Chelsea 2 vs. 1 Club América Pre-season review
A win to start off our games in the United States
Chelsea took on Mexican team Club América in Las Vegas for their first friendly of pre-season. Club América’s season has already started so the team were a good first challenge for the Blues as Thomas Tuchel and co get ready for the season ahead. Tuchel fielded two separate starting XI’s for each half and both lineups had some players that stood out. Club América themselves did not treat the game like a friendly and made it as physical as possible.
The first half lineup saw Kepa start in goal with a back three of Chalobah, Silva and Sarr. Kenedy and Chilwell played as the wing-backs with Gallagher and Barkley starting in midfield. Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech and Havertz playing up front. The game started at a good pace with Ziyech especially showing energy to win the ball high up the pitch. Kenedy came close after some good work by Gallagher and Gallagher once again won the ball in the final third to play in Havertz who shot wide.
The first half ended goalless and Tuchel rang the changes at half time. Bettinelli came in for Kepa while Azpilicueta, Ampadu, and Emerson started as the back three. Reece James and Alonso started as the wing-backs with Mount and Jorginho in the midfield. Werner, and Pulisic played either side of Batshuayi up front. The second half saw Chelsea create several chances from both flanks.
The first goal came in the 55th minute after Jorginho lofted a ball to Reece James who drove down the right hand side to cut back for Werner. Werner’s initial shot was saved but he scored the rebound to give Chelsea the lead. The lead was short-lived as Bettinelli failed to anticipate Reece James back pass and the Blues conceded an own goal. Chelsea had several chances with Pulisic, Batshuayi and others drawing saves from the goalkeeper. Mount finally grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute with a brilliant shot from outside the box. 2-1 to Chelsea and a first win.
Chelsea Player Review
Goalkeepers
Kepa had a good game and played a sweeper keeper type role on occasion. He kept a clean sheet during his 45 minutes which is all one can ask from a goalkeeper. Bettinelli also had a good half bar the own goal. Kepa is looking to leave for regular game time and it was a good half to attract buyers. Bettinelli is third choice and this was probably one of the rare games he will feature in this season.
Defenders
Chalobah, Silva, and Ampadu had impressive halves. Chalobah and Silva are going to be in the squad without a doubt but Ampadu is fighting for a place and he impressed with his distribution from the back and composure on the ball. Sarr did not have a bad game but he did make a couple of mistakes and is unlikely to have a long term future at the club. Azpilicueta had a good game but it is likely he will leave for Barcelona. Emerson would ordinarily play wing back but played left centre back on this occasion and did a decent job. The Italian could still stay at the club for the coming season.
Chilwell looked rusty and played like someone who was on the pitch for the first time in eight months. This pre-season is all about him getting those minutes and returning to fitness. Kenedy was exciting and manage some tricks and flicks but there are doubts over his future as well. Reece James was a constant threat and should have got a few assists and the own goal wasn’t really his fault. Alonso was also a constant threat and had a good impact in the second half but it is likely he will leave as well.
Midfielders
Gallagher was very impressive in the first half playing in a deeper role than he did at Crystal Palace. He showed multiple facets to his game as he controlled the tempo with two touch play along with pressing and making tackles. He should have had an assist or two and while there were some moments of naivety it was a good 45 minutes for him. Barkley did not do much wrong but it would benefit everyone if he left the club this summer.
Mount thrived in a deeper role in the midfield and played some brilliant balls for Alonso and the attacking players. The goal was brilliantly taken and hopefully he plays in the midfield more regularly next season. Jorginho dictated the game well in the second half but had nervy moments where his lack of pace was clear for everyone to see. Overall a strong outing from the midfield with the two Cobham graduates impressing the most.
Forwards
Hudson-Odoi didn’t have a bad game but even though he played in his favoured left-wing position I forgot he was on the pitch. The narrative over the last few weeks is that he has bulked up and been brilliant in training but those 45 minutes showed little indications of that. Hopefully he improves in the coming games because with Sterling’s signing Hudson-Odoi could find himself way down the pecking order.
Ziyech had a good game and showed he is an asset if he stays although there are question marks over his future with AC Milan in talks. Havertz took some time to get going and made some brilliant runs but his finishing boots were missing. The German will have to get going now in what will be his third season at the club.
Werner had a good game playing out wide. He created chances and got a goal himself, he could stay depending on what happens in the market and I think he still has much to offer. Pulisic had a similar performance to Havertz in that he impressed by creating chances and being involved but failed to find the finishing touch on 2-3 occasions. Batshuayi is a good player in the box and had some shots. He is likely to leave over the next few weeks.
Manager
For Tuchel these games will be about gaining fitness but some performances would have left him impressed. Post-match he mentioned Gallagher and Ampadu and that they needed to continue to take these chances in pre-season. Tuchel also mentioned that he had to leave players like Vale, and others out because he could field only two XI’s but they should feature in coming games. A good first game back for the German.
Chelsea will fly to Orlando on Sunday where they will begin training for their remaining two games. Orlando will serve as a base of sorts from where they will travel to Charlotte to play Charlotte FC on the 20th of July. Sterling should feature in that game while Koulibaly could get some minutes but the likes of Colwill, Vale, Gilmour and others should all get minutes. Players like Barkley, and Batshuayi should sit out because they don’t have long term futures at the club. Either way a good first game back for the team and the new kit looks great on the pitch. COME ON CHELSEA!!!