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Chelsea’s unbeaten run continued as they edged past a plucky Queens Park Rangers side led by Harry Redknapp at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho’s side looked a pale shadow of their former selves and struggled to grind out a result.Oscar and Eden Hazard got on the score sheet to give the Blues a comfortable 10-point lead over defending champions Manchester City, who will host cross town rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.Here are the five major talking points from the game.
#1 Oscar\'s brilliance
If anyone who should be credited for getting Chelsea out of the hole against QPR, it should be Oscar. The Brazilian playmaker was relentless for the entire match. He was immense while attacking but he was also monumental in defence. The 23-year-old was the key to Chelsea’s smooth transition from defence to attack. There are not enough individuals in world football that can outshine an attacking trio of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas for 90 minutes.
His opener for Chelsea was a fantastic goal with the outside of his right boot that curled past the goalkeeper into the far post.
Jose Mourinho heralded him as their best player on the pitch for entire 90 minutes and the Portuguese boss was effusive in praising the youngster.
“For 90 minutes I think he was our best player. Not for the goal, but for the dynamic, for the intensity, for the transitions. He was always sharp.”
Even though Eden Hazard clinched the winner for the hosts, Oscar’s performance was vital to Chelsea getting all three points.
#2 Defensive Blues at the Bridge
“Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles” - Sir Alex Ferguson.
It is pure common sense that in order to win championships a team has to have a solid back five. Yes, a back five. Along with four defenders, a goalkeeper is as important to sound functioning of a solid defence. Chelsea has one of the best defences in the league along with the best young goalkeeper in the world.
A master tactician like Jose Mourinho at the helm must be the ideal formula for a rock solid defence. But somehow, Chelsea has failed to find their solidity in defence of erstwhile Mourinho teams of yesteryears this season.
The following stats give us a clear picture about how Chelsea’s newfound attacking approach has created a small chink in their armour.
- PLAYED: 10WON: 8DRAWN: 2LOST: 0POINTS: 26GOALS / MATCH: 2.6GOALS CONCEDED / MATCH: 1LONGEST UNBEATEN STREAK: 10CLEAN SHEETS: 30 %
Stats via premierleague.com
These stats are not what you’d expect from a Jose Mourinho’s team. But, sadly their more adventurous approach has led them to drop crucial points at their travels to Manchester. A typical Mourinho side would have shut shop making it impossible for even the best of the attacks unlock his defence.
But conceding to a misfiring QPR side is a different ball game altogether.
The Blues need to galvanize their defence once again, if they wish to win their first league title in four seasons without any hiccups.
#3 Charlie Austin - QPR\'s lone ranger
Charlie Austin is the R’s best player this season by a country mile. He is holding his own at a time when all others around him are discovering their lowest ebbs.
Austin has scored 5 goals this season for Harry Redknapp’s relegation boys. At Stamford Bridge, he was up against the pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill, which is arguably the best centre-back partnership in the land.
Initially, he struggled as he was easily kept in check by the English duo. The 25-year-old sprang into the action as soon as there was level playing field in the penalty box with the introduction of Bobby Zamora. As soon as QPR switched to a 4-4-2, he scored by drawing Gary Cahill out of position with his shrewd run.
If QPR are harbouring any dreams beating the drop at the end of season, Charlie Austin looks to be their only realistic saviour at the moment.
#4 Cesc Fabregas - How may I assist you?
Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in a double pivot in the midfield at the moment are bulldozing everyone in their path. Fabregas, with his vision has set the league on fire as he leads the assists charts with 9 assists in 10 games. His impeccable set piece delivery yesterday was one of the highlights of Chelsea’s win.
It was his assist which gave Chelsea the lead via Oscar. He was lethal for the entire duration of 90 minutes as he dictated play with supreme command and finesse. This along with his magical set piece deliveries were keeping the visitors on tenterhooks.
BBC pundit and ex-Tottenham striker Garth Crooks said: "Who did Cesc Fabregas replace at Chelsea? For all his goals, nobody is talking about Frank Lampard anymore.
“Fabregas is not only laying goals on but transforming Chelsea's style of play. They are strong and formidable but they are also easy on the eye.
“No wonder Roman Abramovich stood up and applauded. Not even at Inter Milan or Real Madrid did a Jose Mourinho side play football like this.”
#5 Diego Costa\'s fitness
Jose Mourinho was very vocal last season when he complained about Chelsea lacking an out-and-out no. 9. Roman Abramovich took note of this and sanctioned the signing of Atletico Madrid’s star striker Diego Costa for £32m. And what a signing he has been so far for Chelsea! 9 goals in 9 games is no mean feat, especially in one’s debut season in the Premier League.
The Spaniard with his lethal first touch and clever runs gives Chelsea an extra dimension. He has that unique ability to draw centre-halves out from their positions. His absence on field has been evident on field as the Blues lose their potency and zip all of a sudden.
He was a constant nuisance for QPR’s Richard Dunne and Steven Caulker but the 26-year-old forward’s fitness is of utmost importance to the West Londoners’ title charge. He showed flashes of his brilliance in the game but still lacked his usual nimbleness and sharpness, especially in second half. This was the precise reason for his withdrawal in the 78th minute.
His hold up play was good but he was not in his element tonight, and this was evident as he struggled to get back into the groove.
This gives us enough evidence that there are still question marks over his fitness.
