Photo by @cfcunofficial
Pretty much a perfect day at the Bridge on Saturday and tempting to say it was all about one man – Diego Costa. With his first hat-trick for Chelsea that’s now 7 goals in 4 games and some feat. But also nice to see Loic Remy get on the score sheet in his debut. But don’t underestimate the effect that Fabregas is having on Chelsea’s start to the season with 4 assists in 4 matches. Oscar and Hazard seem to be getting back to their levels of last season and even Ramires is making a telling contribution from the bench. The only question to be asked is otherwise solid defensive record being sacrificed for the more expansive and attacking style of play we are seeing
Courtois – 6 – didn’t really have much to do apart from picking the ball out of the net twice from John Terry’s own goal and Shelvey’s clinical strike. Peculiarly Courtois has now conceded 5 goals in two games with none of them arguably being his fault! Made a good save against Gomis.
Azpilicueta – 6 – Fairly quiet by his standards – hasn’t really hit the heights he reached so consistently last season
Terry – 6 – Unfortunate for the own goal and a bit at sixes and sevens for the second goal but other than that a fairly quiet game for the defence. It seems that a lack of protection from midfield and space left by the full backs attacking may not be helping.
Cahill – 6 – As above but without the own goal – decent performance for Cahill who looks assured next to his skipper.
Ivanovic – 7 – The re-invention of Brana Ivanovic into an attacking full back continues. Another good performance from the Big Serb – attacking at will – one 75 yard run in particular caught the eye and a fierce shot to the bollocks of the Swansea defender raised a chuckle. Needs help from the midfield though when leaving gaps with his attacking runs.
Matic – 6 – Better in the second half when the change in formation left him less isolated in front of the back four – also got surprisingly out-muscled by Gomis once or twice.
This is what we had to say about it on the show:
Fabregas – 7 – a slow start as with most of our returning internationals but increasingly helped Chelsea get in to the game. Created a super goal for Costa to keep their excellent partnership firing. The re-shuffle at half time helped him get farther forward and less culpable in leaving Matic isolated
Hazard – 8 – Arguably his best performance of the season – the league’s top dribbler was a constant threat whenever he got the ball and ran at the opposition. With the weight of being the sole creator and goal scorer having been lifted, Hazard once back in his stride could well blossom into the attacking wide player we know him to be.
Oscar – 7 – After his early tactical and positional indiscipline Oscar settled in to arguably his best performance of the season. Great passing and movement and some crunching tackles. Hopefully his World Cup hangover is now over.
Schurrle – 6 – Looked off the pace a bit and for him, an off day, perhaps due to his international exertions in midweek.
Costa – 9 – Yet another match winning and man of the match performance from our striker come hit man! You can’t argue with this hat-trick man, but his positional sense and knack of being in the right place at the right time continues to impress. He reminds me of Drogba at his peak – all physical presence and niggliness, added to a deadliness in the penalty box. A veritable Goal Pig – long may his run continue!
Subs:
Ramires – 7 – Decent half for Ramires who seemingly is being used as Jose’s enforcer. Shored up the midfield in the second half and added some much needed bite and added an assist for Costa’s third goal albeit through a typical Ramires scuffed shot!
Remy – 7 – Looked lively and comfortable in his new surroundings and showed some good movement and capped his debut off with a superbly struck goal.
Salah – 6 – Only a few for Salah was not enough time to impress, although he dazzled with his pace on a few runs before entering a blind alley.
