Just like watching Brazil...

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:59:42 -0500

Sorry about the the cheesy post title, but I have a feeling the press might just be using that term a few times during the season if we continue to perform as we did yesterday.

I was a bit nervous going into the match, despite the fact that we've had a good opening day record in recent years. Of course I was delighted with how well we played in pre season, and was just really hoping we could carry on that sort of form into the Portsmouth match. The team did that, and how.

Right from the off we were the dominant team - Portsmouth were far from their best, but you can only beat what's in front of you. We had complete control of the midfield, all of whom looked both classy and effective throughout the game. One thing I was delighted about was how flexable our miedfield seemed to be, swapping positions brilliantly and at times bamboozling the Portsmouth midfield, who, to be fair, are no mugs. Our midfielders were well supported by the full backs, both of whom I thought were excellent.

I think Ashley Cole could be a whole new player compared with how we've seen him in the last couple of seasons. Evidently, Scolari will give him much more of a liscence to get up and down the wing to provide our width than he was given under either Mourinho or Grant. I expect him to thrive in that sort of role and it should help him get back to the sort of quality he was delivering every week that made us sign him from Arsenal. I thought he was superb yesterday.

Bosingwa also had a very good game. It's hard to judge from what I've seen of him, but so far I think he looks the solution to the right back problem we have had for a while now. Quick and strong, if he stays fit I think our defence will be great.

Was also impressed by Joe Cole. When Deco came in I was worried he might be pushed out of the team and lose a bit of confidence. He certainly delivered yesterday and his goal got us really up and running. While I'm on the topic of his goal, worth giving Ballack a mention. Perfectly timed ball for Joey to run onto, and it was dissappointing to see him having to go off.

To be honest, everyone in the side yesterday deserves an extended segment, as it was difficult to fault anyone's performance. Carvalho and Terry looked solid as always, although they weren't really tested. Same applies to Cech, the clean sheet should have done his confidence some good. Lamps contributed to the team, and got his season off to a goalscoring start with a cooly taken penalty. Penalties or not, goals are a big part of what we're paying £150,000 a week for so I hope he can keep that up. Anelka looked a lot sharper and of course got himself a goal, while Mikel held things together and allowed the full backs to get up the pitch. And all the subs looked good when they got on, Malouda in particular.

Man of the match for me would have to be Deco. I'll be honest here - when we signed him I was less than over the moon. Wasn't impressed with how he'd been performing for Barca and I wasn't sure how he would fit into our team. He proved me wrong though, played excellently, always looking to bring others into the game. Cracking goal as well.

Good start to the season then, more news to come soon on here.

One Man And His Blog

Just like watching Brazil...