I am currently running on one hour of sleep, and have been awake for 16 straight hours, but finally I can write the inaugural match report for Constantly Offside, and how fitting that Chelsea had the first game of the season. With Hull set to struggle this season surely Chelsea could breeze past Phil Brown’s men, right? The Tigers felt otherwise, and played a quality match against the Blues.

Admittedly, I sat down ready to watch with a calm feeling of assurance Chelsea would coast to victory. Ancelotti sent out a lineup very similar to the one that has been so effective all pre-season, and within two minutes the London club should have had the lead. But after 10 minutes it was clear Hull was up for the challenge.

George Boateng seems to have reversed aging effects, because I never rated him while he was at Villa or at ‘Boro, however he terrorized the Chelsea back line, and only seemed to show signs of fatigue within the last 10 minutes. Just shy of his 34th birthday, the hard tackling Dutchman gave the Tiger faithful plenty to cheer about throughout the match, starting with his scorcher across the face of goal.

With Chelsea struggling to maintain possession, and Hull City’s constant pressure strategy leading to plenty of counter-attack opportunities for the visitors, it really came as no surprise that City managed to scrounge up a goal before Chelsea got their bearings. Unfortunately, that opportunity fell to Stephen Hunt, who took his rather fortuitous opportunity well, much to the dismay of every Chelsea fan at the Bridge.

One of the advantages to having an aged squad like Chelsea, especially one that has played together consistently for more than a year, is rallying a comeback. The experience to maintain composure and work their way back into the game is a priceless commodity, one that Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t even possess (it becomes a one man mission to score if his team is down).

When both Drogba and Lampard lined up for the free kick in the 37th minute my first thought was that it was Lampard’s territory, but Drogba proved me completely wrong with a stunner of a strike, and one that only an in form Drogs can create. Still, a 1 – 1 half time score was unsettling.

Here is where Ancelotti has already won me over as a Chelsea fan. He knows a draw won’t cut it against such an inferior opposition (nothing personal Hull fans, your team is actually one of my favorites to watch, especially when you are in the form you were today), and thus takes out Mikel, who has scored only two goals, and neither were in league, for the attack minded and ever dangerous Ballack at the half. This move, though it didn’t end up performing, at least proved Ancelotti’s commitment to get results, which is something his predecessors failed to do, and is something that Mourinho was so good at.

The second half became Chelsea’s game, with Hull parking themselves on the top of the 18, trying to weather the storm. Chelsea should have had at least two before Didier got lucky with his cross-shot in the 92nd: Anelka missed a sitter within 45 seconds of the start of the second half, and Drogba was stifled by a great save by Myhill, both of which are goals if either striker trades power for placement.

In the end Chelsea pulled out the result. Yes, they were lucky. Yes, it wasn’t convincing or pretty. A result is a result though, and you have to be lucky to be good.

Other Notes:

- My father reminded me mid-match that Hull also have Jimmy Bullard on their squad. Unfortunately the ex-Fulham player has a rather nasty knee injury, but upon his return Hull will officially have the UGLIEST midfield in the Premiership with Bullard and Hunt on the pitch.

- Drogba, you played well, congratulations, but you don't need any help picking up yellow cards. Keep your damn shirt on.

- ESPN picked up the game, which is great news for American viewers. Even better, they actually have British commentators, so no one has to listen to Alexi Lalas. However, the halftime SportsCenter newsbreak needs to end. If you're watching the Premiership, you most likely don't care about the Phillies game last night. Also, pick better ads, granted it was 4:30 A.M. where I was, but I don't need to see an ad for a hunting rifle three times before the second half starts.

Ratings:

Chelsea

Cech – 6.5   Made a few essential saves, like Boateng’s first half volley, and looked strong coming off his line to claim crosses. Couldn’t have done anything about the goal.

Bosingwa – 6   His control of the wing is essential to Chelsea’s success. Unfortunate to be called for the foul that led to the goal, but otherwise had a decent game.

Terry – 6.5       Didn’t have much to do, as Hull’s attacks were down the wings and all counters. Made some strong challenges and was always a threat during set plays.

Carvalho – 7    His streaking runs through the middle are so dangerous as many teams fail to pick him up. Ricky needed this game to remind to the Chelsea faithful of his skill set, and he duly obliged.

A. Cole – 6    Defended well, got into advanced positions, almost more so than he normally does. Nothing spectacular.

Mikel – 5   Only got a half, and it wasn’t that he played poorly, it just really wasn’t necessary to have such a defensive minded player in when we needed the goal. I completely agree with Ancelotti’s decision to pull the young Nigerian.

Malouda – 6    Proved at the end of last season that he can keep up in the Premiership, and showed glimpses of what makes him dangerous today, but nothing more than that, just glimpses.

Essein – 7    Chelsea missed the Bison last season, and it looks like he’s worked on his distance shot a bit, as he hit a few solid rips from beyond 20 yards out. Also did the dirty work, absolutely wrecking a Hull City player early in the second half.

Lampard – 5.5    Not his best game, and not entirely his fault. Hull parked themselves in Lamps’ territory, and he seemed a step or two slow, possibly from his international appearance mid-week.

Anelka – 4.5    His speed is dangerous, but his touch was suspect at times, and his finishing wasn’t there.

Drogba – 8.5    Had an absolute blinder of a game. Bagged a brace and was surprisingly unselfish with the ball in the attacking third, which many would consider a bad trait, but he actually used his passes most efficiently and only when it really was a better decision than for him to take it. If anyone else on Chelsea could finish he would have had one or two assists. Misses a higher score due to the two easy misses he had.

Subs:

Ballack – 5.5    Came on to provide more attack, and did exactly that, but really didn’t excel in this one.

Deco – 6.5   His control is unbelievable, and he picks up the assist on Drogs’ game winner. Still question his defensive ability, but he did quite well off the bench today.

Kalou – 5   Didn’t have too much time, but should have done better with the header. Simply over ran the play.

 

Hull

Myhill – 7   Played a great game between the sticks in terms of big saves. Can’t completely blame him on either goal. His kicks certainly need some work though.

Gardener – 5.5    Had issues dealing with the overlapping back, but made some good tackles.

Dawson – 6.5   Along with Turner held Chelsea surprisingly well parked at the top.

Turner – 6.5     See above. Turner is a quality player.

Mouyokolo – 5   Also had issues dealing with the overlapping backs, was more of a threat offensively though.

Boateng – 8      Without Boateng Hull lose this game at least 2 – 0. Gets the “assist” on Hunt’s goal, regardless though played an incredible game disrupting the Chelsea flow.

Marney – 4.5   Invisible, then got injured.

Olofinjana – 5.5     Despite the obvious fun announcers had saying his name, his 6’4” height gave Chelsea some issues on set play assignments.

Hunt – 6.5    As much as it pains me, he played decently. He’s a pest, and he knows it, but uses that skill set well. Finished his chance calmly.

Mendy – 5.5    The right wing never really developed for Hull, and was rightly switched for the more dangerous Geovanni.

Folan – 4.5    Almost entirely unseen, not his fault at all however, as he received little to no service, especially after Hull scored.

Subs:

Barmby – 6     Much more effective than Marney was, good work rate through the middle of the park.

Ghilas – 5.5     Almost snuck in a debut goal at the end, but ended up on the top of the net. Otherwise seemingly struggled with Premiership pace.

Geovanni – 5   Had no time to get creative.