Yesterday’s afternoon stroll saw Chelsea put four past a hapless Wolves, yet never get – or need to get - out of first gear. Essien was the driving force at the core of the Chelsea machine, but his fine showing was rivalled by the 30 minute outing for wonderkid Gael Kakuta.
The first five minutes of the ninety suggested we would witness a spirited performance from Wolves, and Mick McCarthy’s men did carve out two or three reasonable chances. But, in truth, Chelsea were by far the superior side at Stamford Bridge yesterday and rarely needed to break sweat.
In the absence of Drogba and Lampard and with Mikel holding, Essien was free to run the show and played superbly throughout. The Ghanaian was Chelsea’s engine, completing over 50 passes, interchanging well with Cole and Malouda and grabbing two goals along the way.
While Wolves look woefully short of quality at this level, yesterday’s game was an example of how Ancelotti’s diamond can function when at its best. While the holding player – whoever it may be – plays a disciplined, limited game, the three midfielders in front of him are free to interchange. As it was, Joe Cole and Essien yesterday drifted both left and right and Malouda did most of his damage through the middle. McCarthy will be unhappy that his players were often guilty of not closing Chelsea’s forwards down, but facing such a fluid midfield can’t have helped.
Despite all this and the hyperbole-filled newspaper headlines this morning about Chelsea’s game, this was far from a vintage performance. Despite a deluge of goals, it was merely a good performance against a side that will fight relegation – in fact, at least two of the goals could be put down to individual errors from Wolves players.
Most encouraging was Ancelotti’s decision to give three youth players good runs outs. Matic and Borini both came on and made good touches, but it was Katuka’s performance that was the most exciting. The young Frenchman – whose acquisition from Lens has come under such scrutiny – showed an exquisite first touch, uncommon imagination on the ball and the ambition to try something different. Whilst he clearly has all the tricks in the locker, he doesn’t look a show-pony and was more than willing to play the sensible pass.
It’s far too early too say really, but finally Chelsea look to have a youth prospect fans can get excited about. Borini, Hutchinson, Bruma and Matic don’t look too bad either.
We couldn’t ask any more of the team yesterday: an impressive performance despite injuries to some significant players. Before we all get too carried away with another comprehensive win however, Chelsea fans should remember that the real test comes next week. Chelsea will have to up their game, especially at the back, and the return of Drogba will be crucial. Taking points from Arsenal will ensure these wins against more lowly opposition aren’t for nothing, and put Chelsea in pole position for the title.
bridgeviews.co.uk man of the match: Essien. Unstoppable.
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thought kakuta looked really good. carlo should start him against porto
Posted by: chelsfan | 25 November 2009 at 17:56