After Chelsea’s 3-2 win against West Brom at The Hawthorns, we ponder what we can take from the match.
Price is right for Pedro.
Man United didn’t fancy paying £21m for the Spaniard, yet Chelsea decided to do so. On today’s showing, the price tag looks to be justified, if not a bargain again as Chelsea found with Fabregas last year. The little magician scored and assisted in a game where chances were hard to find and it’s already clear to see what he will add to this Chelsea side. A much needed clinical finisher is Pedro that he will take a lot of the burden off of Eden Hazard. Jose Mourinho has found a gem, a player with the work-rate of Willian, yet has the end product that Chelsea’s right side has been missing for a while. Man of the match on his debut and the 3 points in the bag for the team, there’s surely a few disappointed Mancunian’s out there tonight.
Central Defender needed: Apply here.
3 games, 7 goals conceded. Let’s compare this with the Chelsea side who set the record with the least goals conceded in a 38 game season at only 15. Almost half as many already, that doesn’t sound right when talking about a Chelsea team. The high-line defence is the same tactic as last season, the only difference is that this year, players have become complacent. Thibaut Courtois and John Terry have both been sent off now in the first 3 games due to players exploiting space in behind. Sergio Aguero last week beat the offside trap on countless occasions and today it’s cost Chelsea again. Chelsea needs to sign another defender before the window shuts or they could be in real trouble throughout the season.
Midfield reinforcements are required.
With talk of Paul Pogba being targeted by The Blues, today’s match made it even clearer that Chelsea are in need of some fresh legs in midfield. Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas both left their form behind from last season and haven’t looked as assured in the three games so far this season. Ramires and Mikel aren’t world class, nor are they good enough to replace the prior. Paul Pogba would be the perfect statement to the world and also the perfect buy. However, if he is genuinely unattainable, Chelsea still require a new central midfielder to improve the squad.
Fighting spirit still visible.
Against Swansea, Chelsea spent a long period of the game with 10-men and battled their way to a draw, today they were ahead and spent most of the second half trying to maintain their advantage. The desire to fight for the cause and grind out a victory is the hallmark of champions. Chelsea battled their way over the finishing line, much to the delight of Jose Mourinho and are now 3 points better off. Costa, who for me was the man of the match, was outstanding. Winning numerous aerial challenges and was a thorn in West Brom’s side all day, proving a really reliable out ball as he held up play and helped Chelsea to get up the pitch.
