Chelsea FC Dominates Week One of Europe

Despite their horrible form in domestic competitions, Chelsea FC redeemed themselves by securing a 4-0 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa, and Cesc Fabregas were enough to defeat the Israeli club and move to the top of the group.

While there are some positives to take from this game, not everyone was putting out a stellar performance. Eden Hazard was, yet again, poor on the field. The Belgian midfielder was under fire by his international coach Marc Wilmots. The left winger skied a penalty in the sixth minute, an action that is rare for a player of his calibre. Despite this shock mistake, Eden Hazard redeemed himself by being efficient with the ball during vital moments.

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Diego Costa looked like he was scared to shoot. One might not assume that the same player scored 20 goals just the season before. The only time the Brazilian-born Spaniard took a chance was from a terrific Cesc Fabregas cross that found the striker, who redirected the ball towards the top corner for Chelsea FC’s third goal.

Oscar returned to the squad after missing most of the early season to injury. The Brazilian playmaker holds the key to the club’s revitalization. The attacking formation looks a lot livelier with Oscar on the field. His chemistry with Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas can boost the team’s chances of scoring. Oscar scored Chelsea FC’s second penalty of the game late within the first half stoppage time.

Cesar Azpilicueta is “right” at home. The Spaniard replaced Branislav Ivanovic in the line-up while new signing Baba Rahman took his place at left-back. The Spanish international was proactive throughout the game, running in with the attack but also tracking back to defend. Jose Mourinho should feel much safer with Cesar Azpilicueta covering the right wing.

No one should forget Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s contribution. The young midfielder is much more agile than one would assume. Unlike most young talents, Ruben Loftus-Cheek seemed comfortable with the ball. Jose Mourinho is aiming to deploy the young England international as a holding midfielder, such as Nemanja Matic’s position. However, he has the potential to be as explosive as Yaya Toure. Chelsea FC definitely has another academy graduate who will solidify his place with the squad.

Other English Premier League clubs were not so fortunate this week. In fact, the Stamford Bridge residents were the only ones victorious among their fellow English clubs. On Tuesday (Sep. 15), Manchester City and Manchester United lost 2-1 to Juventus and PSV Eindhoven, respectively. While Chelsea FC was winning the match in London, Arsenal FC ended up losing at Zagreb by 2-1.

Chelsea FC currently has the most goals in the group stages, tied with Real Madrid, who won 4-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk. This is definitely the start that Chelsea FC needed in the Champions League.

Will the win streak jumpstart their form? How far will Chelsea FC go in the Champions League?

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