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The Ruffgrain Weekend Wrap
In the wake of the first round of Premier League fixtures, it’s been made difficult not to read too much into results, but the simple facts are that: Cesc Fabregas looks to be the most influential signing of the transfer window, Liverpool don’t look quite as secure as they did last season without a constant threat up front, Manchester City look every inch the reigning League Champions, and Manchester United appear to be haunted by the ghost of season past.
One need not look much further than Fabregas’s deft touch to put Andre Schurrle in on goal for Chelsea’s second against Burnley on Monday night to reaffirm my earlier statement about the midfield genius. In fact, he had a hand in each of Chelsea’s three goals on the night, and when his creativity is coupled with that of Edin Hazard and Oscar alongside him, and with Diego Costa’s power up front, Chelsea looks a certainty to run Manchester City very close indeed for the league title.
Judging by this first outing of a new-look Chelsea team, and I realize it may be a premature conclusion especially considering who Chelsea faced on Monday, they do look a more balanced outfit than last season. In the previous campaign, Jose Mourinho often took a defensive approach, especially against the bigger teams, but this season will surely see a Chelsea team on the front foot.
Liverpool meanwhile look a lot less certain of their role, though Brendan Rodgers will want to add more assertiveness in games to come. Considering that Southampton allowed six of their brightest stars to leave the club in the summer, the largest contingent of which (3) went to Liverpool , should have seen The Reds romp to victory over The Saints.
But that it was a much closer affair than anticipated, and perhaps more so that it was at Anfield, should cause some concern in the red half of Merseyside.
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