Sturridge

CF – Torres / Drogba

It is incredibly difficult to predict a Chelsea starting line up but one can guess it will be similar to this. David Luiz could slot into the centre of defense when required, Bosingwa can be used when a more attacking right back is required, Mikel can very easily play the anchor role instead of Ramires and Chelsea certainly doesn’t have to worry about running out of strikers any time soon. The question of who should play, Torres or Drogba? It has to be Torres because of his price and age; football is an unfair game.

Predicted place in table – What Manchester United have that Chelsea do not, is incredible pace. That is the major difference that sets the two teams aside. United’s transition from defense to attack is far superior to Chelsea’s and as a result makes the Red Devils that much more dangerous and lethal. Chelsea will challenge for the title but I think will fall short and come second.