Chelsea entertained the Premier League new boys, Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge earlier today looking to build on their 3-2 away win at Norwich City from last weekend. The Pensioners made a dominant start to the match and scored in the 19th minute via Tammy Abraham’s finish from close range. It was the English striker who struck again just before half-time when he doubled Chelsea’s lead with a clinical finish.
The Blades came back strong in the second half and got a goal back via Callum Robinson in the 46th minute. The visitors fought hard and finally managed to level the scoreline in the 89th minute when Kurt Zouma scored an unfortunate own goal after Robinson whipped in a dangerous cross into the Chelsea penalty box. Frank Lampard’s men didn’t have enough time to respond as the contest finished 1-1 with both teams sharing the spoils.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player performed during the match against the Blades.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10
The Spanish keeper had nothing to do in the first half. However, the Blades attackers managed to beat him twice in the second half, which will disappoint him.
RB: César Azpilicueta – 4/10
The veteran defensive ace couldn’t deal with Callum Robinson’s goal-threat as the visitors targetted his side in the second half. It was another lacklustre display from him going forward.
CB: Fikayo Tomori – 6/10
The youngster commanded his own box with authority and conviction in the first half. However, he lost his composure at times in the second when the Blades attackers caused a lot of headaches for the Chelsea defenders.
CB: Kurt Zouma – 6/10
He defended valiantly at the back and made some crucial clearances for the Pensioners in the second half. However, the French defender ended up conceding an unfortunate own goal in the 89th minute, which meant that his team had a share the points with the visitors today.
LB: Emerson Palmieri – 6.5/10
The Pensioners left-back made some driving runs in the first half and caused a lot of problems for the Sheffield United defenders. However, he was not as effective in the second.
CM: Ross Barkley – 5/10
The English midfield ace struggled to make a positive impact going forward. He failed to create any meaningful chances during the game.
CM: Jorginho – 7.5/10
He distributed the ball accurately and retained possession quite effectively for his team at the centre of the park. Jorginho is turning out to be a class act in midfield under Lampard’s tutelage.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
The Croatian playmaker put in a much-improved display for his side today. He was full of energy and was unfortunate not to have scored during the game.
RM: Christian Pulisic – 5.5/10
The American prospect struggled to get himself involved in the first half. It was a disjointed performance from him in front of the home supporters inside Stamford Bridge.
ST: Tammy Abraham – 9/10
The English centre-forward was Lampard’s best weapon in the opposition half. He managed to wreak havoc in the final third and has a brace of goals to show for his efforts.
LM: Mason Mount – 5/10
Probably, this game against the Blades was a reality check moment for the Chelsea rising star. Mount failed to replicate his match-winning heroics today and struggled to influence the game in the Sheffield half.
Substitutes:
CAM: Willian – 5/10
The Brazilian winger did not do enough on the field after coming on for the final 30 minutes of the contest.
ST: Michy Batshuayi – N/A
The striker didn’t have enough time to influence the game.
CM: Billy Gilmour – N/A
The young midfielder got some valuable game time as part of the Chelsea first-team in the dying embers of the encounter.
