Who needs strikers? With Chelsea’s defenders on such potent scoring form at the start of the new season, the Blues can contemplate resting their forwards.
Reece James and Kurt Zouma were among the scorers (along with a penalty by midfielder Jorginho) as Chelsea defeated Brighton 3-1 away on Monday night – the James goal an instant contender for September’s goal of the month.
It’s a win that delighted Frank Lampard, especially as new boys Kai Havertz and Timo Werner made successful debuts; Werner earning the spot kick after being felled by the Brighton keeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who arguably could have done better to keep a clean sheet, could soon be knocked down to reserve as Rennes netminder Edouard Mendy is poised to join Chelsea.
Next up, the big test. Liverpool visit an empty Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with Lamps keen to prove a point to the cocky Jurgen Klopp. “We definitely want to close that gap to Liverpool, although it’s a big ask to win the title,” said the gaffer.
It isn’t just Chelsea’s men who are scoring freely. Chelsea Women, in a freshly painted but deserted Kingsmeadow, fired nine without reply against Bristol City Women last weekend.
Nine goals, nine different scorers... and they, too, included unexpected names. Alongside new signings Pernille Harder, Niamh Charles and Mel Leupolz were tried-and-tested forwards Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbert, Sam Kerr and Beth England, and the less expected Maren Mjelde and Millie Bright. Maybe this will be the season of striking defenders.
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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