There is a saying – familiarity breeds contempt. However, for the attacking trident of Chelsea, a keen understanding and movement has led to a whopping 12-0 goal differential and two wins. Granted, neither West Brom nor Wigan will be fighting for titles this season, but…but…but…six goals is six goals is six goals.
Malouda was at his thoughtful best, anticipating a Lampard shot and pouncing on the rebound. Anelka followed a classy far-post finish with a right-place-at-the-right-time header (read: offside). When Salomon Kalou comes off the bench to score two goals, either a defense has fully capitulated to the superior side, or…a defense has totally capitulated to the superior side. Last season, Chelsea bullied around the EPL minnows on route to the title. And the wheels keep on turning…
Still, plaudits to the Italian manager – Raymond Domenech showed that the wrong coach with the wrong approach can light a fuse under Anelka in the worst way possible and marginalize the lead-footed Malouda. Carlos has shown himself to be a pragmatist, abandoning the methodical 4-4-2 of his old Milan side in favor of a ruthless and counterattacking 4-3-3.
Meanwhile, early in the season, Manchester United has shown a proclivity for the 4-4-2 formation of yesteryear. Fletcher picks up the trash, Scholes shines in midfield, and the forwards feast on space. Sound like a simple equation? Not so fast. At Craven Cottage, a Fulham team drilled into defensive-possession overran the Red Devils in the second half, starving United of the ball & earning a point. Granted, an away draw was superior to last season’s injury induced capitulation, but neither Berbatov nor the little pea look ready to wear Rooney’s boots.
And, of course, Arsenal. Four years without a title, the Gunners decimated Premiership new boys Blackpool. However, this was a game spun on its head. Blackpool displayed wonderful passing & intricate build-up play – yet Arsenal’s youth & athleticism produced flawless-precision-target counterattacks. One could almost hear a sonic boom when the Gunner’s offense took flight.
Tottenham earned two points thanks to the briliance of Gareth Bale, whose volley evoked images of a younger and slightly less-gray-sideburned Ryan Giggs. Aston Villa sans Milner fell to the resurgent Newcastle in embarrassing fashion. John Carew successfully extended his woeful finishing streak to the penalty spot, but aside from that few individuals shone for the villains. And in the US, the national team coach not so subtly flirted with the quasi-vacant managerial position. With the subtle confidence of a middle school boy, Bradley let it known that his people had talked with Aston Villa’s people. Whether they had passed any handwritten notes in the back of class is still up in the air.
And, as for City vs. Liverpool, the battle of the Have-Mores vs. the Had-But-Now-Have-Lessors, a Monday evening scheduling quirk means no love from me for either team. I hope Adebayor and Carragher cross knees in a corner kick and both get knocked out for the season. Or something like that.
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