CRAVEN COTTAGE — Xabi Alonso’s first competitive match as Chelsea manager saw them take the lead after 32 seconds, almost trip over their own feet thanks to Robert Sanchez doing what we are becoming increasingly used to calling Robert Sanchez things and then the attacking spending eventually proving its worth. Tell us something we don’t know?
The likely transition seasons for Liverpool and Manchester City created a potential vacuum for a title challenger to Arsenal. Chelsea’s vast investment – this summer and in others – demands that they be taken seriously, even if everything about them quickly becomes soaked in farce and soap opera.
Perhaps we should save the jokes for now – OK Robert, you sit this one out. For all the quantity in Chelsea’s squad, some of which might leave before next Monday, they possess a front three that may rival anything else in Europe if all hit their straps.
Joao Pedro has been one of Europe’s best strikers over the last 13 months; his absence from Brazil’s World Cup squad was a disgrace but can be to Chelsea’s significant boon.
Cole Palmer was troubled by form and fitness issues last season, but produced the 2024-25 vintage at the Cottage. Palmer’s ability to draw a committed movement from a defender before skipping away is something to behold in person. One second-half dribble past four players had the away end singing “Palmer again, ole ole.” He scored less than a minute later.
