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When Antonio Miguel Mareu Lopez, UEFA's designated referee, signalled the completion of Chelsea's thrilling 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon, Jose Mourinho, arms outsretched, delightfully punching the air, marched over to Sporting’s goalkeeper, Rui Patricio, who had been in sparkling form. Offering his unequivocal view and congratulating Patricio, Mourinho refused to disclose the Portuguese words which were whispered into Patricio’s receptive ears, claiming they were “censored”.
Chelsea's obliterating 6-0 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last season was an act worthy of censorship, one of sheer humilation from Arsenal’s despaired perspective. Oscar scored twice that day, his brace complimented by stinging goals from Samuel Eto’o, Mohamed Salah, Andre Schurrle and a composed Eden Hazard penalty.
Yet Chelsea have substantially upgraded this term and exude flair and power. Their impeccable start to the season leaves them with no margin for error. The barometer for success and their objectives for the season, dictating how the season will be reviewed and judged, in a postive or negative light, have been determined. Roman Abramovich expects, and rightly so, after a painful trophy-less season.
If Chelsea were good then, in a campaign where they flirted with a league title triumph and reached the Champions League semi-final, then they are magnificent now.
A division above their rivals
Chelsea, in tandem with Manchester City, look a division above their rivals. Mourinho has invested shrewdly in Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis. Chelsea sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League table knowing they are the bookmakers’ favourites. And not without good reason.
Mourinho has provided the antidote to the malaise which gripped Chelsea last season, when they were devoid of a goal-scorer to fire them to Premier League glory. It was a deficiency of immensely detrimental repercussions but they know it would be kamikaze-like to relinquish their control over the Premier League this time round.
Manchester City are yet to hit the heights of last season under Manuel Pellegrini. Louis van Gaal is countering adversity in his endeavours to impose his philosophy on Manchester United. Last season’s runners-up, Liverpool are a squad in flux and seem jaded and flummoxed with handling domestic and European exertions. Chelsea, strictly speaking, are the Premier League’s stand-out performers.
Cesc Fabregas has settled into life at Stamford Bridge seamlessly. Costa has been potent. Eden Hazard has shown glimpses of the mercurial excellence which may one day earn him the prestigious Ballon d’Or accolade. Thibaut Courtois has been accomplished in goal since being recallled from Atletico Madrid to replace veteran Petr Cech as first-choice keeper.
Costa is Chelsea’s saviour
Mourinho strived, with great efficiency, to address Chelsea’s most burning deficiency – the dearth of a goal-scorer. He was quick in acquiring Diego Costa for £32 million, the Iberian-Brazilian vindicating the lucrative valuation almost immediately. Potent, clinical and investing in Mourinho’s instructions to track back and contribute defensively, Mourinho, finally, after the arduous travails of Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o, has found his ideal striker. He is reaping the rewards and rightly so.
Finally, Stamford Bridge can toast an excellent striker. Costa mirrors Didier Drogba at his peak – his movement, his hunger, his strength, his potency and love for goals. Costa, dubbed the “Beast” by Atletico coach Diego Simeone, is living up to his name tag.
Fabregas, who will be treated to an unceremonious reception by the Arsenal supporters on Sunday, has played with a vengeance, knowing he must prove himself. The prodigal son was marginalised at Barcelona, his quality discarded in favour of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Mourinho has granted the Spaniard licence to express his mercurial brilliance. Six assists in six Premier League appearances and a goal and an assist in the Champions League speak for themselves.
It shouldn’t be too long till the Spaniard gets his name on the scorsheet in the Premier League, constantly trying to nullify opposition attacks, surging forward, orchestrating vibrant Chelsea attacks and roaming into goal-scoring positons. Though, as Mourinho insists, not Frank Lampard’s natural replacement, Fabregas has instantly enforced himself as a midfield majesty. His combination play with Spanish compatriot Costa has been a joy to watch.
Yet amid the flair and the fluent attacking play, Chellsea’s power and aggression will serve them well during an enervating and demanding season. When attacking vibrancy failed against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening, it was the power of Nemanja Matic which earned Chelsea three valuable points. If anything, it is the power and ferocity of both Chelsea and City which sets the elite duo apart from their Premier League rivals.
With a blistering start to the season, Chelsea have left themselves with no room for error. The barometer for success has been determined, and Chelsea must strive not to disappoint them.
