CHERRY ON VICTORY CAKE
IF this is Chelsea undercooked, without their big summer signing and three or four others who would normally be starters, then woe betide those who meet them when they’re firing on all cylinders. The champions of Europe did a proper number on Patrickvieira’s Crystal Palace following their Super Cup victory onwednesday, with goals from Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic putting them ahead – and the game to bed – before half-time.
It was the third, however, that provided the moment of the match with Trevoh Chalobah, 22, drilling home a fine finish on his Premier League debut, 14 years after joining the club. It took a second or two for the penny to drop with the defender about what he had done – before being mobbed by each and every one of his team-mates.
Chalobah said: “It is a dream for a boy like me being here and to play for my home club is unreal.
“As I was getting closer to the goal, I thought I might as well shoot and just went for it.
“I didn’t know the ball went in until the crowd cheered. It was a surreal moment.
“I was surprised by the Super Cup game, too, and I have taken the opportunity with both hands.”
He really has and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said: “The goal was well deserved.
“He’s a humble guy, a calm guy. This is not a gift that we let him play, it is well deserved.” Chelsea took the lead after Tyrick Mitchell felled Mason Mount and Alonso fired home the free-kick.
Mount was involved in the move again when the home side doubled their advantage before half-time.
This time he played a quick give-and-go before whipping in a dangerous cross thatvicente Guaita parried at Timo Werner’s feet, with Pulisic on hand to turn the loose ball home.
As for Palace, the only positive they can take is that they let in a goal less than the four they conceded in both games against Chelsea last season.
Vieira clearly has much work to do with four Under-23s players on the bench, and he and chairman Steve Parish will need to continue what has already been a busy summer these next couple of weeks.
Vieira said: “If you look at the way we defended before the free-kick I was really pleased, we were compact, but the free-kick changed the game.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to welcome £97.5million new old-boy Romelu Lukaku to training on Tuesday.
It certainly looks like it’s shaping up to be another lively season at Stamford Bridge.