Blues Back on Track Against the Baggies: How Chelsea Fared

Big Phil Scolari finally took a risk in playing Didier Drogba and Nicholas Anelka together. The gamble paid off as the Blues dispatched the Baggies 2-0. Scolari also nimbly took Deco out of the Starting XI.

It is an interesting move considering the playmaker is one of his favorite players.

Many journalists suggested the pairing of the Drog and Anelka. In doing so, it would break Chelsea’s recent goal scoring woes and add immense goal scoring prowess.

In the third minute of the match, Drogba majestically rose to head home a Joe Cole cross for a Chelsea quick lead. A quick start is something Scolari and his squad had been craving all season.

Suddenly, order was restored at Stamford Bridge.

Chants rang out of “Didier Drogba…la la la la!” The Drog notched his first Premier League goal since March of this year, a 2-1 win against Arsenal.

It had been a long time coming for one of Chelsea’s favorite sons. He suffered injury after injury and injury after suspension. The Drog is back.

Although Chelsea lined up in their customary, 4-3-3, it was quite the contrary. 

Drogba, Anelka, and Joe Cole were very versatile and often changed positions fluidly. When Anelka went central, Drogba drifted out wide. Joe Cole would often switch flanks, from right to the left and back over. Anelka and Drogba also showed flashes of a central forward partnership. 

Both outside defenders were outstanding. Who knew Ashley Cole would have three goal attempts in a game? Jose Bosingwa was so influential down the right that he took on a right-winger’s role more than we have seen this season.

In fact, Bosingwa forced Joe Cole inwards to an attacking midfield role right behind Anelka and Drogba. Cole showed his creative qualities in scintillating buildups all around the eighteen. He had many great runs forward and started many scoring opportunities. 

Chelsea’s best had to be their vice-captain, Frank Lampard. Lampard was fantastic and put in a Man of the Match performance. He was the heartbeat of the team and his energy was contagious. Lampard aided his team immensely in buildup play. The England International was so eager to move the ball around the back four and up to the front three.

Clearly, he was ready for the challenge of getting Chelsea a win at home. His goal marked his first in seven Barclay’s Premier League matches. It helped cap off an excellent first half for Chelsea. 

Lampard became the main man on the field, a conductor leading his orchestra.

In fact, his central midfield partners Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel were almost non-existent. Ballack looked off the pace and is struggling for the form he had last season. Mikel was not involved because Chelsea were never threatened. On occasion, he won crucial 50/50 balls for the team and added his trademark stability. 

Alex and Branislav Ivanovic formed an effective partnership as the two central defenders. With Terry out for a couple of games and Ricardo Carvalho almost fit, Alex and Ivanovic showed they can fill the void. As for Cech, he was never troubled. His work on grabbing crosses and high balls into his goalmouth only highlighted Chelsea’s triumphant spirit. 

Mr. Scolari and his staff are right in taking a risk. A shakeup was needed. Chelsea must continue to ask questions through big time players such as Didier Drogba if they are to win silverware this season.