Chelsea Back on Track for Title Defence after Dismal Display on Opening Day

Source: Chelsea Football Club via Facebook

Chelsea began their title defence this year by hosting Burnley at Stamford Bridge. However, things did not go exactly to plan, and the Clarets were able to snatch all three points and leave the home supporters absolutely flabbergasted. Luckily for Chelsea fans, they managed to turn it around the next week, when they faced off against London rivals Tottenham. They overcame Spurs 2-1 and got things back on track, much to the delight of the travelling fans who were somewhat critical of their recent display.

When the London club’s following first heard that their opener would be against Burnley at home, they would have thought it was the perfect way to get into the swing of the season and kick off their title defence. After the first 45 minutes though, the atmosphere in the stadium had changed dramatically and the shining confidence that they started the day with had completely vanished. An early red card to captain Gary Cahill, as well as three Burley goals courtesy of Sam Vokes (2) and Stephen Ward, put the visitors in an extremely good position going into the break.

They did manage to pull two goals back after Cesc Fabregas received his marching orders, but the points seemed destined for the Clarets. One promising thing from that game was the free-flowing play of their new striker, Alvaro Morata, who joined the club from Real Madrid for a fee of around £60 million during the transfer window. He scored their first goal and assisted David Luiz for their second but unfortunately for the Blues, it wasn’t enough to salvage a point.

Opening day games have typically been tricky to navigate – not least for punters. The avid fantasy players that have spent the entire off-season calculating their predictions can sometimes be left looking quite red-faced after months of boasting to their friends that they have found the next Pele. Sometimes, it can pay off to have a read of a sports betting blog to try and get a little bit of inside information about these games, before heading out to bet the house on it.

Source: Chelsea Football Club via Facebook

Their second game, against the aforementioned Spurs, was a much better showing and against much more formidable opponents. This match was the complete opposite of the week prior and Chelsea displayed the quick attacking football that fans became so accustomed to last season. Marcos Alonso opened the scoring in the first half and they were looking dangerous on the counter. s the afternoon went on, it seemed as though the game was destined for a one-nil result after both teams hit the post and missed several chances.

However, in the 82nd minute, Michy Batshuayi headed in an own goal and it looked as though Spurs had managed to steal a point. That was, until Alonso lined up for a free kick in the 88th minute, and slotted home a truly magnificent shot to ensure Chelsea walked away with the win.

The Blues are looking in good shape now and Manager Antonio Conte seems to have things running smoothly again which is a positive sign. There are some big upcoming fixtures for the club, though, including Manchester City and Arsenal and the players will be hoping to continue on with the gritty determination and attacking brand of football they displayed against Spurs.