If the teams were announced at St. Mary's on Saturday, Southampton must have been rubbing their hands along with glee at the idea of facing the Chelsea array Rafa Benitez had released. With an Cup quarterfinal replay against Manchester United following only two days latera'while also taking Thursday's Europa League clash with Rubin Kazan into considerationa'something had to offer for the Blues and this fixture was it. Of the starting XI, there have been just five who could be considered vital, established first-team players. Peter Cech, Frank Lampard, John Terry, John Mikel Obi and Branislav Ivanovic have been area of the material at Stamford Bridge, but beyond them on Saturday, Chelsea lacked any real authority. Fernando Torres' struggles are well-documented, while Victor Moses, Ryan Bertrand, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marko Marin aren't yet the stars they've the potential to be. The picture of Oscar's endeavors as part of the fighting three behind the striker pretty much summed up the morning, because the Blues fought for supremacy but without any real conviction. In a few ways, a cup game was reflected by this outing on the south coast significantly more than any such thing. As Saints had sniffed out weaknesses in their damaged opponents and, with a separate house group behind them, did sufficient in the future out at the top, 2-1, the underdog. It was an excellent win for the Premier League strugglers, yet up to it outlined their desire to remain in the very best flight, the victory was also a reminder of Chelsea's disadvantages this term. Benitez has are available in for some criticism following his staff selection, and as the Spaniard will shoulder his share of guilt for a beat many will consider a major upset, manager. It is as that not as easy, though, and should not be looked at therefore, often. In the final phases of the season, Chelsea are in a hard situation. On one hand, the Blues own it all to play for, fighting on all three fronts in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. As the installation obstruction their pot activities carry could very well mean they finish the growing season empty-handed but while it may be fascinating, it's equally unnerving. No top-four position, no FA Cup and no Europa League trophy. Benitez is trying to achieve this with a threadbare squad. They lack the ability to capitalize on the problem in which they end up, whilst the Blues seem strong in numbers. It comes home to this notion of change, and while their squad record may read like a who of fantasy baseball, the stark reality is it's all come a touch too early for them. Beyond the usual suspects at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are coping with players expected to function as the heroes of the following generation, however, players who've to prove themselves. Wednesday discussed very much and while they'll learn from defeat, this season could very well have come too soon for them.
Via: [Live Football] Fulham FC - Queens Park Rangers - English Premier League
No comments:
Post a Comment