Duff start lets Chelsea plan with confidence

14 April 2012

Chelsea can begin their hunt for a first league title in almost half a century safe in the knowledge that they will spend the first few months of the season competing in the Champions League. The expansionist phase of the Russian Revolution is under way.

Roman Abramovich slept soundly in his yacht off the coast of Alaska last night, but will soon be setting sail for warmer waters. His new club's comfortable victory over the Slovakian champions, achieved with a determination and singlemindedness that has been missing from their recent continental misadventures, all but guarantees them a place at European football's top table. It would take a shock measuring on the Richter Scale to deny them now.

When Chelsea began their attempt to qualify for the Champions League almost exactly 12 months ago they had a dire financial imperative, but their only motivation now is winning trophies. Abramovich's billions have safeguarded the club's future and much more besides, with the only caveat being that the Russian expects them to become a major European force.

Last night's victory was a small step towards achieving that grand dream and Claudio Ranieri was understandably delighted with his team's professional performance.

He said: "It was very important to win. Zilina had good organisation and technique so I'm very pleased. We won because my players were very focussed for the match."

Ranieri said yesterday that he felt he was managing at a "new Chelsea" and his team selection bore him out. On a night of firsts the Italian gave full debuts to five of his six available new players and Champions League debuts to seven of the starting lineup, with only four players remaining from the team that beat Liverpool on the final day of last season. The fact that eight of his first XI are 25 or under only reinforced that back-toschool feeling.

All the new boys contributed, from the surging forward runs of Glen Johnson at right-back to a promising 20-minute cameo from Joe Cole, but Damien Duff was the star of the show. The Irishman has taken to the bigger stage of Stamford Bridge with the ease with which the young Mozart graduated to a concert hall grand piano, and his electric pace and excellent delivery gave Zilina a torrid time. If Duff had failed to make it as a footballer then his quick feet could surely have led him into the chorus of Riverdance.

Ranieri said: "I was pleased with the performances of all my new players. [Wayne] Bridge and Johnson defended well and pushed forward, Geremi gave balance to the midfield and Veron gives the team quality. But I think Duff was the best. Every ball he played was dangerous."

John Terry added: "Damien will be a major threat to Premier League defences. He is very direct, can turn defenders and delivers the ball very well. Hopefully he will play that way all season."

Duff 's penetrating thrusts down the left flank gave the visitors the initiative from the outset and Frank Lampard and Eidur Gudjohnsen both missed clear-cut opportunities before the Icelandic international gave them the lead just before half-time. Following a sweeping move that could come to characterise much of their football this season, Duff played a one-two with Mikael Forssell before feeding Gudjohnsen, who made no mistake with an instinctive finish.

Richard Varadin had a good chance to equalise for Zilina in the 53rd minute, heading over after a good cross from the tricky winger Miroslav Barcik, but after that it was all Chelsea. Duff shot straight at the goalkeeper following a typically barnstorming run and their victory was sealed with a bizarre own goal in the 76th minute, Michal Drahno chipping into his own net under pressure from Gudjohnsen.

Despite his side's dominance, Ranieri could not resist the temptation to tinker, switching to a 4-5-1 formation with Veron behind the lone striker, and the shape of his new-look midfield remains uncertain. Geremi looked comfortable enough in the holding role, without ever exerting complete dominance, but the key to Chelsea's season will be assimilating Veron.

The Argentine has outrageous talent and plenty to prove after being shunted out of Old Trafford, but must have been disheartened to find himself immediately out of position on the right of midfield. Although he showed some skilful touches, Veron was frequently isolated, sheepishly creeping towards the centre of the pitch in a desperate bid for attention, and must be integrated into the heart of the team.

If Ranieri can succeed where Sir Alex Ferguson failed, then the scrap metal man could really strike gold.

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Duff start lets Chelsea plan with confidence

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