Frank Lampard’s predictably hard start of the season has continued, with Chelsea failing to win again at home to Leicester. After a fantastic start, Chelsea were eventually pegged back, and I was fearing the worst in the closing stages of the match. Perhaps we were tired, a little low on confidence, or we just have to praise our opposition as we clearly did not deserve more than a point from this game. Here is the Chelsea Talk recap.
1st Half – Mason Mount Has Dream Start
The team was almost identical from the side that played Liverpool in mid-week, with Mason Mount being the only change, taking the place of Mateo Kovacic. It was the perfect start for Chelsea, as we literally came flying out to the exuberant atmosphere at the Bridge. Our players reacted to this, as we almost took the lead within moments of the kick-off as Giroud set up Pedro for a volley, which smashed against the side netting, leaving many people (including myself), to believe it went in. Mason Mount was stopped by Kasper Schmeichel just a few minutes later, as Leicester had survived two early scares.
However, as early as minute 7, we had created another chance which we didn’t make no mistake in taking. Mount pressured Wilfred N’Didi and dispossessed him, meaning he was through on goal with only the keeper to beat, as he smashed it into the corner. A tremendous start for Chelsea, who deserved their early lead. And a dream debut for Chelsea through and through Mason Mount. N’Golo Kante had the best chance to double our lead for Chelsea, but he couldn’t turn in a close range cross. The sides went into half time with Chelsea in control, and Leicester being quite poor. Unfortunately, that would change in the 2nd half.
2nd Half – Leicester Improve to Take Deserved Point
The less said about the 2nd half the better. From a purely dominant first half display, we really looked as if the mid-week 120-minute European Super Cup match caught up on us. Leicester started the 2nd half with a lot more poise, and got themselves into dangerous positions. We lacked a bit of fight, and even a bit of personality, as we let them easily get their best attacking players running at our defence for fun. In terms of us creating chances, they were looking less and less likely despite the introduction of Tammy Abraham.
On minute 67, Leicester’s work in the 2nd half payed off, and Wilfred N’Didi – who made the error for the goal – leaped highest to power home his header from the corner. They had equalised, and perhaps slight favourites to go on and win the game, our levels had dropped so much. In the final stages of the game, Leicester looked more likely to getting the next goal with James Maddison missing a guilt-edge opportunity, and Jamie Vardy came close with his narrowed angle shot. The ending of the game was end to end, with both teams fancying their chances of scoring, but the final whistle went, with a point apiece.
It was largely disappointing in the 2nd half, and we are nowhere near the level we should be. Let’s move on from this, and look to improve or else we are in big trouble.
What Next?
Chelsea now have six days to prepare for our next fixture, as we travel to Norwich away on Saturday kicking off at 12:30pm. Norwich will be in buoyant mood, having won 3-1 this past weekend, so we shouldn’t expect an easy win here.
Let’s hope we get the first win of the season. COME ON YOU BLUES!