Chelsea blew a lead and got a man sent off before losing to Arsenal on penalties in the Community Shield. Here is the verdict from The Pride Of London.
The curtain-raiser to the Premier League certainly had that feel about it. Chelsea and Arsenal both failed to impress at Wembley on Sunday. The Gunners fought back from 1-0 down to take the game to penalties. A bizarre choice of takers for the Blues led to Arsenal bagging the Community Shield. What can we take from the game? Well, here are the short and sharp verdicts from The Pride Of London staff.
Ajitesh Rasgotra: Chelsea proved that they are nowhere near being ready for the Premier League campaign, let alone the Champions League. Antonio Conte needs some support in the transfer market quickly.
Travis Tyler: Apparently losing on penalties makes everyone forget that Chelsea were probably the stronger team for all but the start (what else is new?) and the time after a (unwarranted and harsh) red card. Yes, transfers are still needed, but there is no need to be beat with the misery stick before a single competitive ball has been kicked.
Scott Brant: We need bodies. The squad is thin, it’s lacking confidence and creativity. If this match, one that may mean something (but not really), is any sort of measuring stick – then Chelsea are in trouble.
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Kevin Peacock: I have a tendency to be overly optimistic. As for the game – standard Community Shield answer. Victory and we’re great, defeat and it doesn’t mean anything. However, I think what it does prove is that Emenalo and Marina are in for a busy couple of weeks.
Barrett Rouen: I am distraught by this last result. What the hell is Thibaut doing taking penalties? You’re not Manuel Neuer. Then Chelsea need massive help in the transfer market. How did things get this bad? Chelsea to flounder this season, fire Conte, and then hire Guus Hiddink.
Dan McClue: Can my verdict just be ‘calm down Barrett’? But in all seriousness, nothing was clicking for the Blues today, the flicks were mistimed and the defence floundered. Perhaps a result of fewer preseason matches than their opponents, but a weird lack of confidence without Hazard is a little worrying.
Abhishek Pancholi: Chelsea desperately need to bring in reinforcements or Conte could be ready to bid arrivederci before the season even starts. On this evidence, the team is far from ready for the rigours of a long season.
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What is your verdict? Let us know in the comments below!