Antonio Conte has well and truly arrived at Stamford Bridge. The Italian kicked off his Chelsea career with a 2-1 win over London rivals West Ham on Monday night and showed throughout why he really is the perfect match for Chelsea.
Earlier in the week, we reported on a story from Gianluca Vialli, who told Graham Hunter that Conte is made for Chelsea and vice versa. Lines of this ilk have been coming out of the Italian media throughout the summer, praising Conte and the effect he could have at Chelsea.
I think its a perfect match. I honestly think Chelsea is the perfect club for Antonio Conte.
The former Juventus man, however, was still something of an unknown talent to fans and the English media, despite getting a glimpse of what he is really capable of in this summer’s Euros.
His showing with Italy got the blood pumping among Chelsea supporters, his passion, his drive and determination screamed everything that the dejected Blues squad needed ahead of a new season at Stamford Bridge.
Throughout the game against West Ham, he showed just why he is perfect for Chelsea and the Premier League. Summed up perfectly by Garry Hayes.
Chelsea fans have a new hero and his name begins with a C – take a bow Conte. Everything about him is exciting. He lives and breaths it #CFC
— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) August 15, 2016
As opening day fixtures go, West Ham at home isn’t the easiest one that Chelsea could’ve have had, an inform side who have already got their season underway in Europe. They’ve added well during the summer and kept hold of their star man, Dimitri Payet, this wasn’t going to be easy for Conte.
The mercurial Italian named his first competitive starting XI which included new signing N’Golo Kante and Oscar over Cesc Fabregas, who both started in a three-man midfield, alongside Nemanja Matic.
The formation was positive, it got Chelsea on the front foot and they controlled the pace of the game throughout. Something that rarely happened last season. West Ham were not at their best and their tactics were questionable, but Chelsea still had a job to do.
Even after going a goal up, they looked positive and sharp, they had the bit between their teeth, only to be pegged back to 1-1 when James Collins equalised. It was merely another stepping stone for Conte, who went for the win and brought on Pedro, new signing Michy Batshuayi and Victor Moses, he was not going to lose this game.
In the end, he didn’t. Diego Costa scored from range to seal all three points for the Italian, sparking mass celebration as he run up and down the touchline, jumping among a crowd of Chelsea fans along the way.
It completed what was a very enjoyable night for Chelsea fans. The new head coach is something that Chelsea fans have been crying out for some time. Someone who shows what the club means to them on the touchline.
Prior to kick-off, the supporters showed their appreciation for the new boss with a beautiful mosaic of an Italian flag, which didn’t go unnoticed.
That new gaffer is alright… pic.twitter.com/nMnXoLRVNX
— J. Tweedie (@JoeTweedie) August 15, 2016
It was fantastic and I have to say thanks to the Chelsea fans because the welcome was fantastic. To see the Italian flag in the stand I had a bit of emotion, especially because my wife and daughter were here. I hope through our work we can repay the welcome.
It was no secret that some of the Chelsea players needed a kick up the backside and Conte is the perfect man to do just that. I can’t confirm, but there is a high chance he probably didn’t sit down throughout the whole game. He stands and parades the touchline, barking orders as if he is out on the pitch with his team.
Following the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, the ground was jumping, the players were celebrating, and after shaking hands with the opposition, Conte joined them on the pitch, rather than running down the tunnel early, something that was a regular occurrence during Jose Mourinho’s time at the club. It’s been a while since the fans have seen scenes like this at Stamford Bridge, so they will be worth savouring.
This isn’t them over-celebrating, or thinking they’ve won the league in the first week, but a sheer connection between both players and manager, that have both achieved what they’ve been working hard for throughout pre-season.
The players love Conte and Conte loves Chelsea. This is going to be fun. #CFC
— Ryan Darby (@RyanDarby_) August 15, 2016
If Conte can put his ideas across to the players and they buy into what he is trying to do with the squad, the Blues can be a very dangerous underdog this season.
Against West Ham, Conte proved that is passion is not for the cameras. The man feels every ball that is kicked and every tackle is won, he’s our 12th man on the pitch. He proved his true leadership qualities, he proved that he is perfect for Chelsea.
