The August ended with a brilliant performance at the Eden stadium in Prague. However, the end of the game and not winning the Cup is disappointing. The battle for the SuperCup between Chelsea and Bayern, the Champions League champions and Europa League champions, and Mourinho versus Guardiola ended in a defeat that should have been a win. Martinez’ equaliser in the last second of a spectacular game put both teams into the penalty shoot-out, where Lukaku missed the last and only penalty. A heartbreak, but we could see that Chelsea are capable to beat the arguably best team of the world.
What‘s past is past, and the season actually started very good by taking 7 out of 9 possible points of the first three games in the Premier League.
August, a decent start into the new season
The opening game against Hull City at home ended in a comfortable 2-0 win. Oscar scored after a fine pass from Kevin De Bruyne, who returned from his loan spell at Werder Bremen. Lampard scored the second with a beautiful free-kick. Chelsea began the game with fast plays and instant attacking football, but the game couldn’t hold the tempo after the two goals, so the rest of the match was played slow and easy.
The second game against Aston Villa, postponed because of the UEFA SuperCup, was a lot harder than the first. A strike by Hazard gave Chelsea an early lead. It was lucky, because Guzan punched Hazard’s shot against his own defender and the ball landed in the back of the net from there. However, Aston Villa became better before halftime and Benteke could equalise. Chelsea couldn’t improve in the second half, but a header from Ivanovic won the three points.
Two of the most successful teams in England in the past ten years already met in the second week after the opening of the new season. It was Manchester United vs Chelsea. Both new managers, Moyes and Mourinho, didn’t want to lose early in the season and went for a tie. This encounter proved to be a weak game of football and ended in a goalless draw.
League position: 2.
Capital One Cup: Round 3 (Swindon Town)
Champions League: Group Stage
FA Cup: TBA
What was good?
The team quickly adapted to Mourinho’s famous philosophy with a solid defence and quick counters. The back four have been the strongest link in the two big games against Manchester United and Bayern Munich. The attack also impressed with Schürrle, Hazard and Oscar with pacy build-ups and nice combinations. And the 7 points in the league is respectable too.
What I hope to be changed?
It seems that Mourinho has already find a fixed starting eleven. Whether it is Mata, Azpilicueta or Mikel, these starting-11 players from last year seem to be disregarded and not in Mourinho’s plans. With time, leaving big players on the bench too long could create conflict situations.
What’s in September?
Deadline day
The deadline day is the last chance to make further signings and also a day every football fan looks forward to. Spectacular singings, unexpected moves and controversial fees; the deadline day is always something that I can’t wait for.
International break
We have to wait two weeks to watch our beloved club again. Next week are the qualifying matches for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Torres and Mata are two mentionable players who are left out of the Spanish squad. There aren’t any real highlights, but Belgium against Scotland would definitely be a good choice to watch as a Chelsea fan, with Courtois, De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku all included to the squad.
Everton, 14th September, away, Premier League
Chelsea won both games with 2-1 against Everton last season. The Toffees got Roberto Martinez as the successor of David Moyes, who built up a solid team with a tight budget over his 9 years in charge. The deadline day could become a tricky day for Everton. Baines and Fellaini, arguably two of the most important players in the team, might leave the club to follow Moyes to Old Trafford. The chances of winning at the Goodison will certainly increase if Martinez can’t hold the want-aways.
Basel, 18th September, home, Champions League
The hunt for the most glorious title in club football begins against Basel, the same opponent Chelsea met in the Europa League semi-final. Our Champions League journey was disappointing last season. The team under RDM and Rafael Benitez made an early exit and was the first team in history to not qualify for the knockout stages as the title-holder. This year’s group with Schalke, Basel and Steaua Bucharest looks a lot easier compared to the group from a year ago, so a win against Basel will put us in a good position early on.
Fulham, 21th September, home, Premier League
Derby between neighbors: Fulham at home is an absolute must-win game. However, the Cottagers are anything but a comfortable opponent. 4 of the last 5 clashes between the clubs located in West London ended in a draw. Fulham started their season in Northeast England with a win over Sunderland. This win was followed by two defeats what currently put Fulham on the 17th place in the league.
Swindon Town, 24th September, away, Capitol One Cup
The first game of the Capitol One Cup against Swindon Town should be an easy run for the Blues. The perfect game to rest some players and rotate the team, because 4 days from then, White Hart Lane awaits Mou’s team.
Tottenham Hotspur, 28th September, away, Premier League
Bale’s record-transfer money already flowed into numerous new signings. Daniel Levy, chairman of Tottenham Hotspur and one of the best businessman I have ever seen, spent more than €100m on new players as Eriksen, Lamela, Soldado or Paulinho. We can expect a first-class game of football and a hard-fought derby. Andre Villas Boas will face his old club and boss, Jose Mourinho, what adds more fuel to the fire.
Looking forward to September, the Premier League has some interesting encounters ready for us. The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham and the traditional game Liverpool and Manchester United were already played, but Manchester United will face another bitter-rival in three weeks time: Manchester City.
It’s not the most important month in a football calendar, but with the start of the season, the next four weeks will give us a picture of how the title-fight this season might look like.
How will the team do in September? Leave me your thoughts and opinions in the comments! (@jonny9fan)
