The Community Shield isn’t something that I get particularly excited about, but given I haven’t had my dose of footy in months I suppose I can’t afford to be picky. This year’s version, played between the defending Champions League winners, Chelsea (that just sounds dirty), and the deep-pocketed Manchester City, was an ugly affair. Undisciplined and ugly.
While few players from either side have played meaningful matches in more than two months, I can understand a little built-up rust. However, either the two sides forgot how to tackle properly or else they really, really hate each other. Maybe a bit of both, on second thought. If you had the chance to watch, you no doubt saw poor tackle after poor tackle, horrendous challenges, and plenty of rough stuff. How about eight yellow cards and a straight red (Ivanovic)? And all for the Community Shield – scoff, scoff.
Apparently Ivanovic didn’t get the memo that sliding studs-first is something to avoid. Live and learn, right? And of all people to show the bottom of his boots to, he chose his countryman, Kolarov. That will make for some nice conversation at the next International break, eh? Ivanovic has some time to think about his actions as he will miss the upcoming contests against Wigan, recently promoted Reading, and Newcastle.
Free kick, after free kick littered much of first half play. Some calls justified, others were anything but, while still others should have been harsher. It was just messy football. I just hope Kevin Friend doesn’t have Twitter, Facebook – actually, it would be best for him to avoid computers, radio and tele’s altogether.
I was particularly interested in seeing Eden Hazard in his first match. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed by him. When Arsenal was rumored to be after the Belgian ages ago I was exceptionally excited at the prospect because I think he will become a successful Premier League player. Successful, but not iconic. He had a good game, got his first sniff of the Prem, and I think that’s all Chelsea were looking for. It can’t be easy to adjust to a different league altogether.
I don’t put much stock in the final scores of preseason matches. I am much more interested in seeing how players react to game-like situations, which will benefit them early in the season, so long as they can stay healthy. The goals scored by City in the second half have little worth considering the two sides are in preseason form, and the fact that Chelsea were down a soldier pawn. Yes, Tevez scored a nice goal with his head, but still, 11 vs. 10 and preseason.
The real action starts this weekend. If there is one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the Premier League is very much welcomed back into all of our lives.
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