West Brom humiliated at Chelsea

Due to ESPN's coverage the Baggies had to stand by and watch as Blackpool got their Premier League adventure off to the best possible start away to relegation contenders Wigan Athletic. Although you could be forgiven for thinking that Albion were still standing and watching as they capitulated to a Chelsea team that really were not at their best.

The rout began after a cheap free kick was given away by the unimpressive Pablo, (Olsson's fire was missed badly) and then a disastrous error from captain Scott Carson who failed to hold onto Drogba's powerfully hit shot with Malouda following up to put through Dorrans' legs on the goal line. After that the first half played out with very little coming from Chelsea, whilst West Brom looked neat and tidy in possession without really looking like scoring. In the final minute of the first half another needless free kick was given away just outside the Albion penalty area. This time Drogba stepped up and fired straight through the gap left by Tamas and Brunt who both turned away from the shot and the ball arrowed inside Carson's left hand post. From that moment on the game was lost.

The second half was a sorry affair with the Baggies backline just allowing Chelsea to walk through on goal at will. Goals from Drogba, Lampard and the final one from Malouda completed the massacre.

An enormous improvement is needed fast from Albion and DiMatteo will have to reconsider where he plays certain players. Brunt in the centre of midfield didn't work in pre season and it didn't work against Chelsea . Dorrans doesn't get enough time on the ball playing just off the striker, he would be best suited playing alongside Mulumbu, as he did for most of last season, where he can get hold of the ball earlier, make runs and support the defence, something that Brunt is unable to do.

Saturday's game against Sunderland will now be very important for Albion's season. Another loss could well be disastrous and will surely focus the fans attention on the Chairman for not providing the funds to strengthen the team before the season started.

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