The Ball Shrunk Honest

By Since66
September 16 2010

So it must be me. Everybody seems to be going 'overboard' about Chelsea's victory in Slovakia last night in the first Group F game of this season's 'Corrupt Cup' competition. Yes we scored four goals and a couple of classy ones too, but I felt throughout the game that Zilina gave us trouble down the flanks - as defensively Ivanovic and Zhirkov weren't very good.

Nor was Cechie to be honest. He failed to hold a tame shot in the first-half, his kicking wasn't up to much despite all the pre-match kicking warm-ups and his decision to come for the cross which led to Zilina's goal, was simply quite shocking.

Cech missed the cross and the ball unluckily bounced off Branislav's head for Zilina's Oravec to stab over the line.

By this time Chelsea were 4-0 up and coasting. But Zilina caused us enough problems in the second-half to add to their solitary goal. Still a win is a win in any competition and at any level.

The night though was made up with the appearances of Gael Kakuta and 17yr old Josh McEachran.

We always like to champion our youngsters whether they are home grown or foreign. Our kids are our future and although Chelsea have been 'slow' in bringing the kids on, last night on foreign soil, saw the emergence of a rising star - Josh McEachran.

For the 15 minutes he was afforded, he didn't look out of place. He has the 'Joe Cole' style about him, but quicker and nimble with his feet and he was unlucky to be caught offside with a chance on goal.

I expect Josh to be more involved in the Carling Cup game against Newcastle United next Wednesday.

Gael has talent, but he needs to calm down when in attacking positions, sort that little problem out and he will be another player to watch out for and again I expect him to be involved in the Carling Cup next week.

Danny Sturridge's goal reminded me of my thoughts of when Chelsea signed Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko.

A pass from Ballack from midfield for Sheva to run onto, round the 'keeper and stoke the ball into an empty net.

Last night it happened, but it was Yossi and Danny who were the players - Yossi making his first full start and Danny scoring his first Champions League goal.... More please.

MSK Zilina: Dubravka, Guldan (Angelovic 78), Piacek, Pecalka, Mraz, Jez (c), Bello, Rilke (Poliacek 57), Ceesay (Majtan 61), Vladavic, Oravec

Goal: Oravec 55


Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry (c), Zhirkov, Essien, Mikel, Benayoun (McEachran 78), Sturridge (Kakuta 61), Anelka, Malouda (van Aanholt 87)

Goals: Essien 13, Anelka 24, 28, Sturridge 48