Back to the Future

It is the start of a new season and normal service has been resumed at Stamford Bridge in the relentless pursuit of a third consecutive Premiership title. The machine has been programmed to accommodate new parts and to encompass all conceivable eventualities and is functioning according to specifications – organised, ruthless, efficient. Minor adjustments have been made to permit rare excursions into the realms of flair and entertainment, provided these are kept within strictly defined limits and remain scarcely noticeable to the general public. The immediate effect has been declared satisfactory, subject to more careful analysis.

And so it was that Manchester City were defeated 3-0, in a game remarkable for the fact that Shaun Wright-Phillips was selected in the starting line-up (though unfortunately he was unable to fulfil his ambition of remaining for the entire match owing to substitution in the 70the minute).

The first goal came with only 10 minutes on the clock from a free kick on the right flank needlessly conceded after a rash challenge from the Manchester City full back Thatcher, which allowed Robben to cross the ball for Captain Terry to head home. Some 15 minutes later Lampard’s shot was deflected past Nicky Weaver off Dunne for number two, and with 13 minutes of normal time remaining Wayne Bridge broke down the left flank and crossed for Didier Drogba to produce a bullet header that gave the City goalkeeper no chance.

In keeping with their policy to obtain the maximum number of favourable decisions from the officials while conceding as little as possible, Chelsea appealed for several penalties and numerous free kicks, John Terry managed to handle the ball in the penalty area without attracting the referee’s attention and Michael Essien had the satisfaction of seeing Corradi dismissed and escaping with only a yellow card for picking his opponent up by his hair.

A perfect start to another Chelsea season.