Back to winning ways!

There it is. We’re back on terms. Now it’s only a 3-point deficit with Manu Utd and it would all be gone in September. Chelsea was not at its best but still got all three points in this crucial away match. The major positive from this match is that Chelsea played very attractive and attacking football as the game progressed and they are all improving day by day. The first XI had Cech and Ballack back from their injuries. Jose chose to drop Ferreira and gave Boulahrouz his premiership and Chelsea debut.

The first half was very even in terms of chances and that’s when Chelsea looked very uncertain and waiting for a goal to come from somewhere. Sheva again had a lot of presence in and out of the box and he more or less did a Henry in today’s match. He got the ball quite a number of times, but still he wanted to pass it to someone even in those areas where he should have gone for the shot. But I’m very happy that he wants to be a team man despite his incredible scoring skills and records.

Boulahrouz had a very forgettable debut. He made quite a few errors which were covered by the other defenders and Maka/Essien. And it was really nice to see both Essien and Makalele starting. In effect in today’s game, Chelsea had no wingers at all. For the last two seasons, the pacy wingers have been the real hallmark of Chelsea’s attacking play and it was very unusual to see the lineup without any genuine wingers.

Petr Cech was outstanding. Man, he showed what he is made of. No wonder Jose Mourinho calls him the best goalkeeper in the world. Ok, you can take it with a pinch of salt, but still for his age he is certainly one of the best goalkeepers around. He made three or four crucial saves, any of which could have resulted in a goal, if it was anyone else. He was just as reliable as he ever was. There was one particular chance from McCarthy, created by a mistake once again by Carvalho, which he saved from a close range.

In the second half, from the word go, Chelsea showed some urgency and increased the gear. Still there is a lot of room for improvement in the understanding between the players and familiarity with the formation. Despite that, it was good attacking football by Chelsea in the second half. John Terry got a penalty he deserved. it was a poor penalty by Lampard. His reaction was just very poor. A second before he shot, he could see that the goalie is moving to his left, but still he could not control his left-bound shot. Luckily, it went in. Even Sheva can take penalties. May be he would, sometime in this season.

Kalou has been given enough opportunity, but he is yet to impress. He lost the ball quite too often and he also looked little indecisive which is clear sign not being familiar with the formation. Jose made the right move on the 56th minute by ending Kalou’s agony. On came Didier Drogba. He was live wire from the moment he stepped on the pitch. His goal was a beauty. For all those who complain about Drogba diving, he held his ground lost his marker, and made a brilliant finish. The man-of-the-match played for only 25 minutes but made a telling impact. In the last 10 minutes, Chelsea could have very easily scored a third, but the final score remained 2-0. We deserved this victory.

Premiership action would resume again on 9th September, when we meet Charlton at home. I hope Man United loses against Arsenal, but it is very unlikely given the current form of Arsenal and the fact that the match would be in Old Trafford. Anyway, 3-point gap is a non-issue considering that they have to meet us twice in the league.