A distraction or a shining light?

A distraction or a shining light? 

The international break. A sickening thought in a life of a football fan. Very rare, do I find a supporter, who enjoys the words 'international' and 'break' in the same sentence. However, it is a timely distraction from the chaos that is happening with Chelsea football club.

   Week one began with calamitous defending against Swansea City, which ended in a fortunate draw at the Bridge. Thibaut Courtois was sent off as Willian was caught napping, allowing Bafetimbi Gomis to sneak in one on one. The big Belgian had no other option but to try and win the ball with his feet, which he didn't, resulting in him having an early bath. Although, the controversy didn't stop there. Deep into injury time, with the score two-a-piece, Eden Hazard is fouled and looking for medical attention. Naturally, the Chelsea medics are rushed onto the field. Strangely, this angers Mourinho. Why you ask? Good question. With Chelsea already down to 10 men and Eden Hazard gaining treatment on the sidelines, Chelsea are now 2 men down. Fortunately for the Blue supporters, Swansea were not able to capitalise. The game ended two-all. Chelsea medics banned for the foreseeable future of attending football matches. Ridiculous.

   Week two ended Chelsea's unbeaten run of one match. With Thibaut Courtois suspended, up stepped new signing Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian, making his first competitive debut, ensured star striker Sergio Aguero, was only limited to one goal. Matters got worse at half-time as the heart of Chelsea's back line, John Terry, who was never substituted by Jose Mourinho prior to the trip to the Etihad, was relegated to the bench. In stepped inexperienced yet huge potential, Kurt Zouma. Did he manage to nullify the team from Manchester? No. The game ended 3-0 to the hosts. Chelsea football team look a mess.

 
    Week three. New signing Pedro Rodriguez, pinched from the noses of Manchester red, was making his first debut for Chelsea. He was rightly awarded man of the match as Chelsea hung onto three precious points. With John Terry sent off, early in the second half, after losing out in a foot race with Salmon Rondon, sure put the cat amongst the pigeons. West Brom, 3-1 down at this point, even manage to get a goal back to ensure there are still troubles for Chelsea. The game eventually finishing 3-2.

   Week four. Jose Mourinho suffers only his second home defeat in 100 games as Chelsea tumble to a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge. Dear oh dear. Chelsea dominated possession in the first half but were unable to capitalise and ultimately, it was Palace who took the lead, early into the second half. As time ticked, Chelsea got a goal back thanks to loanee Radamel Falcao. His first goal in Chelsea colours. However, as I was celebrating, it was Palace who regained the lead, thanks to absent defending from Chelsea and that was that.

   Am I relived there is an international break before a tricky test at Goodison Park? Or will we fall to a second defeat in a row?

   I am relieved. It gives an opportunity for Jose Mourinho to have more time to plan for this tough test. Everton are no push overs and I have faith the Portuguese tactician gets it right. Last year, Chelsea beat Everton 6-3 at Goodison Park, arguably the best game of the season.

   In order to get a positive result, I feel players such as Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas need to be relegated to the bench and the two to replace them should be, Baba Rahman and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The latter two, show desire, hunger and energy whereas the former, are out of form and both got given the run around in the first four games. Kevin Mirallas, Aaron Lennon, Gerard Deulofeu and Aiden McGeady aren't going to be waiting for Mr Ivanovic to catch them up. The same can be said for Cesc Fabregas. Ross Barkley will be extremely hard to handle if there is no brick wall in front of the defence.

The early Saturday kick off will surely show if Chelsea football club have any chance of retaining the Premier League title.

I wait with anticipation to see the line up and the outcome of the upcoming fixture.