A bad goal is a bad goal in any language and unless Chelsea can break the habit of dropping their guard at crucial moments, particularly in away games, their latest championship aspirations will disappear in another bonfire of the vanities.
A fresh plane-load of foreign talent may have arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer but Chelsea's season has begun much as it did a year ago with a defeat at Coventry City, 2-1 this time, largely brought about by inept defending.
True, Darren Huckerby's speed was principally responsible for Coventry's opening goal after 10 minutes but their second, six minutes later, was more of a giveaway. And in each instance the Chelsea defender closest at hand was £4.5 million signing Marcel Desailly. Although it would be harsh to blame Desailly for failing to catch the lightning-fast Huckerby, the Frenchman was plainly at fault in allowing Dublin a free header into the net from Noel Whelan's free-kick to the far post.
One match is hardly sufficient evidence for making lasting judgments but since Michael Duberry had to be left on the bench in order to accommodate Desailly, it is not too soon to discuss what the Frenchman's best role is likely to be. For France he was an outstanding centre-back but he was most effective for Milan as a midfield anchor.
Duberry's quick reflexes might just have put Huckerby off his stroke before he could give Coventry their lead and his alert presence at the back would surely have made Chelsea less flat-footed when Dublin rose to meet Whelan's cross. Desailly, moreover, would arguably be of greater use as a midfield shield, and his pace and athleticism could provide an attacking springboard.
Pierluigi Casiraghi, the £5.4 million capture from Lazio fared better, despite leaving Highfield Road goalless.
The regularity with which he slipped between the Coventry centre-backs suggested that, treated to the type of excellent service he received from former Barcelona player Albert Ferrer, Casiraghi will soon be another foreign talent punishing flabby defending. But for some outstanding saves by Magnus Hedman, he would have started with a hat-trick.
