Written by Joe Carroll
Chelsea produced another free scoring attacking display as they easily dismantled a poor Wigan side 6-0. The Blues did what they could not manage this time last season at the DW Stadium, that is winning as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat last September at the then called JJB Stadium. They also managed to come up with the same 5-star performance that they employed to demolish West Bromich Albion a week ago.
A brace a piece for Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou helped Chelsea on their way to a second successive 6-0 win, putting them in a commanding position at the top of the Premier League with a goal difference already in double figures. Florent Malouda and Yossi Benayoun, the Israeli scoring his first in Chelsea colours wrapped up the win on a glorious day in Lancashire for the travelling Londoners.
Nerves regarding this trip after last season’s virtual no-show against the same opposition were not to be settled down until the first goal went in. That was not to come until the game reached its half hour mark.
Wigan, having suffered an embarrassing opening day defeat here to newly promoted Blackpool just last week were clearly hoping to avoid a repeat scoreline. Take into account the way they dissolved at Stamford Bridge on the last day of the 09/10 season (they lost 8-0) and the fact that Chelsea’s attacking employers are clearly in no forgiving mood, then its easy to see why Roberto Martinez approached the game in the manner he did.
Wigan did the job they were clearly instructed to do; at least for the opening 34 minutes. They pressed Chelsea in all areas of the park, not allowing them enough time or space to begin any form of attacking move. Sadly, it seemed inevitable that this tactic would not last forever and without a goal to protect, their efforts looked like waning sooner rather than later.
The way in which Wigan surrendered is perhaps the most disappointing thing about the loss. Ashley Cole, who proved such a thorn in the West Brom side last week, was again looking to make things happen. His forward foray allowed him to pick out Frank Lampard with space in the Wigan area. With no time to find his feet, the England midfielder could only poke the ball towards goal; a tame effort by anyone’s standards never mind Lampard’s. Keeper’ Chris Kirkland’s response though was equally if not even more paltry.
The ex Liverpool goalie could only direct the ball with his palm into the path of Malouda who had made a run without the Wigan defence realising. With an open goal, the Frenchman easily put Chelsea on their way. Last term saw the winger much improved, and if he can keep up his early goal scoring habits, then he will prove to be very important once more.
Had Wigan gone in at half time with the scores level, they might have had the confidence to go on and get something from the game. Whatever Martinez said in the dressing room it was clear after just four minutes that it had simply gone in one ear and out of the other.
I can be sure of saying that what the Wigan boss did not say was “Don’t mark Anelka, give him all the space he likes out on that wing”. Unfortunately for the home fans, it seemed that’s what his players had heard. John Obi Mikel sent a long ball that was more hopeful than incisive and Anelka raced onto it, finding himself in the Wigan area. From a tight angle the striker pulled the trigger with a clinical finish, and he was not done there.
On 52 minutes Anelka doubled his tally, notching up Chelsea’s third. Again, a long ball from Petr Cech was enough to undo the Wigan back-line. Malouda was sent flying down the left flank and when his cross was met at the back post by Didier Drogba, the striker very kindly pulled the ball back for Anelka to nod home. Replays showed that the Frenchman was in an offside position. The fact that Wigan had their own goal disallowed for offside moments later left a rather bitter taste in the mouth of Latics fans.
It was clear that, luck or no luck, the game was going to Chelsea. Kalou, not one to feel left out, made his mark in the game with Chelsea’s fourth and fifth. However it was his international team mate who unselfishly offered the goal to him on a plate. Drogba’s inventive flick on the half way line allowed him to round the last man, and powerfully charge on the Wigan goal. With defenders tracking back, Drogba carefully strolled the ball to his left where the on rushing Kalou was better placed to finish.
The two joined forces once more for Kalou’s second on the 90 minute mark. Drogba’s teasing cross from the left put to Kirkland the question that all ‘keepers must dread answering: “should I stay or should I come?” Kirkland decided to come and punch, but Kalou made an excellently timed run and had enough spring to beat him to the ball, heading into an empty net.
With the game long but sown up, Chelsea still had time to enjoy themselves. This time the goal came as a result of some good build up from the right. In an advanced position, full back Paolo Ferreira pulled back into the Wigan area for new boy Benayoun to slot into the corner first time.
Chelsea’s last two scorers were substitutes, and it goes to show just how much strength in depth the Blues have when they can win 6-0 away from home and not have their two most potent attacking threats on the scoresheet.
Between them, Drogba and Lampard had a hand in three of the goals, but ultimately this was a performance that has demonstrated that whilst they didn’t spend big this summer, they still have more than enough fire power to make a serious defence of their Premier League crown. Ancelotti praised his subs after the game:
“I think our squad in this moment deserves to have more than eleven players playing.” said the Italian.
“I have to choose the first XI but it is very important that the subs can do their best. Today Kalou scored two goals and Benayoun scored.
With such a superior goal difference, it wont just be Chelsea’s next opponents quaking in their boots- their title rivals will be running scared at the thought of playing catch up.
Player Ratings
Chelsea: Cech 6, Ivanovic 6, Terry 7, Alex 6, Cole 8, Essien 7, Lampard 7, Mikel 7, Malouda 7, Anelka 9, Drogba 8.
Wigan: Kirkland 3, Gahouri 4, Alcaraz, 4, Stam 5, Figueroa 4, McCarthy 5, Thomas 6, N’Zogbia 5, Diame 4, Boselli, 5, Rodallega 6
Can Chelsea keep up their super 6 scoring?…Do you think their title rivals will be looking on in terror?…how would you rate Nicolas Anelka’s form so far?…please leave your comments below…
