Now given my previous tendencies, you could be forgiven in thinking that this is another deluded Liverpool fan about to harp on about the dawn of a new era, and how King Kenny is bringing about the glory days once again. I’m not here to talk about the Reds, but rather the Blues. Can Chelsea match the Manchester clubs? Hells yes they can.
Cast your minds back 12 months as Chelsea sat 4 points clear at the top after beating Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. They had gotten there by playing some scintillating football, destroying all that lay in front of them, albeit the Wigan’s and Birmingham’s of this world. All and sundry had already ordained them as the Champions, but we all know how that turned out. So we learnt from that mistake, right? Wrong! Are we not doing the same thing this season and setting ourselves up for failure. We’re seven weeks into the season for heaven’s sake! Newcastle are sitting in the Champions League spots! Hot damn! There is still a long way to go and the new kid on the block, Andre Villas-Boas, is just about the slyest fox on the block. Unruffled and extremely tactful, we are slowly beginning to see just how sharp this man really is.
He came to England with a reputation that bellied the lack of managerial experience he possessed. Two years in professional management and there he was, in perhaps the hardest job in football. I couldn’t think of a worse place to be than under Roman Abramovich’s thumb, having him question your every move. Being given a player that you didn’t ask for, but who you were required to play, that is not an ideal place to be.
Watching Chelsea play on Sunday you got the feeling that they had finally turned a corner under AVB. Yes they were helped in no small part by some shambolic Bolton defending and goalkeeping but one could not fault their movement and attacking prowess. Daniel Sturridge tormented the Bolton backline all afternoon and Frank Lampard was back to doing what he does best, arriving late and finding the bottom corner. Two of their five goals were right out the top drawer and would have more than a couple people sitting up and taking notice. The biggest surprise for me this season has been the form of Ramires, whom I had written off as not physical enough for the English game. He has proved me wrong however, with a couple all-action performances. Once again it just goes to show that it does take a while to adapt to life in the English League. It’s a pity Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t be around to watch him bloom. Shame.
Now a couple weeks back, Chelsea met with Sir Alex’s side and we all know the result. But was the outcome a true reflection of the game, or even of where each side stands at this particular time? I’m not so sure. Chelsea could consider themselves unlucky, two debatable offside calls and two missed opportunities and there would’ve been a very different outlook after 7 matches. But these are the margins of the game at this level, and AVB will have to learn that quickly. First indications though are that he is doing just that. I’m not going to get carried away, there is still plenty of work for him to do and time will tell whether he’ll be given the chance to do that. If it all goes like everyone is expecting, and Chelsea do finish third, will it be enough? I expect the answer to that question to be no, and for the revolving door at Chelsea to spit him out before he can even get a grasp of what is going on. I’m sure there will be no shortage of suitors if (read when) that happens, and they will be picking up an astute young manager. Of course, not astute enough to pass on the poisoned chalice that is Chelsea football club.
Written by @CommodoreVegas for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Cast your minds back 12 months as Chelsea sat 4 points clear at the top after beating Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. They had gotten there by playing some scintillating football, destroying all that lay in front of them, albeit the Wigan’s and Birmingham’s of this world. All and sundry had already ordained them as the Champions, but we all know how that turned out. So we learnt from that mistake, right? Wrong! Are we not doing the same thing this season and setting ourselves up for failure. We’re seven weeks into the season for heaven’s sake! Newcastle are sitting in the Champions League spots! Hot damn! There is still a long way to go and the new kid on the block, Andre Villas-Boas, is just about the slyest fox on the block. Unruffled and extremely tactful, we are slowly beginning to see just how sharp this man really is.
He came to England with a reputation that bellied the lack of managerial experience he possessed. Two years in professional management and there he was, in perhaps the hardest job in football. I couldn’t think of a worse place to be than under Roman Abramovich’s thumb, having him question your every move. Being given a player that you didn’t ask for, but who you were required to play, that is not an ideal place to be.
Watching Chelsea play on Sunday you got the feeling that they had finally turned a corner under AVB. Yes they were helped in no small part by some shambolic Bolton defending and goalkeeping but one could not fault their movement and attacking prowess. Daniel Sturridge tormented the Bolton backline all afternoon and Frank Lampard was back to doing what he does best, arriving late and finding the bottom corner. Two of their five goals were right out the top drawer and would have more than a couple people sitting up and taking notice. The biggest surprise for me this season has been the form of Ramires, whom I had written off as not physical enough for the English game. He has proved me wrong however, with a couple all-action performances. Once again it just goes to show that it does take a while to adapt to life in the English League. It’s a pity Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t be around to watch him bloom. Shame.
Now a couple weeks back, Chelsea met with Sir Alex’s side and we all know the result. But was the outcome a true reflection of the game, or even of where each side stands at this particular time? I’m not so sure. Chelsea could consider themselves unlucky, two debatable offside calls and two missed opportunities and there would’ve been a very different outlook after 7 matches. But these are the margins of the game at this level, and AVB will have to learn that quickly. First indications though are that he is doing just that. I’m not going to get carried away, there is still plenty of work for him to do and time will tell whether he’ll be given the chance to do that. If it all goes like everyone is expecting, and Chelsea do finish third, will it be enough? I expect the answer to that question to be no, and for the revolving door at Chelsea to spit him out before he can even get a grasp of what is going on. I’m sure there will be no shortage of suitors if (read when) that happens, and they will be picking up an astute young manager. Of course, not astute enough to pass on the poisoned chalice that is Chelsea football club.
Written by @CommodoreVegas for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
I remember Chelsea last year when people had basically written them off, and a mate wanted to back them at 12/1 to win the Premier League. They ended up finishing just a few points short behind Man United, and gave quite a few Red Devil supporters the shits. Hope to see Chelsea rise to that level, and actually keen to see AVB do well. Nice piece, keep them coming...
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