Oscar has recaptured his form as of late, but can the Brazilian maintain it?
Follow Scott W. Nicholls on Twitter: @scottnicholls
Fulham Broadway, London — Welcome to the very first edition of “A View from the Bridge,” a blog that is created entirely from the Chelsea season ticket holders point of view, captured at the Blues’ home Stamford Bridge — specifically the Matthew Harding stand.
A View from the Bridge does not dilute opinion, nor does it have an agenda.
Line-ups
Much was expected of Antonio Conte’s starting lineup for the home game versus Burnley. A home game against a weak side, surely the Italian manager wouldn’t pick two defensive minded midfielders again, would he?
Many fans had expected Cesc Fabregas to win back his place in the starting eleven after saving his managers blushes against a poor Watford side by injecting some much needed creativity. But then the lineup’s came out, and fans were disappointed.
“What’s that c*** playing at?” lamented one season ticket holder, after the “pairing” of Kante and Matic surfaced for the third time this season. The thought among most fans in the Matthew Harding stand is that while Conte is correct to play Kante and Matic in the same team when the Blues’ are away from home, there is no need for it against Burnley at home.
Another question on fans’ lips: Why is Michy Batshuayi not starting up-front with Diego Costa after his impressive substitute performances.
Performance
The first half performance from Chelsea produced relatively few arguments from the Stamford Bridge faithful, but one thing was certain — after about half an hour of football played, calls for “creativity” rang around the stadium. The move most seemed to want was Matic off and Fabregas on as early as the 32nd minute! Conte’s team went up 2-0 but it was via two moments of brilliance from Eden Hazard with a supporting cast of Diego Costa and Willian.
Fabregas dominated half time discussion — “what is he doing not playing him?” “we [Chelsea] need some creativity out there,” “why is he playing two defensive midfielders at home?” “He’s [Conte] forcing Cesc out!”
Fabregas had been warming up the entire second half, obviously desperate to get involved in the action. With Fabregas on the field Chelsea’s second half performance may not have been as impotent as it ended up being, even if you include the Victor Moses’ goal it wasn’t an impressive last 45 minutes.
Full Time Fallout
Fans couldn’t help but feel Burnley were there for the taking. Even though Chelsea won 3-0 there was an expectancy around the ‘Bridge for more goals after a dominant first half performance. The fans were hoping for some more inspiration on the field after the Mourinho/Hiddink era of last season.
That being said there were positives; Victor Moses looked powerful and vibrant; Eden Hazard looked back to his old self; and this was a game won, convincingly, that the fans feel Chelsea might have thrown away last season.
Fans are extremely impressed with N’golo Kante and his ability to control the game: “He was everywhere, breaking up the play, moving the ball around — something we [Chelsea] haven’t had since Maka [Claude Makelele]” one fan beamed. There were also kind words said of Oscar’s performance so far this season, but questions as to whether the Brazilian can keep up to that level.
Comparisons to Kante to Makelele are popular at Stamford Bridge, but that may do Kante a disservice. It seems contrary to say but there is a pocket of fans at Chelsea that think the former Leicester City man offers more than “Maka.”
Fabregas has come out in the aftermath of this game and refuted that he has been “told by Antonio Conte to leave” Chelsea, and said he is committed to Chelsea Football Club. You can read those tweets below.
Contrary to what has been written, the manager and I have a good relationship and he has NEVER told me that I can leave. He said…/ctd
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
…/ctd that he counts on me, as I count on him. I will continue to fight for this club until the very end and when called upon …/ctd
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
…/ctd I will always give my very best. I'm fully committed to @ChelseaFC and my only goal is to help them win football matches.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) August 28, 2016
