Yes, and we back to top of the league again. For both August and September. How things can change in a year. Today we were, dare I say, imperious. Even with a few enforced changes we dominated the game, withstood some initial intensity from Brentford and controlled the entirety of the game.
It’s hard to decide who was our best player today. Between Xhaka, Partey, Saliba and Jesus I’d slightly come down on the side of Xhaka. Partey purred today. Today he was so quick and simple on the ball. Often surrounded by one of two of their players he is able to know where he wants to pass before he receives the ball. And no hamstring or thigh injury today. Let’s hope he does not play many minutes during this infuriatingly unnecessary International break. As impressive as Sambi has been, Partey operates at an elevated level. And today he linked up the play effortlessly.
Jesus continues to highlight what we were so lacking last year. A true forward who can energize our team. His goal demonstrated his range of ability. From his delicate chips, breakaway goal and now Giroud-like headers. The pass though from Xhaka was Odegaard-like. He really has been liberated in this new role. Without Zinny to feed him, Xhaka had to play a little deeper at times – something we know can cause him problems. But today he moved up and down the left hand side and dominated the play. Martinelli was a little quiet – he’s allowed a day off. In fact, he should have given us the lead in the first two minutes. That passage of play was an example of the time of control and sweeping, controlled football we’d play throughout the game. It’s just a shame he were not able to convert.
Our opening goal though came care of our Enlarged Willy. Not only did he clock (oh, come on. I said clock) his second goal (ignoring his own-goal) but he controlled the newly called up Brentford forward Toney. There were a number of examples in the first half when Saliba calmness and strength enabled him to prevent any danger. Though the entire game, his reading of the play and position continues to amaze. This boy is a gem. As good a center half as I’ve had in my life-time. I know it’s only 7 games in so I should reserve judgement. And we have (aside from the next game) some big teams to play. So I’ll temper my opinion a little. He’s as good as a center half as I’ve seen in the last 7 games. But money is on my original statement being one I restate later on in the season. Let’s hope he stays fit.
Our defense was completely in control. From Tierney to White to Gabriel we were barely stretched. Ramsdale had but one real save to make. We need to wrap this boy in cotton wool as it’s the second time we’ve seen him holding his leg late on in the game. He is one though I want to see play during the internationals. Not just because he deserves it – he is the best keeper in England but because it’s inconceivable that the ugly Pickford should remain the #1 keeper. There is no comparison between the two. Pickford has no calmness. He’s a shotstopper and a thug. He can’t distribute the ball. And he can’t properly comb his hair. He looks like a hit man from the 1930’s with too much Brylcream on his hair.
And can anyone explain how England continue to pick a center half that can’t even get into the ManU starting 11? And yet, White, who’s played in every match this season, does not get picked. The man with the largest forehead and biggest chin, has not played since being embarrassed at Brentford. So how has Southgate judged whether he is fit and able to play? We know that the man is a donkey in disguise (The Manu player not Southgate). But how can he not have picked White. We benefit because he both gets a two week break and won’t have to socialize/train with the England captain. Sure, I was not happy with his performance against Zaha and Palace in our first game but since then he’s been pretty impressive. Why would you not want someone who can play at either center-half or right back. As opposed to someone, say, who can’t play in any position? Southgate is too conservative. Better than nearly every prior England manager but still too conservative. We saw that in the Euros’ final when he was too scared to win. And this is another example.
Anyway back to today. I can rarely remember us going to another ground against a pretty decent team and totally controlling the pace of the game. Some of our quick passing and movement -again, without Zinny or Odegaard – was really so enjoyable to watch. This is a team that is operating at another level. We have advanced more than I would expected in the last year. We are a joy to watch. There’s nothing like watching your team win and, at the same time, being proud of the way they play the game. Obviously many people will compare this to our performance here last season. But look the which players were in that team and remain in todays team. Just four – Tierney, White, Martinelli and Xhaka. And it was White’s first game. That’s quite a turnover.
I had few expectations of Vieira today being his first game against a pretty physical and intense Brentford team. But he kept things simple and made no obvious mistakes. It was noticeable that Saka was not in the game as much because of the lack of interplay with Odegaard. But Vieira moved around the pitch and seemed to gradually adapt to the pace of the game. And then capped it off with a glorious goal. One that I don’t think our Norwegian could pull off. It was effortless and seemed to come out of nowhere. And truly sealed off the game and put any nerves to rest. There seemed no backlift or significant power but was perfectly placed. What a perfect start. If it usually takes six months for a player to adapt to English football then we’re in for a treat.
We were so good today that at times I forgot Zinny was not on the field. Nor Odegaard. Arteta got it completely right today. The way he set the team up. It was a continuation of how we played against ManU but this time with the outcome and goals we deserved. There was not intervention by VAR or the referee today. Though, can someone explain to me how in the hell Jesus picked up a yellow card for his only foul in the game? That made no sense.
As much as I hate early games this was thoroughly enjoyable. We completely deserved these three points. And we’re back to our rightful position at the top of the league. It’s only seven games in and I know that’s not where we will finish up. But it’s good to see a gap with the other teams looking to get into the Champions League. We remain a young team and there will be periods where we throw away games and points as we show our inexperience. And let’s face it, we’ve not had Xhaka sent off yet. In fact, we’ve not had anyone sent off. But with that lot down the road due up next let’s see how that turns out. Surely they can’t have Paul Tierney referee that game. At least our Gabriels will all be rested – along with White.
Before we head off into this infernal international break let’s all take a minute to barf out loud about the new Chelsea owner and the bonehead statements emanating from his too-often-open mouth. It’s enough to get Americans in England a bad name. It’s bad enough the Glaziers are at United (or, maybe, we are lucky they are there). At least Kroenke is Silent. There is virtue in that. It’s so embarrassing and squirmy it makes you pine for having an Oligarch run the club. At least we never heard from him. Oh, sure, he might have been responsible for fleecing his nation and supporting a megalomanic, messianic dictator who’s trying to push the world into World War III. But, listen, no one’s perfect. But at least he kept his mouth shut. And all-star game north versus south? Really? He said that out loud? What a putz. Has he no shame. No chance. When the only one agreeing with you is Stevie Gerrard you know it’s a horrible idea. What a moron (either of them). It’s hard enough watching Saka play up front with that England captain. Imagine a north versus south game. Inconceivable. If this is a fine example of his thought process, then Chelski are well and truly fucked. Not that I would mind. I remember when they were a bang below average team before the Russian dollars took Ashley Cole away from us. They deserve nothing less. I just don’t know I can take listening to this big mouth spouting off his ridiculous ideas. He makes Ted Lasso seem pretty intelligent. How he could have fired Tuchel a few days after the transfer window closed after letting him bring in Aubameyang or paid £60m for the Brighton left-back when he already had another £50m fullback in place. Well, after listening to the latest drivel spewing from his egotistical brain, I think we now have the answer. He’s a buffoon. Buffoon Boehly.
Oh, did I mention, you know, what is it that I wanted to say? And leave this in your head for two weeks. Oh, I know. We’re top of the league.
-LB7