Perfect start for Scolari as Blues turn on the style

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Michael Hart|Chief Football Correspondent

13 April 2012

Chelsea slipped back into the old routine with the minimum of fuss but one or two new faces in a fresh cast list suggested that this might be the season when they finally win friends and influence people with the quality of their football.

'Big' Phil Scolari, brought in at great cost to upgrade the entertainment package at Stamford Bridge, made it clear from day one that his Chelsea team would be challenging Manchester United and Arsenal in the style stakes.

The 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth represented a significant change of direction at Chelsea and, for those overdosing on the Olympics, provided a golden glow on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Scolari, back in club football after seven successful seasons with Brazil and Portugal, has promised to inject a little 'samba football' into Chelsea's game plan and the evidence yesterday suggests that the players are embracing his ideas with enthusiasm.

Deco, the £8million signing from Barcelona, added his invention and wit to a midfield that is unrivalled for power and resilience. The little Brazilian-born Portuguese is one of those new faces who will have the terrace faithful wreathed in smiles, just as Zola once did, but there is no doubt that, at 32, he will rely heavily on the stamina and discipline of players like Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.

Bright and inventive with a delicate touch and wonderful passing range, Deco could be one of the major figures of the new season, though I suspect he will require the full support of the team's big guns when the pitches are heavy on cold February nights.

Realistically, Lampard's decision to commit himself to the club for a further five years is at least as relevant as Deco's arrival - and we saw why yesterday when Harry Redknapp's team simply failed to get to grips with the physical superiority of Chelsea's midfield. If Chelsea can win the physical battles this season, Deco can be relied upon to provide the little entertainment cameos that had owner Roman Abramovich in back-slapping mood yesterday.

Ultimately, Scolari will be judged against the success enjoyed by Jose Mourinho during his four years in charge. The Portuguese coach was often criticised for his cautious tactics - but two Premier League titles figured in his trophy-laden reign at the club.

Can Scolari bring the title back to Stamford Bridge - and do it in style?

"The Chelsea fans saw a beautiful game - and three points," he said. "We have to keep this going. We can do it - every week. It is not easy but we can do it. We have started well - the perfect start. It was better than I expected."

Joe Cole's opening goal in the 12th minute - credit due here to Ballack for his intelligent through-pass - set the tone for the match. Mourinho might have been happy to protect what he had but Scolari wanted more - and got it.

A cross from another fresh face, Jose Bosingwa, an impressive presence at right-back, gave Deco the chance to set up the second goal for Nicolas Anelka after 25 minutes and, by the time Lampard scored from the penalty spot just before the interval, Portsmouth looked in danger of being overrun.

Redknapp's half-time team talk generated a more purposeful second period from Portsmouth but, even so, it was only the agility of David James that spared greater humiliation.

But the England keeper could do little to prevent Deco completing a memorable debut with a swerving 30-yard shot that billowed into the back of the Portsmouth net. It was a goal that confirmed Deco's instant rapport with the fans and lifted Chelsea to the top of the table.

"I give the players the freedom to play and allow them to express their style," said Scolari. "The fans will be happy, the owner will be happy too."

Remember, this was a Chelsea team without two key men - Didier Drogba and Michael Essien. So, smiles all round - as long as you don't include Redknapp. He clearly feels United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are in a league of their own.

"No one is going to break into the top four this year," he said. "Spurs have got a squad and can't even win at Middlesbrough. So you can forget about them. The top four are on another level."

Perfect start for Scolari as Blues turn on the style

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