Chelsea FC Survive At The Hawthorns, Beat West Brom 3-2
Chelsea FC returned to action with an early Sunday visit to take on West Bromwich Albion. The defending champions have had a rough go of it so far this season, getting a controversial point in the season opener against Swansea City, and losing 3-0 to Manchester City last weekend. New signing Pedro hoped to make an immediate impact, getting into the first XI for today’s match.
Both teams had a couple of chances early on. Diego Costa most notably would have a half chance at goal after freeing up a yard of space, but put his shot wide.
The first big moment of incident would come in the 13th minute, when Nemanja Matic was called for a penalty, after taking down Callum McManaman inside the box. Replays showed it was indeed a foul, and the referee made the right call.
James Morrison would step to the penalty spot, but had his shot saved by Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian keeper once again plays hero for the Blues keeping the score 0-0.
It would take less than 20 minutes for Pedro to make his mark, as the new boy would score on his debut in a Chelsea shirt. Eden Hazard would first receive the ball in a central position, then find Pedro darting towards goal. The former Barcelona man then got off a shot that took the slightest of deflections. It was enough to fool keeper Boaz Myhill, as the ball trickled into the corner of the net.
Play to that point probably suggested Chelsea were fortunate to go ahead, but certainly would have no complaints.
The Blues would double their lead in the 28th minute through Diego Costa. After clearing a West Brom corner, they were able to start a quick counter attack. Following some fluid passing play, Pedro once again found himself in a good attacking position. He looked as if he was having a go, but Costa stuck a foot out to turn the ball into an open net.
It would be Costa’s first goal of the season, and an important one, giving his team a commanding 2-0 lead.
In the 35th minute, West Brom would pull one back. Salomon Rondon did well to keep an errant cross in play, and his ball fell to the feet of James Morrison. The got up to that, Morrison did well to stay over the ball, and smash a shot past Courtois. Just when Chelsea seemed to be putting their stamp on the game, the Baggies gave themselves a chance once again.
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The goal bonanza would continue in the 42nd minute, with Chelsea reclaiming a two goal lead. Cesc Fabregas would loft a pass to a well-marked Costa. The forward did just enough to chest the ball into the path of Cesar Azpilicueta, the left back took his chance well, and will make a rare appearance on the score sheet. He surely won’t forget the occasion either, with this being his first Barclay’s Premier League goal.
As the teams went back to the dressing room, West Brom would be disappointed, as the had multiple chances to make an impact and gain momentum in the game. Chelsea on the other hand, will feel comfortable after retaking a two goal lead.
An already entertaining game would become even more interesting, after John Terry was sent off in the 54th minute. The Chelsea captain was sent chasing Rondon, and was judged to have fouled him while being the last man. With Terry gone, Gary Cahill would come on for Willian.
The Baggies again would cut the lead, again through Morrison. McManaman put in a good cross after cutting onto his right foot, Morrison secured his brace after doing well to head the ball past Courtois. With the game within reach, and the home crowd in full voice, anything could happen from this point.
McManaman, trying to add to his already good performance, nearly leveled the game in the 72nd minute, but put his shot just wide of the target.
With the match nearing its end, West Brom would continue to attack down the flanks, throwing numbers forward. But with the likes of Cahill and John Obi Mikel brought on, Chelsea were able to hold on and earn their first victory of the season. This will give the Blues a bit of a boost before their London derby with Crystal Palace next weekend.
MOTM: Pedro – The winger had a great debut, capping his performance with a goal.
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