Gudjohnsen secures perfect start for Blues

FT Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0

Eidur Gudjohnsen secured the perfect start to Jose Mourinho’s reign as Chelsea coach as he led the Blues to victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Barclays Premiership opener at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were never truly extended by a United side ravaged by injuries and suspensions, with home goalkeeper Petr Cech not seriously troubled all afternoon.

Once Gudjohnsen had struck on 14 minutes, Chelsea squeezed the life out of the game to ensure Mourinho retained his edge over Sir Alex Ferguson following last season’s Champions League victory with Porto.

When Ferguson finally acted, it was to replace Djemba-Djemba with Diego Forlan, and Cech was soon called upon to dive smartly at the striker’s feet to deny him as he tried to invigorate his side.

However, while Forlan had another half-chance soon afterwards as John Terry was caught out of position, he blazed his shot into the upper tier.

United threw players forward in the closing stages, with Giggs directing a header wide and Keane finally thrust into midfield along with substitute Kieran Richardson.

However, Chelsea, with defender Ricardo Carvalho sent into midfield late on, still prevailed as Smertin delighted Abramovich with a late break that ended in Lampard’s shot being blocked.

First blood to Mourinho.