It seemed like one other disappointing consequence was on the way in which for the Blues however Ben Chilwell sparked a comeback for a 2-1 victory over West Ham United. American Christian Pulisic began the match after virtually leaving Stamford Bridge throughout the switch window, nevertheless it was substitute Kai Havertz whose star shined brightest of the attackers. Taking part in their third recreation in seven days, it was a stale begin to the match earlier than an electrical end noticed West Ham falter with a bit assist from VAR.
West Ham’s equalizer known as again for a doubtful foul on Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy. The obvious foul was flagged when Jarrod Bowen’s trailing leg grazed Mendy because the West Ham attacker hurdled the keeper after Mendy went to floor to win the ball.
West Ham’s Declan Rice took to Twitter to specific his displeasure after the match. Rice tweeted, “That’s up there with one of many worst VAR choices made because it’s come into the sport. Shambles.” He’s not flawed. The contact was minimal and Mendy put himself ready the place contact was anticipated as he went to floor straight in entrance of Bowen who was operating full pace. Rice might earn himself a nice as a consequence of his feedback, however will probably be fascinating to see if one other apology is given like earlier within the season when Chelsea discovered themselves on the opposite facet of the equation when Tottenham’s Cristian Romero wasn’t known as for a foul when pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair on a late Harry Kane equalizer.
As for the remainder of the match, Pulisic’s inclusion within the beginning lineup appeared like a optimistic change however he was unable to influence the sport, solely taking one shot. In his first important taking part in time of the season, this wasn’t the kind of efficiency that may persuade Thomas Tuchel to play him extra. Conor Gallagher equally struggled in midfield his return from suspension with an nameless efficiency. The duo had been withdrawn within the sixtieth minute for Armando Broja and Mason Mount, nevertheless it was West Ham that took benefit of the confusion that ensued. Following a nook kick, Michail Antonio bundled the ball throughout the road after Declan Rice tapped it again throughout the face of purpose. It was an unpleasant chaotic purpose and Chelsea’s lack of ability to clear their traces confirmed extra of the defensive points that the Blues have skilled this season.
However Ben Chilwell street to the rescue and will have gained his beginning spot again after coming into for Marc Cucurella within the 72nd minute and instantly scoring earlier than, solely 4 minutes later, helping Havertz’s first purpose of the season to place Chelsea forward.
From there, officiating took middle stage as Maxwel Cornet put the ball at the back of the web within the 89th minute however the equalizer was known as again after a VAR assessment. Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy went to the bottom, going for and profitable the ball off of Jarrod Bowen, whose trailing leg grazed Mendy as he hurdled the inclined keeper. The contact was minimal however the consequence was massive for West Ham because it was the distinction between one level and no factors.
It’s a state of affairs the place each gamers had been going for the ball nevertheless it appears lots to ask of Bowen to get out of the way in which and keep away from contact as Mendy’s dive takes him between the attackers shifting legs. Going to a assessment issues look worse in gradual movement and Mendy doing the sensible factor and staying on the bottom offered the decision.
Whereas Chelsea secured all three factors, the sport was near going the opposite method because the cracks nonetheless confirmed. The truth is, by expeted objectives visiting West Ham had the most effective of it with 1.07 to Chelsea’s 0.83, though the hosts had eight photographs to the Hammers’ six. With photographs clearly in excessive demand, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will assist the problem after becoming a member of from Barcelona on deadline day however the ball development points in midfield are more durable to repair.
Tuchel might be extra aggressive when N’Golo Kante is wholesome, however with out him, Chelsea’s different deadline day signing Denis Zakaria has an enormous gap to fill. It was too simple for West Ham to go down the middle of the pitch which is the area that Zakaria might want to shield when he is available in. He will likely be a extra conservative passer than Kante, but when he’s alongside Chilwell, Chelsea shouldn’t have points linking up with the attacking three.
There isn’t a lot time for Tuchel to find out his finest lineup, however after Saturday’s match, it probably doesn’t embrace Pulisic. He’ll have to battle when he will get extra minutes off the bench probably alongside Gallagher because the group must gel with the highest 4 race within the Premier League already shaping as much as be a good one within the early going of the season.
