BPL 2013: Day 1: Wigan - Chelsea: Eden proves Hazard-ous for the Latics

Premier League 2012-2013

As curtains were raised to mark the beginning of a new Barclays Premier League season at the JJB stadium for both Wigan Athletic and Chelsea, it was the reigning European champions that came out with all the three points on the first day of the league with early strikes. Although, Wigan showed signs of a fightback, they could not capitalise on the chances they had in the game to change the result. On the other hand, Chelsea showed strong performance in all the three departments of the game with newly induced vigour with their new signings over the summer in the lights of Eden Hazard and Oscar.

Wigan - Chelsea at JJB stadium, 19th August 2012

Wigan suffered huge blows early in the game when Chelsea struck twice within the first 6 minutes of the game. Eden Hazard proved to be the talisman for both the goals by assisting one and earning a penalty for the other. One aspect that Roberto Di Matteo has definitely worked on during the summer break is the Counter-attacking. This facet of Chelsea's football was at its best when Eden Hazard received the ball from the defence and gave us a glimpse of his skills when he displayed a wonderful 180 degree to fool the Wigan defender. After his first touch, he passed the ball towards Branislav Ivanovic, who was sprinting down the right flank with literally no resistance from the Wigan defence. Ivanovic struck the ball hard in the net to take Chelsea ahead in the second minute of the game.
Eden Hazard was again under the spotlight when he was tackled by the Wigan defender in the Wigan box to earn Chelsea a penalty, just four minutes since the first goal was scored. Eden Hazard showed resilience, strength and sharp skills to earn the penalty. Chelsea's veteran, Frank Lampard, stepped up to take the penalty and successfully delivered to go up 2-0 in the game. Chelsea fans roared anthems since they were exposed to a Chelsea side that they most dearly wanted to see.
After Chelsea scored the second goal, Chelsea began to sit back a little while allowing Wigan space and time to get their attacks organised. During this time, although Wigan seemed to be more active in the attacking front, there were bits and pieces of Chelsea's game-play that need to be highlighted here, which could prove highly beneficial for Chelsea in the long run.

1. Mata - Hazard combination
Juan Mata paired with up Eden Hazard during the entire game to display the potential they have to make Chelsea strong in the flanks. Short instances of swift passing, one-to-one passing, wide play and crossing from both the ends was displayed by both the players in combination. Both these players could prove to be beneficial for Chelsea so as to strengthen the mid-field.

2. Ivanovic - Cole combination
A vintage combination of two players, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole, as wing backs continued to display positive signs of improving Chelsea defence and take it to the next level.

3. The Torres struggle
After having a successful Euro 2012, Fernando Torres came out with confidence and energy to prove his 50 million pound worth as a Chelsea player. Although he has been criticized a lot during his Chelsea tenure, he has always showed high-levels of dedication towards the game. His luck did not favour him when he missed an opportunity to score a goal, when the ball was cleared off the line by the Wigan defender.

4. Oscar winning decision
Roman Abramovich's decision of buying Oscar will certainly pay off for Chelsea in the near future with the promise that he showed during the game. One example of his prowess was seen when passed a through-ball to Ivanovic, only to be cleared by the Wigan defender.

5. Strong Bench
Having a strong bench of players, is something new that Chelsea has seen over the past few years. Chelsea now has strong back-up to overcome any kind of shortcomings during the tenure of the season.

With other teams trying to strengthen their squads, Chelsea definitely have gone in the right direction to do the same. It yet remains to be seen if they add or subtract their team of players before the transfer window closes on 31st August 2012. Chelsea will have to work on some aspects of the game, like concentration, focus and coordination, before their next game against Reading on 22nd August 2012, at home.

Image reference: http://cdn.whatculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/premierleaguelogo.jpg; http://www.chelseaitalia.com/images/stories/stagione2012-2013/biglietti/20120818-biglietto-wigan-chelsea-presentazione.jpg
Article reference: http://www.chelseafc.com/; http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/08/19/bpl_sunday_roundup_recap/