Chelsea convincingly got the better of Wigan Athletic in their opening Premier League game of the season thanks to two goals in the opening ten minutes this afternoon.
Sports Mole brings you the tale of the encounter at the DW.
Wigan statistics:
Shots 13
On Target 5
Possession 44%
Corners 7
Fouls 16
Chelsea statistics:
Shots 5
On Target 3
Possession 56%
Corners 1
Fouls 2
Was the result fair?
Yes. Chelsea got their goals early and never looked in too much trouble. Wigan did show what they're made of and could have perhaps nicked one goal. The Blues' defence was impressive though and up front Fernando Torres worked hard and was almost rewarded with a goal but for Ivan Ramis's goal-line clearance.
Wigan's performance
Roberto Martinez won't enjoy watching the goals back as both are extremely suspect defensively. He will, however, be encouraged by the way the ball was passed around by his midfield for the most part. The Latics won't come up against many better defences this season so they will score goals.
Chelsea's performance
Very solid. The Blues were ahead within a couple of minutes and were comfortable throughout. Di Matteo will be delighted with the performance of Eden Hazard, while Oscar came in and showed what he can do. The Brazilian looked especially speedy and agile. At the back, John Terry produced a masterful display of aerial ability, with his right-back Ivanovic getting on the scoresheet.
Sports Mole's Man of the Match
Eden Hazard. The expensive Belgian turned up on his league debut and was a constant thorn in the Wigan side during his 63 minutes on the pitch. His turn away from the attentions of Ramis to set up the first goal was a joy to watch while he showed strength and agility to earn the penalty for the second goal. Di Matteo will be hoping for more of the same this season.
Referee's performance
5/10. Mike Jones didn't have his best day, showing inconsistency in his dishing out of yellow cards and not giving a clear penalty for a foul on Torres in the first half.
Biggest gaffe of the game
Wigan new boy Arouna Kone was presented with the perfect opportunity to get one back for the home side with a free header from a corner. The Ivorian caught it too flushly though from a couple of yards out and the ball flew wide of the open goal.
What next?
Wigan: The Latics next face a trip to newly-promoted Southampton on Saturday and will be looking to take advantage of the Saints' lack of Premier League experience.
Chelsea: The Blues have a midweek fixture at home to Reading on Wednesday and can go top of the league with a win at Stamford Bridge before taking on Newcastle on Saturday.
Pascal Lemesre
