#360view: Unprecedented Terry sub proves Chelsea need new blood

Alam Khan - Reporter 08:26 17/08/2015
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  • John Terry sits on the bench as Jose Mourinho talks to his assistants.

    A mauling at Manchester City so soon after ‘medicgate’ clearly suggests Chelsea need some urgent surgery to cure their ills or they can already forget about defending their Premier League title.

    The off-field issues involving the roles of Dr Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn and the club’s medical team are an unwanted distraction, but Jose Mourinho has greater problems to deal with after two disappointing results at the start of the season.

    To take off John Terry at half time for tactical reasons, not injury, was unprecedented in his two spells as Chelsea boss and highlighted all is not well within the Stamford Bridge ranks.

    This was the club’s captain, leader and legend. But the man at the heart of their impressive defence last season, was bullied and left bemused by City striker Sergio Aguero to the extent that he was spared more suffering in the second half by the entrance of the younger, quicker Kurt Zouma.

    Mourinho made no excuse for his decision to bench Terry and nor should he. It was a brave decision and one that emphasises the need for change, and particularly youth, in his backline.

    Augsburg left-back Abdull Rahman Baba will be the first to help address that concern and Chelsea simply have to increase their bid to bring in Everton’s talented centre-back John Stones. It may be only the second league game, but on this poor showing, and now standing five points behind City, Chelsea need to act decisively to strengthen because it is not good enough.

    Terry was not alone in being below par, with Gary Cahill also battered by Aguero and Branislav Ivanovic a shadow of the rock that he has been at right back.

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    But Chelsea, as a team, also look to have stood still after their impressive title success and that will be worrying for Mourinho. They lacked fluidity and fight as they were swept aside with ease by City with Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard largely ineffective.

    The Portuguese coach must be having a laugh if he thinks the 3-0 result was “completely fake”. City could have been five-up at the break if they had taken their chances and keeper Asmir Begovic not been inspired in defying Aguero.

    As City have found out themselves, it is difficult being the reigning champions and, under increasing scrutiny, questions will be asked about the hunger and ambition of this Chelsea side if this form continues. That’s why fresh faces, not only in defence, but in attack are needed to reinvigorate the Blues.

    City are being linked with Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and Belgian winger Kevin de Bruyne, but this duo are exactly the type to revive Chelsea. While he may be loyal to his players, the Terry substitution has shown Mourinho is prepared to make difficult decisions for the sake of the team. Now he needs to ensure he gets the right deals done in the transfer window.

    For City, it has been the perfect start after successive wins, six goals and two clean sheets.

    Yesterday, with pacy counter-attacks, involving David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas, they were a joy to watch and, importantly, the spine was intact again. Through Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and on to Aguero, they were defiant, determined and deadly.

    There is a long way to go, but they look the team to beat.

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