Chelsea 3-1 Everton: Danny Coming of Age

When Danny caused our Academy major problems in the FA Youth Cup 1st leg at Stamford Bridge three years ago (he scored Man City's goal) in the 1-1 draw, I said to myself and to anybody else that would listen, Chelsea should sign him. Well blow me down, Chelsea went out and did just that. A couple of years on, Danny is on the verge of a well-deserved England call-up.

It has taken time for Danny to get in to the first-team and already this season he has four goals to his name, including the opener against Everton on Saturday.

A loan spell at Bolton, where he scored eight goals in twelve or so games, has brought on his game quite superbly and Danny deserves to be given a run in the team on a consistent basis, even if that means leaving Torres or Drogba warming the bench.

AvB has a selection problem with the 'Corrupt Cup' looming against Genk on Wednesday night.

Does he recall Torres, who is available?

Or does he continue with the current 'man in form?'

When Sturridge joined Chelsea, he came with some baggage, all bad: Attitude, temperment & arrogance, but all those bad qualities have been knocked out of him and you can quite clearly tell that the man is certainly enoying his football and he is forging an excellent understanding with the brilliant Mata, who was also excellent on Saturday, assisting in two of Chelsea's three goals.

Sturridge said after the game, "I think today (Saturday) is the best I've played. In the youth team (Man City) I used to do it regularly but it comes as a surprise to me because I'm doing it in the professional game.

"I'm enjoying it and I'm happy I'm taking it into the first team.

"We played a great team game. The manager told us to move the ball quickly and play one-touch football as much as possible and I think we did that very well."

Speaking about Mata, Sturridge said, "He gives everything every single game. He runs very hard every game and is a very creative player for us, making a lot of chances and scoring his fair share goals.

"He's a great acquisition and we're glad to have him."

Captain John Terry scored Chelsea's 2nd with a towering header from a Super Frank free-kick and Ramires slid home Chelsea's third from a low cross from Mata.

Apostolos Vellios scored Everton's consolation with his first touch, seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry (c), Cole, Ramires (Malouda 64), Mikel (Romeu 76), Lampard, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata (Anelka 76)

Goals: Sturridge 30, Terry 45, Ramires 61

Booked: Cole 37, Sturridge 69

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka (c), Distin, Baines, Coleman (Drenthe 60), Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Cahill (Neville 71), Saha (Vellios 80)

Goal: Vellios 80

Booked: Fellaini 15, Baines 41

NEXT UP: Corrupt Cup v Genk (H), 7.45pm, Wednesday 19/10/11.

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