EPL

Chelsea V. Manchester City: 2-3

Ivanovich & Co. Appear Little Changed

With his straight red card sending-off, Ivanovich (one of my least favorite players, I must fully disclose) contributed disproportionately to Chelsea's demise in the FA's Charity Shield match, a one-game meeting the week prior to EPL league play which matches up the FA Cup winner and the EPL champion.  There was, in addition to Ivanovich's studs-up infraction, very little that was charitable about the match.  A fistful of cards decorated the game, and Chelsea appeared petulant in their defending - though City put in their share of foolish/cynical challenges.

To let bygones be bygones, we might ascribe the reckless nature of the game to early season rustiness - but we certainly saw goals that bespoke mid-season accuracy!

The main storyline coming out of the match must be that Robert Di Matteo has effected less change than hoped over the off-season.  Once up 1-0 through Torres (more signs of life...) despite being pushed to the brink by the potent City attack, it looked like a classic 2011-12, second half of the season Chelsea performance; get beaten in every category save the one that matters!  But, a defense that could bend under City's attacks had to break once Ivanovich was sent off.  Despite a consolation goal, the 3-2 result was a safe one for City, and that Tevez scored a laser of a shot from the 18 ought to send chills down some spines in Old Trafford - recall Sir Alex mocking City, and Tevez last season.  Toure Yaya hitting a impressive shot as well from a higher position on the field will give opposing managers some things to think about as well...an offense that was impossible to stop last season appears to be even hotter to the touch this season.  Sleepless nights are ahead!

So, what will Chelsea give us this year?  Bend but don't break, or does Di Matteo have some grander plans in order?  It seems reasonable to think that the Chelsea brass and fans will demand more than the highly defensive (negative?) approach used last season.  Man City, for their part, have thrown the gauntlet down (though not so emphatically as to quash all discussion) and remain in championship form, evidently ready to repel all comers.