Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

EPL 2012-13: Chelsea ahead of Premier League rivals

London, Aug 24: The European champions may have played two games but they scored six goals, even Fernando Torres got on the scoresheet against Reading while their £32 million recruit Eden Hazard has made five assists already.

Chelsea Team Profile

<strong>Chelsea fight back to beat Reading FC</strong>Chelsea fight back to beat Reading FC

Manager Roberto Di Matteo could not have wished for a better start this season as the Blues aim to pip champions Manchester City to reclaim the Premier League crown.

After wins against Wigan and Reading, Chelsea seems confident enough to take on the big guns despite finishing 6th last season. They certainly have the fire power with new signings Oscar, Hazard, Marko Marin and probably a few more high-profile transfers.

Although Brazilian Oscar is yet to impress, he is one of the best young football talents across Europe. The 20-year-old midfielder may not have the physique to deal with Premier League's challenges but has the pace and technique to get past opponents with ease.

Di Matteo looks to use £50m-frontman Fernando Torres to the fullest after featuring in both league games. The Spaniard finally scored, probably the easiest goal in his career, and the eventual winner after Chelsea found themselves down at the Bridge. Out-of-favour forward Daniel Sturridge made a huge impact after coming on as a substitute. The England international has yet to decide on whether to stay at Stamford Bridge after speculations of a move to rivals Liverpool.

Undoubtedly, their most influential player is Hazard. The former Lille winger has transformed Chelsea's style while being involved in every possible move along with playmaker Juan Mata. The two form a lethal combination upfront and if Torres isn't shying in front of goal, the trio can form one of the deadliest attack in Europe.

But defensively Chelsea have switched off on many occasions. Captain John Terry looks as if he is unable to cope up with the pacey games but has been dealing well enough along with centre-backs David Luiz and Garry Cahill.

But despite making few faults in defence and conceding two goals in four minutes, the Blues moved forward with real intensity and pace. Veteran Lampard continues to play a key role in the middle and other seniors like left-back Ashley Cole and goalkeeper Petr cech.

However, Chelsea may not feel the absence of legend Didier Drogba but they definitely need a prolific striker. Either Torres has to up his tempo or Di Matteo must look into the transfer market to add back up for the misfiring Spaniard.

With 35m-rated striker Edinson Cavani on Chelsea's radar, the Blues will be one of Europe's top powerhouses.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Tuesday, August 22, 2017, 12:26 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 22, 2017