English Premier League: Chelsea 4-0 Blackpool, No One Can Stop Them Now
Before the match, Salomon Kalou told reporters, “We are winning every game and it doesn't matter which player is in the team. It's good to know that we have a great team and great people that want to work together.”
The 25 year old striker was right. Once again Chelsea ruthlessly won to claim all three points. Blackpool, who were at number four were confident going into the match, especially after a good result against Newcastle, but the Champions
proved themselves once again.
Any thought that Blackpool could prove a threat to Chelsea’s unbeaten run was brushed aside when the Blues took the pitch. It was in the second minute that Kalou opened the scoring. Blackpool never really recovered after that.
Three more goals were to follow, all in the first half, which gave the Blues a comfortable win at Stamford Bridge.
Blues manager, Carlo Ancelotti, had shuffled the squad for the fixture against Blackpool, Captain John Terry and Frank Lampard were missing from action and replacements had to be brought in. Frank Lampard had thought to have returned
to fitness by today, but his hernia operation recovery took longer than expected and Ramires got a start.
The Brazilian youngster was very impressive, not many players; especially his age could fill the shoes of “Super Frankie Lampard”. But Ramires managed very well, playing an essential role in win today. Ferreira returned in defense
to partner Ivanovic. The Serbian international was filling in for John Terry, and played solid football throughout the match.
Anelka, who scored for Chelsea in their mid week fixture against MSK Zilina in the Champions League was rested and instead Kalou was given a start. He proved Ancelotti had made the right decision by scoring early on. While his
fellow countryman Malouda was given a start, replacing Sturridge, who played in mid week.
Ashley Cole was rested for the Champions League clash against Zilina, but made his return today and once again was causing trouble for the opponents on along the left flank. He mainly focused on making his signature runs and providing
crosses inside the box, but he came close to scoring himself a few times. He replaced Zhirkov, who covered for him previously.
The Russian has been struggling for a place in the starting line-up, and so far, with the current competition has been unsuccessful. He was however, brought on as a substitute in the second half for Ramires. Zhirkov put on a decent
display and is one of the few players who can play in more than one position. Previously he has played as a defender, but seemed just as comfortable in midfield.
The score line after the final whistle read 4-0 but the match was a whole different story. The Blues could have easily scored 4-5 goals in the second half, but Blackpool goal keeper Gilks did well to maintain a clean sheet in the
second half. Some attempts were saved, while others were not good enough. Malouda, Drogba and Essien all wasted opportunities that went right over the bar.
Even when they’re not at a 100%, the Blues are still the best side in the Premier League at the moment. They have won all their games so far and have scored 21 goals in the process. Last season Chelsea won the English Premier League
and the FA Cup and according to the stats, the last few times Chelsea won their first four opening games, they ended up winning the league, it seems like history is set to repeat itself.
Chelsea Squad - Cech, Ferreira, Alex (Bruma), Ivanovic, Cole, Mikel (Benayoun), Essien, Ramires (Zhirkov), Kalou, Drogba, Malouda
Unused Subs - Turnbull, Sturridge, Kakuta, Anelka
Chelsea Goal Scorers - Kalou (2), Malouda (12+41) Drogba (30)
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