Big 3 points!
Chelsea travelled to Sweden to play Malmo in the 4th Matchday of the Champions League group stage. Malmo selected a similar 3-5-2 formation to the last game but made a couple of changes from the 1st leg. Chelsea also made a couple of changes. Mendy started in goal with a back three of Christensen, Silva, and Rudiger. Azpilicueta and Alonso started as the wing backs with Jorginho and RLC in midfield. Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi and Havertz started up front.
The whole game was pretty straight froward with Chelsea dominating possession and chances but Malmo defending well. The Malmo goalkeeper Dahlin made some very good saves during the game. Chelsea had 22 shots on goal with with 11 on target throughout the entire game compared to Malmo’s 4 shots with none on target. The only goal of the game came in the 56th minute with Havertz playing through Hudson-Odoi down the right hand side and CHO delivered a brilliant cross into Ziyech who tapped in the winner.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeeper
Mendy had nothing to do for much of the game although Malmo did have a couple of half chances on the counter in the 1st half. Another clean sheet for Mendy and a peaceful game in general.
Defenders
A clean sheet for all three centre backs and the two full backs. Azpilicueta and Alonso are slower than Reece James and Chilwell so lacked that bombarding impact that they have in games. Christensen, Silva, and Rudiger were their dominant selves and managed the game well.
Midfielders
Jorginho controlled the game as usual but it was Loftus-Cheek who had a good game once again. Marauding forward, using his body well and coming close a couple of times to getting a goal. Loftus-Cheek should have had two assists if Havertz had had his finishing boots on. Barkley did come on in the 2nd half for Ziyech and had a decent cameo.
Forwards
Hudson-Odoi had a good game once again and got an assist to boot. It was a brilliant cross and long may he continue and improve. Ziyech had a frustrating game as he tried to make an impact but his passing was off. Still he got the crucial game winning goal and that should give him confidence going forward. Havertz had a good game and should have scored two goals to prove it. Pulisic came on for lively cameo in the 2nd half and caused Malmo problems in behind their line and with his close control. The American could have got a goal with the final kick of the game but he rounded the keeper and sent his shot over under pressure. A bright cameo after not playing for so long though.
Manager
Three points for Tuchel as we remain 2nd in the table with 9 points. We are now 6 clear of Zenit with two games to go and need a point from our remaining two games. It was a good outing and some rotation helped as well.
3 points was all that was important yesterday and next up is a visit by Burnley on Saturday. COME ON CHELSEA!!!
Park The Bus 