I miss the buzz of the Premier League and I missed writing about football. I've been trying to settle down here in the UK and it has been taking its toll on me with my writing and engagement. I promise to do better and rearrange my schedule so I can manage everything well. I've moved twice in two weeks shuttling between Airbnb and it has been distracting. Glad I finally got the accommodation sorted out and I can enjoy a bit of stability while increasing my engagements in this community and on Hive generally.
When Aubameyang signed for Chelsea I knew he wanted to make a statement, especially how things went against him at Arsenal. The lack of safety he and his family experienced in Spain led to this move and Barcelona moved on nicely too by adding Lewandowski to their team.
They say that class is permanent and I witnessed that with Aubameyang against Crystal Palace. The way he took his goal you have to know that he isn't here at Chelsea to joke around. I think Chelsea has finally gotten themselves a proper 9 which has been the major source of concern since the season started. They were unable to get the needed results with Sterling playing as a 9 and this led to the sack of Thomas Tuchel because the results betrayed them.
His well and nicely taken goal against Palace is a nice introduction and a reminder to everyone that he is back into the Premier League to remind us about his quality. It would take consistency and hard work and he should be ready for that because Chelsea fans can be unforgiving and switch on you the next minute if you are costing them more than they can afford. I see the same trait with the Real Madrid fans too.
Another player in the game against Palace that reminded us of his quality and gave a nice introduction is Gallagher. He came off the bench against his former employer and dented their hope of a point with a sensational strike. I would have run the length of the field if I scored that kind of goal but he kept his cool and showed respect to the team that gave him a chance.
He reminded Patrick Vieira what he is missing with him not being on his side even though I don't think Patrick doubted his quality. He would have been more pleased to have his player of the season stay on but Chelsea recalled their player when the loan deal expired. It was a smart move and he would grow nicely with Chelsea especially with Potter Graham at the helm now. We have seen how Mason Mount got his chance, so I believe also that Gallagher would get his chance.
Under Thomas Tuchel, he started games and sometimes struggled but with the new Chelsea coach trying to ease him into things, I think it would be good for his development and the pressure on him to just perform right away would quieten down a little bit to allow him to grow. Aubameyang and Gallagher reminded us that they can still make that difference despite what has gone on before.
Another team that surprised me, made a statement, and reminded me of their quality is Arsenal. I was unable to watch the game but with the highlights that I watched, I can't believe that was Arsenal that I watched. I don't mean that as disrespect but I was impressed with how they got fueled for this derby match. It looked like they have been told, "Whatever you do, you cannot lose to Tottenham" hahaha and it worked.
Arsenal has quality in their team and staying at the top of the table this early is a reminder to everyone that they should not forget that Arsenal can be a team that can challenge for the Premier League title. I know it's too early but that's the whole point of gaining points so early. We usually don't list Arsenal as a title contender or let me say, I don't. I usually go with either Manchester City, or Liverpool or I squeeze Chelsea in but this season, I'm confident to say that Arsenal can challenge for it too. They can challenge for it doesn't mean they would win it but they have reminded me of their quality this season, coming from the tail end of last season till now.
It's a nice joggle for me because I've always ruled them out and seeing how they kept the pace against Tottenham and kept some of their players quiet while taking their chances, I feel there is hope for them this season to at least push themselves a little bit more than qualifying for the top four.
Thank you for your time.
My pen doesn't bleed, it speaks, with speed and ease.
Still me,
My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.
Olawalium; (Love's chemical content, in human form). Take a dose today: doctor's order.