In the end we scored three additional goals in the last 11 minutes, and history will remember the match as being an easy win. But it was 0 v 1 or maybe 0 v 2 easy. Not 0 v 4 easy. And Nordsjaelland were at times a joy to watch, and I can only wish them well in this their inaugural Champion's League adventure.
Star player for Chelsea in this match was undoubtedly Juan Mata, who scored two and looks back to his best after a couple of week's rest. Oscar put in a good shift too, as did Lamps, Cahill and Ramires.
I was a bit disappointed in Moses today, to be honest with you. I've been harping on about him getting a start (so we get some natural width). But today he seemed afraid to take on the last defender (preferring to pass backwards or sideways instead), and thus added very little in the way of attacking menace. Hazard did more in ten minutes when he replaced Moses in the second half, than Moses had done all match.
Still, this was Moses' first match in the Champion's League, so maybe the nerves got to him a bit? And there'll be other chances for him to shine. So we shouldn't be too harsh on him.
Oh, and aside from nicking the ball from a sleepy defender to help set up our first goal, Torres was pants. Seriously, if we'd had Falco or Naymar leading our line we would've had a cricket score by half time. Torres takes far too many touches when through on goal, is pathologically afraid of shooting from outside the box, and I for one am rapidly losing patience with him. Enough is enough.
And don't get me started (again) on Luiz, who gives the ball away every time he tries to pass it further than 15 yards. Yes, he scored a great free kick today, but the occasional bit of brilliance does not and cannot hide a significantly flawed defender. Give me a JT and Cahill combo in central defense any day of the week.
KTBFFH!!! :)
Brian M Logan
ThatActionGuy.com
SEONorthSydney.com.au