Chelsea v Swansea: The One Where Diego Costa Got a Haircut

Who is this?

Before I waffle on about the happenings on the pitch this weekend, I have to take a moment and say that more than the actual result, the knee-jerk reactions at the pub on the FIRST DAY of the season was more than a little shocking. Especially from those that fall into the ‘should know better’ category. Serious moaning about how Chelsea haven’t played well in years, been papering over the cracks, and how the manager should be dismissed in favour of someone who has fresher ideas about tactics. Peak short-termism.

To those fans: Chelsea tried those managers - you hated them too. For the first half of last season, before the suspensions, injuries and tired legs kicked in - Chelsea played some of the best football they had done in years. Formidable, attacking and fun to watch. Actual journalists were impressed. And the most important point is -- it was the first match of the season, get a grip.

Asmir Begovic Won't Settle for Second Best

Diego, meet Asmir

It’s easy to be cynical about transfers with the bloated figures that surround them. Most players earn more in a week than I’ll see in a lifetime. The bastards. So when a first-choice goalkeeper moves to a team with an established keeper in place, it’s natural to assume that it’s simply a money move. That the player wants nothing more than to update his social medial channels from the warm embrace of the bench.

This certainly seemed like the case for Asmir Begovic who left his role as first choice goalkeeper at Stoke to, by and large, Thibaut Courtois’ understudy. But is he really a player looking for an easy ride and a better view of the game than any one of us have.* He might just have ambitions that go beyond keeping Cuadrado Salah Falcao (other players may be available) company on the bench.

Chelsea vs Stoke: Stoke’s Aversion to Goals at the Bridge Continues

So. Much. Hair.

After losing 3-1 away in a Champions League tie, is to host Stoke in the PL right before the continental types make their way to Stamford Bridge. Of course this time around there wasn’t a flurry of other matches and managerial changes before Stoke at home but the similarities are close enough to give those in and around SW6 enough hope going into Tuesday night’s tie.