Memo to self: When acquiring a new hat, ensure price tags and hangers are removed before placing on head.
Manager Morrie Sarri’s early circuits of the Stamford Bridge technical area against Bournemouth saw him sporting a Chelsea cap from which sprouted a black plastic hook and label proclaiming it came from the club shop.
Eventually, No2 Gianfranco Zola pointed out the fashion faux pas and Sarri’s dignity was restored as he paced like a restless panther while steering the Blues to a 2-0 victory and a 100% start to the season.
Not everyone was paying attention, however. A lone pigeon, best described as unflappable, spent 90 minutes pecking at the grass near the north-east corner flag, glancing up occasionally when Marcos Alonso approached, but resuming his grazing when the left back obligingly lofted the ball well over the bird’s head.
Alonso had an imperious game; like the pigeon he was focused, imperturbable and insouciant. However, he came perilously close to getting a second booking (this is Alonso, not the pigeon) for deliberate obstruction.
Alonso assisted in both the Blues’ second-half goals, and came closest to scoring in the first half when his header struck the post.
The international break leaves Chelsea sitting happily in the top three until beleaguered Cardiff visit on September 15, keen to ruffle a few feathers.
Hats off to the Blues for achieving four wins on the spin.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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