Written by Lawrence Donaldson.
Chelsea scored against West Ham from an Essien header after just one minute. Proceedings at Upton park took on an immediate air of inevitability. Chelsea looked typically steely and after 18 minutes had doubled their lead. The hangover from South Africa was evident yet again as two England players who suffered during the world cup were responsible for Chelsea’s second. Robert green feebly fumbled a tame Drogba free kick and fellow world cup international Matthew Upson’s equally feeble clearance looped back over him off of Soloman Kalou on 18 minutes. After this start it was clear that Chelsea were switched onto cruise control for the afternoon at Upton Park. Having scored 16 goals in their four opening games today the contrast between the east and west London clubs was stark.
However as the game drew on West Ham showed they were not a total damp squib and at times showed continuity which will deem them confident for next week’s meeting with stoke. Of particular note was the exuberance of Obinna who threatened a Chelsea defence who at times looked like they had switched off. Firstly with a well worked move and a pass from Cole and soon after with a solo run and right footed shot from outside of the box. Chelsea’s former manager Jose Mourinho spoke highly of the 23 year old Nigerian whilst at inter and there were glimpses which showed why.
Notable in his absence from incident was Chelsea big summer signing, Ramires, who seemed to have little influence on proceedings. Instead it was Chelsea stalwarts who controlled the show, Seven minutes from time Essien sunk another header this time at the far post. The scorer Essien was highly influential throughout, playing box to box with an engine of unstoppable velocity. Carlo Ancelotti rightly observed it was like having a new player after Essien’s return from a season of injury. His work rate combined with the steeliness of Drogba and co through the spine of Chelsea gives them an air of invincibility backed up by their results so far this season. The cross from Ferrara highlighted the space these two dynamic full backs had to exploit throughout this match. Former Chelsea player Scott Parker who has recently pledged his future to the club scored a classy consolation goal in the form of a cushioned volley from outside of the box, but this was a result that had been settled long before.
Chelsea will look forward to their next premier league meeting – at home to Blackpool – with an optimism imbued from a highly classy and competent start to this year’s competition.
