Unlike Tuchel’s first game, Chelsea started out pretty slow in this one, and the game speed and passes were a little lacking. And, unlike the first game, Chelsea was nowhere near in control either, and Burnley had some strong periods with the ball, even though they generated a total of zero kicks.
At the other end, Chelsea ended the first half with 10 kicks, most of them somewhat unstable or weak, sometimes both, with Werner once managing to hit his own leg while standing as well.
After 40 minutes of this kind of confusion, Captain Azpilicueta decided to solve the problem on his own. Chelsea sculpted Burnley to open, with Alonso and Jorginho combining on the left, then finding Mount in the middle. He made an excellent turn, not for the first or last time in the game, playing against the dangerous Hudson-Odoi, who cut from the inside and went down beside the striking Azpilicueta, who delivered a side kick in addition to the giant goalkeeper.
A rare goal; a necessary goal.
Tuchel made a change at halftime, hoping to change the game with Pulisic and Abraham leading the way. Chelsea’s attack seemed a little more dynamic after the break, but a second goal remained elusive despite several (or even better) half chances.
Reece James replaced Hudson-Odoi in the final 20 minutes, through whom most of Chelsea’s attack had passed. That pattern remained. Havertz was also added, but the goal just didn’t come.
But then Marcos Alonso did what Marcos Alonso does, and scored a ridiculous goal to secure the three points.
Carefree.
- A change in back seven since Tuchel’s first game, with Alonso replacing Chilwell as a full-back. Full front three rotation, with central Abraham and Werner and Mount on the fluid support. 3-4-3, sometimes 3-4-1-2.
- Pulisic to Abraham in half displaced Werner more centrally, with Mount still providing deeper support
- James to Hudson-Odoi for the final 20, a somewhat defensive change, at least on paper. Most of Chelsea’s best attacks went down the right flank anyway.
- Havertz to Monte the final change, in the last 10 minutes.
- Burnley won three consecutive wins in all competitions, and consecutive league games against Liverpool and Aston Villa. It is not easy, as always.
- Chelsea have been unbeaten for 5 of 6, with 4 wins.
- We went up to 7th position, tied in points with Spurs and Everton, but having played 2 more matches. Spurs play later today.
- Next: Spurs out on Thursday, followed by Sheffield United out on Sunday.
- KTBFFH
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