West Brom vs Chelsea: The One with Chelsea's First Win

Mou Loves Pu - The feelings are real

Apologies for the delay. My internet this week has been just about as patchy as Chelsea’s defence. A delight if your job is, you know, on the internet. Anyways, if we can all remember back that far, there was an actual game played over the weekend. And you know what? It wasn’t horrendous. Which, let’e be honest, came as some surprise.

Not only has Yokohama Chelsea not exactly lived up to it’s Korean electronic counterpart, but the Hawthorns hasn’t exactly been a happy hunting ground. Before last weekend, Chelsea had lost on 3 of their last 4 trips there. I’d hazard a guess they don’t have a worse (recent) record anywhere else. However last season’s jaunt to the midlands can be forgiven seeing as Chelsea had a) already won the league so were effectively on summer holidays and b) the sheer comedy value of Cesc Fàbregas.
Jose Mourinho saw fit to make three changes to the side who conceded a goal or two at City only a week before. Kurt Zouma started ahead of Cahill and his mask. Thibaut Courtois was reinstated to his role ahead of the fantastic Asmir Begovic. While Manchester United’s Pedro made his debut ahead of any number of players who have been rotating in and out of that vortex on the right of Chelsea’s midfield. And what a debut it was.

On some levels, Courtois must resent Pedro a little bit. He manages to save a penalty just 16 minutes into the game, sparing the club even more embarassment but does he get to revel in the glory of it? No. Because Pedro and his ridiculously well groomed eye brows only went and bloody scored 4 minutes later. Thibaut couldn't even have 5 minutes to be a bit smug about it.

But Pedro wasn't done there. He's at a new club. He wants to fit in. So he needs to make friends with the bully of the class. So 10 minutes after his goal, he only set up Diego Costa for his first goal of the season. No one will be taking his lunch money any time soon. Pedro's enthusiasm seemed infectious as his play seemed to positively affect those around him. Eden Hazard saw his best game of the season. Maybe he just needed a new friend on the wing. Either way, not only did Pedro look to fit in straight away but his presence had an impact on those around him as well.

Pedro & Cahill ahead of Sunday

Shoutout to Cesar Azpilcueta who now has as many Premier League goals as Asmir Begovic.

But it's not all sunshine and lollypops kids. 

There's also the defence. And I may have to throw some actual numbers at you now. In the 2004/05 season Chelsea conceded 15 goals. 15 over the course of 38 games. In 3 games this season, Chelsea have already conceded 7 goals. A lot of the blame has been dumped on the vice captain. But let's be honest, only Sunderland have a worse defensive record in the league this season - the problem isn't down to a single player. There's a bit of upheavel. John Terry was left dreadfully exposed against West Brom and paid the price for it. Fortunately, he went with the slow strip tease on his way off the pitch - so it made it all worthwhile. It's not the size of a man's shin pads John ...

It may not go down in the history books, but it was a win and an entertaining one at that. Chelsea host Palace next - a team they haven't lost to at home since Liverpool were relevant in the league. Expect it to be a bumpy ride.

jb x

ps Everton - you are starting to look like a jealous girlfriend. You don't want him to stay if he's doing it because you told him he has to. You should only want him there if he wants to be. There's plenty more CBs in the sea.