Chelsea win season-opener vs. West Ham: The Verdict
Chelsea fans are still basking in the first win of the Antonio Conte era. After beating West Ham, and before we look ahead to Watford, Pride of London delivers The Verdict.
Chelsea opened the season with a win. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa broke the proverbial ducks, and Antonio Conte found new ways to endear himself to Stamford Bridge.
Here’s what the Pride of London staff took away from the match. Let us know your verdict in the comments below.
Andre Carlisle: Diego Costa is going to murder Antonio Conte. It won’t be in his usual manner of devious murdering – no pickaxe, flail, or bare knuckle smashing – but the end result will be the same. Costa spent much of the match getting in Eden Hazard’s way, being absent in the box, and testing the leniency of the referee. Conte remained patient and, today, a reward came. One day it won’t.
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Barrett Rouen: Though not perfect, the most important thing is that Chelsea appear to be playing as a team again. Antonio Conte’s passion has been infectious and Chelsea are playing like Chelsea should: good team work and well-taken goals. I’d still like to see improvement from the back line and goalkeeper, however.
Travis Tyler: Chelsea FC dominated this match until the West Ham goal. The club looked desperate until Antonio Conte made his changes to the formation, which turned out to be an absolute stroke of brilliance. The Blues immediately gained control of the game back, and thanks to Michy Batshuayi’s link up with Diego Costa, were able to go on and win. They don’t look perfect yet, but something special is happening this season under Conte’s command.
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Daniel Mcclue: The Blues still showed an inability to kill off games, something that has been their downfall in the past. Yet they showed a fight and desire to edge back in front after The Hammers drew level. The CB and RB positions remain a problem while Cesc Fabregas may struggle to force his way back into the team. Promising start for a team in transition.
Drew Hooper: Chelsea dominated the first half in the most Chelsea way possible, total control without being a threat in front of goal. Hazard was a bright spot in his time on the pitch, which was spent tormenting the right flank players and demonstrating superb link up play. Conte also proved a great tactician with the addition of a second striker, proving to be the difference. Ultimately three points were claimed and now prep begins for Watford.
George Perry: Andy Carroll will go through the rest of the week thinking N’Golo Kante is going to sneak up behind him and snatch his wallet, his Starbucks or his car keys as deftly and persistently as he dispossessed Carroll of the ball. Leicester City’s title defense will be significantly hampered by Kante’s departure.
Ajitesh Rasgotra: There are wins, then there are wins with #passion. Monday night was the latter as Chelsea showed a resolve not seen in West London for about a year. Meanwhile, Victor Moses will be PFA Player of the Year. Trust.