So…I have to admit…I am a huge Chelsea fan. Have been since I really became a big time soccer fan. It started in 2006 when I came across a Chelsea game in the Premier League. It was just meant to be. They were called the Blues (also a big Kentucky Wildcat fan and the Big Blue Nation), they had a left back Ashley Cole #3 and that was the number and position of my son. Destiny struck and I have been a hard core Chelsea fan ever since. Fast forward to 2019/2020 season and Chelsea vs. Liverpool this weekend. It has been an interesting year for Chelsea. They are under a 2 term transfer ban and not able to sign any new players. That has forced them to bring up players from their dynamic academy program and play very young players.
The youngsters are really doing well and maybe, just maybe, the transfer ban will be a benefit. The core of Chelsea for the next 10 years could be playing for the team right now. Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Tomori, CHO, Reece James. Christian Pulisic, Kepa, RLC, Gilmour, Christiansen…..all players under 23 and all contributing to the senior team this year. On Sunday, Chelsea played league leaders and experienced Liverpool. I thought, not much of a chance for Chelsea, but maybe a draw. It was a tough game to watch for sure. A game as a fan you feel you deserve to win or deserve at least a draw. The Liverpool goals were set plays and one of them was a bit sketchy. Chelsea has a goal reversed by VAR, by an inch maybe….pretty harsh….really really harsh. They score in the second half, dominate the last 25 minutes, have two very good chances that fall short and lose. Really felt like Chelsea were the better team. Liverpool was in danger. Two set play goals. Ugh. Liverpool did not deserve the 3 points, but as they say….that’s soccer. Check out the highlights.
Another big story line was Manchester City. A really really disappointing loss last week to Norwich City, 3-2. How would they respond, would they have a hangover and come out flat. Could Pep get them back on track quickly. Well, I think they are going to be just fine! 8-0. Holy Toledo!
Plus, I just have to mention two other scorelines.
Manchester United gets beat 2-0 by West Ham United.
Tottenham gets beat by Leicester City 2-1.
Two Top 6 and even Top 4 contenders go down to teams that have no right beating them. It’s going to be an interesting race for the Top 4. A few teams might crack into that space. Man City and Liverpool are locks….after that….it’s wide open.
Race for the Title & Champions League Top 4
We had 8 winners for the week:
- Liverpool with a 2-1 win over Chelsea. 6-0 to start the season
- Bournemouth 3-2 over Southampton.
- Manchester United falls to surging West Ham United 0-2.
- Sheffield United takes down Everton 2-0..
- Leicester City takes down Tottenham 2-1.
- Manchester City crushes Watford 8-0. They were mad!!
- Arsenal 3-2 over Aston Villa playing with just 10 men.
- Burnley with a 2-0 win over Norwich City.
Race for Top 4. Win-Tie-Loss
- Liverpool 6-0-0. 18 Points.
- Manchester City 4-1-1 13 Points.
- Leicester City 3-2-1 11 Points
- Arsenal 3-2-1 11 Points
- West ham 3-2-1 11 Points.
- Bournemouth 3-1-2 10 Points.
Tottenham, Manchester United, Burnley, Sheffield United, Chelsea and Crystal Palace all with 8 points and in positions 7-12.
Relegation Zone
Not many teams separating and lots of similar records right now. There are 8 teams still within 3 points of the relegation zone. Here are the teams that bring up the 18-19-20 spots. Only two teams without a win and they bring up the last two spots.
18. Aston Villa 1-1-4 4 Points
19. Wolverhampton 0-4-2 4 Points.
20. Watford 0-2-4 2 Points
Match Day 7 Preview
Game of the Week. #4 Arsenal v #8 Manchester United. This is a really big game for Manchester United. They are not playing well,. The coach is on the hot seat. They barely survived a lower tier team in a mid week game. If they lose to Arsenal, the fans will be in an uproar.