LONDON:
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side will attempt to apply early pressure on their main Premier League rivals when they face a newly-promoted side for the second time inside a week with the visit of Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Mourinho’s team started their campaign with a comfortable 3-1 victory at Burnley that included a first competitive goal for recent signing Diego Costa following the striker’s £32 million move from Atletico Madrid.
And it would constitute a major surprise if they failed to take maximum points against Nigel Pearson’s City side.
The performances of Costa and Cesc Fabregas, another major close-season signing, offered promising signs that Mourinho’s efforts to strengthen his side’s attacking options have been successful.
But Andre Schurrle, fresh from his success with Germany at the World Cup in Brazil and the scorer of Chelsea’s second goal at Turf Moor, insists there is more to come from himself and the rest of the team.
“I think it was a good start for me, but of course we can be better,” said Schurrle. “And when I am 100% fit, there will be more.
“So there’s a lot of work for me, but I’m feeling good. I’m enjoying my game, I’m enjoying being on the pitch.”
Arsenal’s Cazorla eyes Everton goals
Santi Cazorla wants to return to his scoring consistency of two seasons ago and strengthen Arsenal’s challenge for honours this season.
The Spain midfielder struck seven goals last season and will hope to open his Premier League account this term when Arsene Wenger’s side face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
His goal return in the 2013/14 campaign was down on the 12 goals he scored during his first season at the club and, while Cazorla missed out in the narrow opening day win over Crystal Palace, he provided a reminder of his threat with Arsenal’s first goal in the Community Shield win over Manchester City.
“Kicking off a new season in that fashion is always nice; winning a title and also helping by scoring a goal,” said Cazorla. “That keeps your morale high. As I always say, my target is helping the team with goals.
“I hope to equal or beat my goalscoring tally from last season. That’s something every player wants to achieve.”
Mikel Arteta will miss out on the chance to face his former club after injuring his ankle during the goalless draw at Besiktas in this week’s Champions League qualifier.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2014.
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