Welcome to Adeke Emmanuel's football blog

Tony Cascarino has backed Thibaut Courtois to become
Chelsea’s regular goalkeeper and expects Petr Cech to find first-
team football elsewhere.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho selected the Belgian ahead of the
experienced Cech in the opening Premier League game against
Burnley and Courtois repaid his faith with an impressive display
in the 3-1 win.
Speaking after the match at Turf Moor, the Portuguese admitted
it was a ‘difficult decision’ to drop Cech, but Cascarino insists
Courtois is deservedly first choice.
The former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker told The
Morning View on S ky Sports News HQ: “I don’t believe Jose. I
think he knows he’s got the best goalkeeper in the goal.
“He’s being a great diplomat, being a professional about Cech.
“I thought all through the night he commanded his area
brilliantly. He’s such a giant of a keeper. I thought he was really
good all night and rightly so he’s been given the No 1 spot.“
Cech has helped the club win a string of trophies since joining in
2004 and Mourinho hopes the 32-year-old will stay and fight for
a starting role at Stamford Bridge.
But Cascarino doubts whether the Czech is willing to accept an
understudy role.
“Well it’s very hard. Petr Cech is 32, he’s not going to like it,”
he said. “He’s been absolutely superb for Chelsea over the
years. Unfortunately for him he’s up against an even better
goalkeeper I feel.
“You want to play football. At 32 you don’t want to be sitting on
the bench. You want to play football.
“I think it will be very difficult for Chelsea to keep him. I think he
could force the issue. Why? You’re a football player, go and
play. Petr Cech has achieved far too much to want to stay.”
Scott Arfield struck an early blow for Burnley, but Chelsea
responded in ruthless fashion as goals from Diego Costa, Andre
Schurrle and Branislav Ivanovic opened a commanding lead
before the break.
New recruits Costa and Cesc Fabregas earned praise from
Cascarino, who has tipped the Blues for the league title.
“Everyone has settled in perfectly. Costa, Fabregas fitted in like a
puzzle,” he said.
“Brilliant homework has been done at Chelsea and I look at
Hazard who was an outstanding player for Chelsea last year.
They are not going to be so reliant on him.
“I think they have added more flair with Fabregas coming in,
having Schurrle available on the right sometimes. People like
Willian didn’t even get near the team.
"Fernando Torres has now become the third forward. You are
looking at their bench and going: ‘Wow.’ This is a lot to beat,
the work-rate was exceptional.”