So it turned out that, in previewing yesterday’s game against Sunderland, I was wrong about the Chelsea line-up, the eventual scoreline and the probable formation.
Watching the highlights of the game yesterday, it looked like Chelsea put in a much improved display on the weekend’s slightly awkward start. Highlights can be deceptive, but it is clear that there were long spells of Chelsea possession and almost constant pressure on the Sunderland goal – certainly after Bent’s slightly fortunate opener. Passing in midfield looked slick, fast-paced and purposeful – three things that were only on show for fleeting moments on Saturday – and Sunderland were totally unable to deal with it. The one small criticism that could be levelled at the team could only be that they didn’t score more – but that’s nit-picking.
One can’t complain about that performance or the scoreline and there were huge positives from both a team and individual perspective – it was great for the midfield trio of Ballack, Lampard and Deco to get on the scoresheet for example. In saying that however, I still maintain that I’d like to see a formation that delivers more width. For large portions of yesterday’s game, particularly in the first half, Chelsea were still playing up a narrow central channel. Bosingwa and Ballack did get some success down the right wing, and on those occasions Chelsea looked more dangerous, but it’s not something the side does naturally in its current form.
It wasn’t a problem last night – and with a formation that often looked more like a 4-3-2-1 than a diamond Chelsea genuinely outclassed Sunderland in every area – but against better opposition or on days when our midfield isn’t firing on the same number of cylinders we may need a more open-minded strategy in attack.
After last night’s very encouraging performance though, it’s really not a time for these kind of question marks. It's worth saying though that, just as it wasn't worth getting carried away with Chelsea's frustrating performance against Hull, we should certainly avoid getting over-excited by yesterday's, either. There's a long way to go...but long may it continue.
As I didn’t see all 90 minutes myself, perhaps the game is better surmised by some of those closer to the action.
What the managers said:
Carlo Ancelotti: "I am very happy because we played very well all match. In the first half, even though we were behind, we were in control of the match with good possession of the ball. Sunderland had a good first half and defended strongly, but in the second half, they were tired and it was more difficult for them."
Steve Bruce: "Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept you were beaten by a better team. I thought Chelsea were terrific. When I looked at the fixtures, the last thing I wanted was Chelsea at home. Whoever beats them will win the league. I haven’t seen them play better. At times it seemed as if we’d had a man sent off. That’s how good they were."
What the papers said:
The Times: “Chelsea exhibited patience, cunning and, most impressively, sheer force of will. It is the stuff of champions, although in terms of beauty, there is surely more to come.”
Telegraph: “Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced a dazzling reversal and, eventually, a dazzling performance. It showed the depths of belief they have, the talent and also, in fairness to Ancelotti, how good football can eventually wear down the most dogged of opponents, that Chelsea won so convincingly in the end.”
Guardian: “Carlo Ancelotti’s side fell behind fairly early on Wearside, huffed and puffed for a bit and then, bewitchingly, reminded everyone why they are so widely tipped to win the Premier League. Sunderland were…unable to assiduously close down the components of a newly dazzling diamond with Deco now glistening at its apex.
bridgeviews.co.uk man of the match: Deco scored the pick of the goals and was constantly difficult for the Sunderland defence to pick up, but Lampard was arguably the side’s most consistent performer and was excellent, especially in the second half. For that reason, and the fact that he picked up his 138th goal for the club (bringing him level with Jimmy Greaves), he gets the nod for me.
Must do better: no natural candidate for this from last night’s performance, but Drogba arguably should have done better with one of his two or three chances.
Keep an eye out for:
- We're keeping a detailed record of stats for the 09/10 season here. We'll continue to update it game by game and try and make it more comprehensive as we go.
Comments