EPL News: Chelsea’s performance analysis vs. West Bromwich Albion - Part 3
After a brilliant start to the season in the first half of their English Premier League opener against West Bromwich Albion; Chelsea led the game 2-0. All spectators were stunned by their increase in team chemistry and their new defending strategies.
The defending champions of EPL drew first blood in the 5th minute when Didier Drogba took a free kick that Albion goal keeper Carson was unable to stop, eventually finding Florent Malouda who scored.
The second goal came in the 45th minute when Essien won a penalty and Drogba took it. He found a gap in the wall and placed the ball between them and it curved and found the net.
Continuing with their brilliant display of football, Chelsea had a marvellous start to the second half. They made pragmatic plays as Michael Essien who had made a comeback after his long time out because of injuries played Ashley Cole and Paulo Ferreira on the left and right wings respectively.
Both Cole and Ferreira also performed superbly. Their assists from the wings had an amazing completion rate. Albion rarely got the ball and when they had it, they would lose it immediately as the Chelsea men pounced forward to tackle and flank the ball out of their feet.
Four seasons back, Albion were relegated. They did manage to escape the cut in the 2004/05 season when they were on the bottom of the table on Christmas but later ascended up the ranks to avoid relegation. This was the first time ever that such an evasion from relegation was witnessed.
Chelsea has a star-studded line-up despite being unable to buy more players this season. Experts believe that reason behind it was due to the pressure from the Football Association and Champions League as the club was spending more than its income.
All this was courtesy to their rich Russian owner Roman Abramovich. He has spent humongous sums of money from his personal treasury to feed and grow the club.
Another rule that Chelsea has been forced to accept is the inclusion of 8 home bred players in the squad of 25. Experts have analysed that so far they are still 6 short. Chelsea is hoping to sign in new players, but the club will have to sacrifice some to attain this objective.
Among the few signings this season that Chelsea have made is Yossi Benayoun. He will provide the Blues with a good advantage as he can play on both wings and at all forward positions along with as a midfielder.
When Ramires comes along to play on the right side, he will definitely give Chelsea a huge advantage in reassigning and evaluating the final positions of the squad.
The form of Malouda also seems to improve with time. His performance in the first half has definitely proven that he will be a face that will be commonly seen among the Chelsea ranks this season.
Near to the 50th minute mark, Malouda committed to a half heartened strike that could have resulted in a goal but Frank Lampard who was running slowly failed to take advantage of it.
In the 51st minute, Albion regrouped and attacked. Dorrans got a shot but it got deflected. In the 53rd minute, West Brom was still attacking and Essien gave away a free kick to the Baggies. Dorrans took it but he was just a bit wide once again.
If the Albion wants to improve this season, they will have to get someone in their squad who can finish well. This has led them down in the past and is continuing to do so. The shortcut for their problems right now will be a change in formation in which a winger can be used entirely for the purpose of feeding their best centre forward.
Near the 55th minute mark Malouda took double penalty corners. Terry headed the second one but it was denied entrance between the goal posts. Alex and Anelka tried to push the ball as the scurry turned to scuffle but Drogba run finished it all when he placed the ball at the back of the net, leaving the scoreboard at 3-0.
In the 56th minute, Ferreira was handed a yellow card for being overly aggressive but Chelsea kept pouncing on the ball and stole it where ever they could. The Blues produced counter attacks one after another and the Albion defenders dived and tackled to stop the onslaught.
Near to the start of the 60th minute, Branislav Ivanović was brought on to replace Ferreira. Albion’s Thomas took advantage of the swap and built a clever play on the left wing but was unsuccessful.
Near the hour gone and Chelsea dominated the game superbly giving in no hope of a West Brom comeback.
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