Chelsea for the first time since August sit on top of the Barclays Premier League table thanks to an Eden Hazard inspired performance. What a dramatic Saturday it was with some surprise results. I must admit Arsenal’s 5-1 thumping by Liverpool at Anfield was very shocking but equally to was the 0-0 draw at Carrow Road. It appears the midweek defeat to Chelsea still hard some effect to a lack luster Man City side who couldn’t get past a resilient Chris Houghton side. After suffering their first defeat in 20 matches, City looked a pale shadow of themselves as they failed to find a way past a well organized and stubborn Norwich City. After watching the mauling of Arsenal at the hands of Liverpool, a win for City would have taken them to the summit of the table a position many premier league believe they ought to be maybe not now but come May when the curtains falls.
With both City and Arsenal on their travels, Chelsea welcomed Newcastle United one of the three teams to have beaten them this season. Chelsea buoyed by their brilliant performance at the Etihad stadium despite only one goal to show for ,Jose Mourinho’s home perfect record was under severe threat against a side that had beaten him convincingly 2-0. Chelsea didn’t look at their best but with the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, Jose Mourinho was leaving no room for complacency as he fielded a full strength side. The Brazilian Oscar returned to starting line up together with Frank lampard joining Namanja Matic in the midfield with David Luiz switching back to his preferred position alongside the very impressive Gary Cahill at the heart of the defense.
Allan Pardew side were looking to bounce back after their derby defeat by Sunderland. With several key players missing through injuries and suspensions, Newcastle proved to be no much against an average Chelsea performance. Cheik Tiote, Loic Remy,Fabricio Collocini,Pappise Cisse,Shola Amaobi and the now departed Yohan Cabaye formed part of the lengthy list absentees for Allan Pardew. After containing threat that Chelsea posed in the opening exchanges, Newcastle approach seemed to be working.
Eden Hazard recent sentiments of wishing to be mentioned in the same realm with the Messi’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s today’s football greats, proved to be some source of inspiration much to the glee of the forty thousand Chelsea fans watching at Stamford Bridge. A master class performance from the very impressive Eden Hazard proved to be the difference of the two sides. Hazards performance rolled back a few years ago as Chelsea fans were reminded of the little Italian Magician Gianfranco Zola. The nonchalant touches, the mesmerizing dribbles, the exquisite finishes, the arrogance, the art, the craft all packed in the sleek footed Eden Hazard.
The little Belgian Magician walked of to sumptuous standing ovation as he gave way to another little dynamo Mohamed Salah for his league debut. Chelsea cruised to convincing win much to the delight of the capacity filled Stamford bridge. Newcastle United had some chances to change the complexion of the game but despite not taking them they were indeed humble in defeat to a supreme talented Eden Hazard. The thought of him just 23yrs is mind boggling. He’s got the world at his feet if only he can keep his feet on the ground and continue the hard work. Under the former teacher now turned the special one, you bet his in the safest hands possible
The Anfield incidence exposed the frails in the Arsenal side and the failure to bring in quality additions especially in the attacking department with of Theo Walcott not returning this season, raises serious questions about Arsenal’s title credentials. I still feel the Arsenal of the 2004 is yet to be rebuilt . Until we have the Viera’s,the Henry’s,the Tony Adams, the Bergkham,the Kanu’s,the Gilberto Silva’s,the Sol Campbell’s you name them, not in person but in character,steel,experience,mentailty and more importantly the quality, am seeing the trophy dry spell persisting.
The question begs how long are the Arsenal fans willing to wait? I believe financial gains Arsenal football clubs enjoys by maintaining healthy books of accounts do give a soothing relief to the continued trophy disappointments. The recent 40 million pound buy of Mesut Ozil might have signaled a change in the status quo hence the trophy drought might be coming to an end but only with more such quality signings. Therefore its safe to say Arsenal might threaten to win this seasons title but in honest they would be sincere and legitimate candidates for next season’s title quest. Thats not say the race is already decided especially with thirteen games remaining but for my money i wouldn’t put my money on Arsenal carrying the day.
Manchester City failing to pick up maximum points against Norwich City was surprising despite City’s well documented struggles on their travels. That proves a leaking pipe within the engine of the formerly turbo charging City machine might have some serious impact its performance. Therefore the sooner Mr Pellegrini gets the leakage fixed coupled with the returning of both Sergio Aguerro and Fernandinho the better for their title chances. Despite this weeks blip City for my money still remain everyone’s true title contenders but Chelsea might be salivating with their mischief appetite just incase City drops the button.
THATS MY CALL, WHAT’S YOURS?
Curtis is fun loving person and when he’s not busy earning his daily wage he prefers to write and comment of the happenings in the world of football.
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