Chelsea 2 vs. 1 Dinamo Zagreb Champions League Group Stage MD 6
A good win but with some concern.
Chelsea welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night for matchday six of the Champions League group stage. Chelsea were already through as group winners to the next round while Dinamo had to win the game to stand a chance of making the Europa League. Surprisingly to many fans Potter selected a strong XI for this game. Mendy started in goal with a back four of Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly and Chilwell. Jorginho started in a midfield two while Zakaria made his debut for the club. Sterling and Mount started on the wings with Havertz and Aubameyang in central positions. Many were disappointed to not see the likes of Broja start but Potter probably had his reasons.
The game began with Dinamo Zagreb showing some bite and they scored the first goal in the seventh minute when Petković headed the ball in to give Chelsea a shock. The goal served as a wake up call and it was as if the the blues turned on a switch. The passing was quicker there was more fluid play and the team were clicking up front like they did in Potter’s first few games. The equaliser came in the 18th minute when Jorginho played through Aubameyang who backheeled for Sterling who did well to keep the ball and finesse it into the net. Sterling ended his drought and Chelsea were back in the game. Zakaria then gave Chelsea the lead in the 30th minute after some more brilliant play and Zakaria was just outside the box to unleash a strong shot. A goal on his debut and a statement by the player. Chelsea continued to dominate and Sterling probably should have had two more goals with Havertz delivering two brilliant balls. At half time Chelsea had the lead and had comfortably been the better team since the goal.
The second half was more of the same as Chelsea continued to dominate and there were plenty of chances to extend the lead. Gallagher, and Broja came on in the second half and Gallagher went close on a few occasions. Sterling missed another chance this time created by Gallagher. Gallagher missed a chance that was created by Pulisic. The finishing is what we need to improve on and the inconsistency was on display yesterday as well. The sad moment of the day came in the final few minutes as Chilwell pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury. He had had a brilliant game but he left the stadium in crutches. Scans will determine how bad the injury is but the hope is that he can make the World Cup or at least be back for Boxing day.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeeper
No clean sheet for Mendy due to a moment of poor defending. Mendy didn’t have much to do for most of the game but his passing was better and he distributed the ball well. He also made a top save to deny Dinamo getting back into the game. Kepa will be out for the Arsenal game as well so Mendy will start on Sunday and will need to be at his best.
Defenders
Azpilicueta was good defensively and a threat going forward. It looked like he was struggling at the end of the game but that hopefully is just age more than anything else. Chalobah was solid alongside Koulibaly and then Silva and all three centre backs put in top displays. They detected the danger and made timely tackles on multiple occasions. Chilwell had one of his best games since returning from his injury and I hope for his sake that he isn’t out for long. An overall top performance from the defenders.
Midfielders
Jorginho had more freedom playing alongside someone like Zakaria and he attempted and completed quite a few progressive passes. The Italian was much more daring with Zakaria around as a safety net of sorts. Zakaria had a solid debut, he sniffed out the danger, made tackles, his touch was good his distribution was good and he drove forward as well. His shot was powerful and went through players to get the goal. He did come off with what looked like an injury but Potter said he is fine and there is nothing to worry about. Mount had a very good game and looked like he was enjoying it on the pitch. There were plenty of tricks and flicks and he went close with a free kick or two. The free eight role suited him and allowed him to pick up positions behind the strikers. RLC and Gallagher came on in the second half and Gallagher came close to getting a goal or two as well but his finishing was off.
Forwards
Sterling got a goal and his celebration showed how much it meant to him. He could have had three more but his finishing was off. Havertz had a brilliant game and should have had two assists. Similar to Mount he had a free role and was popping up in various positions. The tricks and flicks were also out and now he needs to strut his quality against Arsenal. Aubameyang hit the post with a brilliant effort and had a few chances but looked a bit rusty. With Arsenal next hopefully he shakes it off and scores a few against the Gunners. Broja came on and continued his run of good cameos. He was a menace for the backline and physical. Pulisic also came on for the final 10 minutes and had a good impact. He created two chances which Gallagher missed.
Manager
Graham Potter gets back to winning ways after that poor defeat to Brighton. Some fans were disgruntled because he didn’t play any of the current academy players but like I said before he probably has his reasons. He did have Omari Hutchinson on the bench in the last game and was giving significant minutes to Carney before he got injured.
Chelsea were already through to the next round and had won the group but end this seasons group stage with four successive wins. The Round of 16 draw is on Monday but before that is a big game against Arsenal in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. COME ON CHELSEA!!!
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