We are still in the early stages of the 2014/15 English Premier League season, but all signs are pointing to José Mourinho’s second year back at Chelsea being a successful one. The Blues beat Everton 6-3 at Goodison Park in a mouth-watering thriller. The deluge of goals began after just 36 seconds when summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fàbregas, linked superbly to open the scoring. The Spaniard went on to score his second goal of the game in the second half, while Branislav Ivanović, Nemanja Matić and Ramires contributed another three, with Séamus Coleman’s own goal completed the humiliation.
Two of the most influential signings this summer
Costa and Fàbregas appear to have been the missing link in Mourinho’s team, as they are leading the top scorers and top assists tables respectively. The Blues struggled in front of goal last season, with AC Milan-bound Fernando Torres among the main offenders. But Mourinho spent wisely to acquire the services of two offensive players with enormous talent and we are already witnessing some sensational football from them this year.
Manchester City’s blunder at Etihad Stadium raised Mourinho’s confidence even further as the defending champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home against Stoke City. Former Manchester United striker Mame Diouf’s solo run produced a brilliant goal as he left Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho, arguably two of the best defenders in the league, in his wake.
Other title contenders have not hit the ground running yet. Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Leicester, while Tottenham Hotspur, who had managed four wins out of four games in all competition so far this season, was exposed ruthlessly by a quick and powerful Liverpool in a 3-0 rout.
19-year-old Raheem Sterling comes of age
Brendan Rodgers’ team was boosted by the arrival of Mario Baletolli, and although the Italian striker missed two open chances, he held up and linked well with the Reds’ midfield midfield. Raheem Sterling, the rising star who played in front of the side’s diamond shape, caused havoc with his trademark running and pacey dribbling. Sterling finished off a brilliant Liverpool opener and had he exhibited more composure in front of goal would have added a second late in the game after leaving the Tottenham defence in his wake.
Luis Van Gaal is still looking for his first league win in his new job. The debut of Ángel Di María brought some hope to the manager, as he was arguably the most outstanding performer against Burnley, but he wasn’t enough to win the match with his teammates still struggling to adapt to the Dutchman’s new system.
