Chelsea took on Leicester at Stamford Bridge as both teams played their game in hand. Chelsea had already secured top four after Arsenal lost to Newcastle so the pressure was off for this game. Tuchel had made it clear though that he wanted the team to finish third, having been in the top three for the whole season. Leicester selected a strong XI. Mendy starting goal for Chelsea with a back three of Chalobah, Silva, and Rudiger. James and Alonso started as the wing-backs while Jorginho and Kante started as the midfielders. Pulisic, Ziyech, and Lukaku started up front.
The game can be summed up in one paragraph. It was total domination by Chelsea over two halves. More chances created, more possession but in keeping with the story of our season individual errors and finishing cost us. Maddison gave Leicester the lead in the 6th minute after a ball over the top from Schmeichel found a Leicester player. Alonso was caught sleeping and he failed to track back. Maddison got the ball on the edge of the box and he took a shot and scored. Chelsea equalised in the 35th minute via brilliant cross from Reece James and Alonso volleyed it into the net. Chelsea had chances to finish the game in the 2nd half and Pulisic missed a sitter but we couldn’t find the winning goal.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeeper
Nothing to do for Mendy. The goal was not his fault and Leicester had no impact for the rest of the game.
Defenders
Chalobah and Silva were good. Rudiger continued his slow decline since announcing that he was leaving. James was magnificent and played multiple positions. Alonso showed his prowess in front of goal but the goal that Chelsea conceded was the reason he needs to leave. Azpilicueta came on in the 2nd half to give some solidity.
Midfielders
Jorginho was good, Kante was poor and looked a shadow of himself once again. It is high time one of them left. RLC came on in the second half but made no real impact.
Forwards
Pulisic was good and lively but missed the key chance of the game and it was harder to miss than score. It was very poor. Ziyech was probably the best attacker and was lively and pressing from the front. Lukaku was ok but nothing caught the eye. Havertz came on and looked out of form given the absence from lineups recently.
Manager
Tuchel said post match that it was nothing new. Same lack of finishing and silly mistakes. He won’t be happy but he will know that only one game is left.
Chelsea secure third with the point and fail to win. The next game is a visit by Watford on the final day and hopefully Chelsea will have new owners confirmed and Boehly can see his first win. COME ON CHELSEA!!!