From Mark Ogden’s piece today on how the Big Six are faring in the Premier League thus far:
Early-season form is promising, but Chelsea still look some way short of being able to match City and Liverpool in terms of depth and consistency over a long season. Both those clubs can overcome the loss of one or two key players, but Chelsea would be in trouble if Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger or goalkeeper Edouard Mendy were to be sidelined for a lengthy period.
Uhh, Mark… No shit? Should Chelsea lose the goalie recently deemed best in the world by UEFA or their top centre-back, it would be in worse shape than before.
That is not what’s so gallingly putrid about Ogden’s passage here (and I am a big fan generally). In the last two years, Adrian stepped in at goal for Liverpool and caused a massive media crisis with how poorly he played; and a certain Lilliputian centre-back tore up his knee, resulting in the reigning English champions bringing in the lesser Ben Davies and a player from the Bundesliga’s worst team. It also resulted in a shift to defense for the club’s best two midfielders.
So, in conclusion: what a nothing statement that Chelsea would be in some trouble if one of their world-class players were injured. Moreover, Ogden’s first assertion is just wrong! Liverpool just endured dual crises upon injuries to two of their world-class players and proved they couldn’t overcome the loss of one or two key players.
Poor.
First Take Forever 