1. Chelsea don’t look their usual selves
CHELSEA ULTIMATELY SHOWED some character to emerge with a victory despite playing much of the second half against West Brom with 10 men yesterday.
Nonetheless, there are obvious flaws in the Blues side and they currently look a shadow of the team that comfortably claimed the Premier League title last season.
There was a vulnerability to Chelsea that you rarely associate with Jose Mourinho teams. The Londoners were therefore fortunate enough to secure the three points, with the Baggies missing some good opportunities.
In particular, James Morrison will feel he should have had a hat-trick, after his inept spot-kick attempt was saved via the legs of Thibaut Courtouis.
Yet you couldn’t help but feel all is not well behind the scenes at Chelsea. Their previously rock solid backline is being exposed time and again of late, and Nemanja Matic’s sloppy foul that led to the penalty kick was the kind of error that simply would not have occurred last year.
2. Impressive Coleman Everton’s standout
Despite an assist for the first goal, it’s fair to say Raheem Sterling’s Man City career hasn’t hit the kind of heights expected of a £49million player yet, as indicated by his substitution for Samir Nasri on 76 minutes. However, the England international is unlikely to face many tougher opponents than Everton’s Seamus Coleman this season.
After a stunning 2013-14 campaign, the Ireland full-back was — by most accounts — below his best last season, as the entire Everton team struggled to replicate the form of Roberto Martinez’s first campaign in charge.
Yet yesterday, Coleman looked back to his best, and could not be blamed for either of the two goals Everton conceded.
While the Donegal native was his usual effervescent self going forward, it will perhaps be his contribution at the back that both Martinez and Ireland boss Martin O’Neill will be most encouraged by.
The defensive aspects of Coleman’s game are often compared unfavourably with his attacking prowess, but yesterday, he worked tirelessly to keep a relentless City attack relatively quiet down the left side, which has been a big area of strength for Pellegrini’s men in recent matches.
Indeed, so consummate was Coleman’s performance that it prompted Sky’s Gary Neville — somewhat of an authority on right-back play — to describe the display as “outstanding,” adding that the Irish international had been “Everton’s best player” over the course of the 90 minutes.
3. Perfect start for Pedro
(Chelsea’s Pedro applauds the fans whilst being substituted late in the second half)
For all Chelsea’s problems, there was one obvious positive to draw from yesterday’s performance.
Some critics questioned the wisdom of Jose Mourinho throwing Pedro in at the deep end so soon after moving from Barcelona, but the decision subsequently paid off.
The Spanish international took just 20 minutes to score his first Premier League goal, linking up well with Eden Hazard, before his deflected shot found the corner of the net.
The 28-year-old was also sharp for Chelsea’s second goal, forming an integral part of a fine counter-attacking move, as his cross-shot found a lurking Diego Costa, who doubled the visitors’ advantage with a simple finish.
With Chelsea under the cosh following John Terry’s sending off in the second half, Pedro’s influence inevitably lessened, and he was replaced by Mikel with six minutes remaining.
Yet, based on his energetic, sharp first-half performance at least, the skilful attacker looks set to be a major asset to the Blues.
4. Man City a level above rivals so far
It’s easy to get carried away based on three matches, but the early signs are promising for Manchester City.
Whereas Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all failed to fully convince so far, the Eastlands outfit look determined to make up for their lackadaisical title defence last season.
Although Everton had a decent spell towards the end of the first half, and Romelu Lukaku was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside, there is no question that Pellegrini’s men deserved their 2-0 win, with a number of players performing impressively.
Their defence still has yet to concede this season, while going forward, Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling have shown glimpses of brilliance, while Kolarov continued his impressive early-season form with a well-taken goal.
But there was no doubt that David Silva deserved his man-of-the-match award. The Spaniard served as Everton’s chief tormentor, controlling the game and consistently playing a key part in the most impressive elements of City’s forward play.
Originally published Sunday at 7.36pm
