Maurizio Sarri’s dream start to the season has come to fruition as Chelsea won their second game of the season, beating London rivals Arsenal 3-2 on Saturday.
This week we speak to Tony Sheavyn – father Sheavyn and regular Stamford Bridge attendee since 1970 – about his thoughts on the Arsenal game, the squad after the transfer window has shut and the upcoming journey to Newcastle.
On the feeling before the game against Arsenal:
“It’s always nice to start a home league campaign against one of the so called bigger sides, especially if they come from North London.
‘The feeling amongst the fans prior to kick-off was one of optimism and expectation, with us all eager to see how long a different style of football would take to bed in.
“5.30 Saturday kick-offs are great for atmosphere, and this was no exception.
“At 4.30 the team news came through, and, along with most supporters, was somewhat surprised that Eden Hazard hadn’t forced his way into the starting XI.
“However, the knowledge that he was on the bench, and probably going to be used during the second half was a consolation.
“Although he does seem to be the only player who was involved in the last four of the World Cup still waiting to be fully integrated into their teams starting line-up. But then again, sports scientist’s and fitness gurus know a lot more than the average supporter!”
On Saturday’s performance:
“The first half of the game showed Chelsea at their best and worst.
“Jorginho was absolute class, wanting the ball at any time in any place on the pitch. The pass for Alonso for the first goal was precision at its best, allowing Alonso to not break stride and set it up for Pedro on a plate.
“The ‘Sarriball’ way of playing enabled us to be constantly on the front foot, playing at pace – unlike last year when 90% of our wing-backs passes were backwards. However, being Chelsea as always, there were negatives.
“Marcos Alonso is a great asset going forward – his goal scoring record is as good as Willian’s over the three years he has been with us.
“However he struggles as an out-and-out left back. Basically he has no pace, which unfortunately you can’t coach and he will always leave us vulnerable against quality teams.
“The number of times he was exposed during the first half was a worry.
“Willian doesn’t hurt enough teams. He looks great in glimpses, but the £70m on offer in the summer should have been taken.
“In his 30 minutes cameo, Kovacic showed why he was at Real Madrid. They don’t let many go that go onto better things (exception being Makélélé) so hopefully he will be one of the few.
“Eden for 30 minutes was Eden – simply the best player in the Premier League. I actually felt sorry for Bellerin (maybe not) because he didn’t have a clue how to play him.”
On the squad as a whole:
“Kepa (Arrizabalaga) is not going to be the same as Thibaut Courtois, who – unlike a number of fans – I thought was an exceptional keeper.
“He’s four inches smaller so will not be commanding his box as much. However his footwork looks very good, to the point that you wouldn’t know what his weak foot is.
“He will be more of a Pickford-type of keeper, but someone who will need time to bed in. We need to remember David De Gea’s first 18 months at Manchester United.
“The only disappointing part of the squad was that there wasn’t a place in the 18 for Ruben (Loftus-Cheek).
“He is now at an age where he needs to be playing regularly and influencing games. I believe he has a chance of making it at the top level having seen him develop over the years.
“He has everything required to do this, he just requires game time, if not at Chelsea then it needs to be somewhere else.”
On the upcoming trip to Newcastle:
“We have a poor record in the North-East recently, which needs to be addressed.
“With Eden hopefully fit to play for 75 minutes then I’m sure we can turn our beloved Rafa and his boys over.”
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