Chelsea did indeed start well, and that, coupled with Newcastle's seeming inability to get a coherent attack together, meant that Zenden's goal was on the cards from the outset. Zenden was magnificent - unstoppable, afraid of no-one despite not being the tallest of players, fast as lightning and superb technique. He's already looking like Premiership buy of the season after just one game and I thought it was well-deserved that "there's only one Poyet" has been replaced already by "there's only one Zenden". Apparently he was substituted because he isn't fully fit, in which case heaven help the opposition when he is. All in all Chelsea were a much better side from the outset, but seemed to sit back when they realised that Newcastle were looking unlikely to get an equaliser.

Predictably this all went horribly wrong in the second half, just as it always bloody well does with Chelsea against two-bob sides. Newcastle were still crap but they refused to give up and seemed to be adopting the "loft the ball into their area often enough and eventually someone will knock it in" tactic. Guess what happened next...

This woke Chelsea up again and they improved a bit, but the distribution was sloppy and Newcastle still seemed that little bit more willing to fight for the ball, so although there were several great chances to get ahead again none of them came to anything. It all ended in a draw, and I agree that Newcastle probably deserved their point and that Chelsea need to wake up a bit and generally show a bit more va-va-voom.

Players: I'll back you up fully on an 8 for Zenden, Priesty, but think you're unfair on the rest. Petit isn't match fit but was still always dangerous in midfield and looked good - we'd have been in trouble without him. Agree with you 101% about the hair, but I'll give him 7 anyway.

Lampard was a bit shaky but came up with some good passes and a couple of impressive runs into the box - the fact that the huge great gibbon that Newcastle had marking him seemed intent on knocking him flat every time he got the ball can't have helped. He gets a 5.

Regarding other players, my main problem was Gronkjaer. Okay, so he's the fastest thing on two legs and runs rings round defenders with ease. Good stuff. However, what does he actually do with the ball after these amazing runs down the flank? Very little from what I can see. Le Saux was way below his usual standard as well, and if he doesn't improve we'll regret selling Harley. Oh, and Hasselbaink was a lazy sod all game.

Nevertheless there is loads of potential and, as you say, Chelsea are clearly the world's best team. A nice early away win is all we need to set us up for a truly corking season, and since our first away game is West Scum we should be fine, shouldn't we.... ?

What do YOU think ? Want to add your point of view ? Here's your chance to send me some feedback. NB: Opposing fans: abuse will be laughed at and then binned, so don't waste your time. Considered, intelligent argument, presented in the spirit of friendly rivalry guarantees a response.