Chelsea started well, and should have been one nil up within ten minutes, had Torres not REFUSED TO SHOOT WHEN THROUGH ON GOAL. And you could feel the tangible frustration around the ground when he AGAIN tried to take an UNNECESSARY touch rather than pull the trigger. What the hell is it with this guy? He still makes excellent runs behind or between the defenders (his trademark when at the bin-dippers) but he won't bl**dy well shoot when he gets there!
The Canaries for their part looked bright enough in the opening few minutes, but afforded us far too much space in the middle of the park, and it wasn't long before parity was restored. This time Torres doing something right (using his head instead of his feet!) and getting on the end of a terrific Ivanovic cross to nod home the equalizer.
At this point Mata, Oscar and Hazard were having a field day. That's not to say that Norwich didn't have chances to score themselves - Alexander Tettey being particularly guilty of profligacy in front of goal - but I don't think anybody was surprised when Lamps and then Hazard extended our lead before half time.
After going in 3 v 1 up, you'd be forgiven if you expected us to notch up a cricket score. Alas, despite 74% possession in the second half, this was not to be. And we only scored one more goal through the excellent Ivanovic, who gleefully demonstrated to Torres exactly what the definition of 'shoot on sight' means.
Mata, who was man of the match for the second game on the spin, was in dazzling form today. And everything good we did seemed to emanate from him. When Hazard and Oscar arrived at the club, I think Mata felt a bit overwhelmed by the competition for the role of 'Creative Genius'. But now, seven games into the new season, he's rebounded brilliantly and is often the best player in an attacking midfield triumvirate that is the envy of every other team in the EPL.
So, another game and another win. Job done then! And now we can look forward to a trip to 3 Point Lane in the early match next weekend. Can't wait!
KTBFFH!!! :)
Brian M Logan
ThatActionGuy.com
SEONorthSydney.com.au