I've blogged on many an ocassion that all that matters in football is the final result, so after a weekend of worry at an indifferent performance it is useful to remind yourself of the fact that Chelsea still won the game.

Improvements are needed, AVB is surely aware of this. £25 million and a 35 minute appearance from Kalou later we have hopefully purchased one piece of the jigsaw we have been needing for some time.

AVB, trying to steer us in the right direction ©AP Photo

The three-month wait is at an end, the friendlies are over, the signings have (or haven't) been made and the first match of 38 is over. So, that is why a 0-0 draw in your opening Premier League game is a disappointment. Regardless of how you played, the three month wait boils down to that first game.

I think in post-match post-mortem, it was better than OK. It's not three points, but there's lots to remain upbeat about.

Fighting Fire With Fire - Chelsea's strength kept them in this one ©AP Photos

Last season there was plenty to bemoan, it will take time to see if what went wrong last season can be changed by a new management team, and a not very new look team.

There is still time to flex our muscles in the transfer market, and in my opinion to truly compete feel that we need a couple of additions to the squad. If we get them then we can compete, if we don't then I foresee a far more difficult challenge.

AVB: Stronger Squad than last year, reinforcements accepted! ©Getty Images