With a fixture like the one below, Chelsea will likely start the season with the maximum 9 points.

Saturday, 14 August 2010
Chelsea v West Brom 17:30

Saturday, 21 August 2010
Wigan v Chelsea 17:15

Saturday, 28 August 2010
Chelsea v Stoke

All times GMT

However, the topic of this thread is solely to cast a spotlight on Mikel Obi's performance in those games if he plays. A misleading narrative is taking root on NL. This narrative states that Mikel Obi is a terrible player who frequently makes back passes or passes to the nearest blue shirit. It also states that Mikel does not move forward and does not take shots at goal.

I will attempt to put this narrative to the test by documenting Mikel's every move at Chelsea’s games whenever I can. In effect, instead of watching the matches, I will be watching Mikel. The actions to be documented include:

1. Short Back Passes (mockingly called "Passes to the nearest blue shirt"
2. Short Forward Passes (also mockingly called "Passes to the nearest blue shirt"
3. Lateral or Sideways Passes (also mockingly called "Passes to the nearest blue shirt"
4. Long Back Passes
5. Long Forward Passes
6. Balls won Defensively
7. Shorts on Goal
8. Goals Scored (that's not gonna happen, you say, but let's add it anyway)

I will begin this herculean task with the match against West Brom on Saturday. Result will be posted here.

Half time score: Chelsea 2 West Brom 0.

So far so good for Mikel. He made major contributions towards both goals. For the first goal, Malouda scored off Mikel's rebounded shot. For the second, Mikel gave a through pass to Essien who was immediately brought down near the 18 yard box. Drogba scored from the resultant free kick.

Mikel touched the ball about 40 times in the first half. Full details will be provided after the game.