Chelsea took on Fulham in a West London derby.
As It Happened:
19th minute, Thiago Silva’s clipped ball over the top played in Havertz. His shot was saved by Leno, but it wouldn’t have counted because he was offside as the ball was played into him. In the 25th minute, Palhinha played the ball into Pereira. He fired a shot at goal that was brilliantly saved by Kepa low to his right. In the 32nd minute, Mount played the ball across the face of goal for Havertz, but he missed his shot. Tim Ream got the slightest of touches on the ball that likely put off the German. On the stroke of half-time, Ziyech played a fantastic lobbed ball over the top to find Havertz. The German striker lobbed the ball over Leno, but his effort struck the left-hand post. 70th minute, Mitrovic spotted Kepa off his line and fired an audacious strike at goal from the halfway line. Kepa managed to get back and prevented the ball from finding the back of the net. In the 72nd minute, Enzo Fernandez latched onto a loose ball and fired a right-footed shot that went just wide of the left-hand post. 79th minute, Ream’s clearance only went as far as Gallagher. The English midfielder fired a shot toward goal that went just wide of the right post. Seconds later, Gallagher’s ball over the top played in Fofana. He rounded Leno and Diop. His shot was cleared by Tim Ream to deny him his first goal in Chelsea colours. In the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, Sterling’s dinked effort was saved by Leno.
It was the same old story for Chelsea. The build-up play was fantastic, but the only thing that was lacking was that clinical finish. With players like Sterling, Chilwell, and James returning from injury, hopefully, the Chels can turn around their league form and push for a European qualification spot. A good run in the Champions League could add a ray of hope to a rather disappointing season so far.
Player Performances:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga made a smart save to deny Pereira in the first half. He was momentarily caught out by Mitrovic, but he got back to deny the Serbian a famous goal. He added another clean sheet to his collection this season.
- Reece James added a much-needed threat down the right flank on his return. He did well in his physical battles on the night, especially against Mitrovic. He lacked match fitness and he was taken off for Azpilicueta.
- Thiago Silva produced another classy performance at the back. He played a brilliant ball over the top for Havertz in the first half. He and Badiashile defended well together at the back.
- Beniot Badishile displayed his range of passing after pulling off a magnificent crossfield ball for Hakim Ziyech. He wasn’t afraid to put in a tackle and used his pace against Fulham’s counters. He and Silva are forming a formidable partnership at the back.
- Marc Cucurella failed to offer anything going forward. He had a tough time against the tricky Willian.
- Enzo Fernandez looked comfortable in the middle of the park. He had the knack for being in the right place at the right time. He came so close to scoring on his debut. A solid debut for the World Cup winner. 100% aerial duels won, 10 ball recoveries, 6/8 tackles won, and three clearances(Statman Dave).
- Conor Gallagher should not be taking corners again. He displayed a lot of energy in the middle of the park but never made an impact at the attacking end of the pitch. He had a good chance late on in the game.
- Mason Mount found himself in great attacking positions, but he failed with his final ball on almost every single occasion.
- Hakim Ziyech showed a lot of effort and work rate, despite his move to PSG falling through. His passing was good on the night and he almost set up Havertz at the end of the opening half with a magnificent ball over the top. A professional performance by the Moroccan international.
- Kai Havertz had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half, but he hit the post. There were very few positives to his performance and he moved into a deeper role after Fofana came on.
- Mykhailo Mudryk failed to make a significant impact on his full league debut and came off at halftime.
- Noni Madueke showed great intent and energy after he came on.
- Cesar Azpilicueta was solid defensively.
- Raheem Sterling won numerous free-kicks on his return from injury.
- David Fofana came so close to scoring on his debut, but he saw his shot blocked by Ream.
- Ben Chilwell made his return from injury.
