Chelsea FC Falter Once Again In West Brom Draw

Chelsea FC played hosts to West Brom in a midweek Premier League matchup. The Blues would be looking to extend their unbeaten streak, hopefully with a win to continue their steady climb from the bottom half of the table.

Guus Hiddink’s men started the game well enough, with Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa linking neatly early on testing the West Brom defense.

It would be the visitors, though, who got the first real chance of the game through Darren Fletcher. The midfielder got off a clean shot from inside the penalty area, but Cesar Azpilicueta came in to block the attempt into touch.

In the 16th minute Thibaut Courtois was called into action after Craig Dawson’s header forced a diving save from the Belgian.

Embed from Getty Images

Minutes later, Chelsea were able to inject some life into the Stamford Bridge crowd by netting the first goal. Branislav Ivanovic put in a first time cross after receiving the ball from Willian. His pass went all the way through to Azpilicueta who was on the other end to tap the ball in.

Just as Chelsea looked to settle down with a lead in hand, West Brom struck back. The Blues lost the ball in midfield and Craig Gardner was able to pick the ball up with acres of space in front of him. Gardner took a chance with a long distance strike, and was able to beat Courtois, levelling the score.

The score would remain 1-1 at halftime and the result was truly a toss-up. Both teams showed signs of impetus going forward, and times of fragility at the back. The first goal of the second half would be crucial to proceedings.

For as muted as the home fans seemed to be throughout the first half, the second half was the complete opposite. It began with fans and players alike clamoring for Claudio Yacob to be sent off, following a couple of borderline challenges he made. He was smartly substituted, as he was playing with a yellow card.

The fans were then brought to their feet again, when the hosts re-took the lead. Willian was able to get off a low cross, which substitute Kenedy met at the near post. There were suspicions of it being an own goal, but for now Kenedy can celebrate his first senior goal in a Chelsea shirt.

Embed from Getty Images

Diego Costa nearly put the game away just minutes later, but Boaz Myhill’s instinctive save kept his team in the contest.

The save would become the biggest one of the game, as James McClean equalized for the Baggies in the 86th minute. A ball from substitute Saido Berahino took an unfortunate bounce off of John Obi Mikel. McClean was able to strike the ball first time and beat Courtois in the bottom corner.

More chelsea fc: Chelsea FC: Evaluating The Blues’ Striker Requirements

With the draw, the Blues extend their unbeaten streak, but will surely be disappointed  by giving away a late equalizer. They’ll have a few days to prepare before they take on Everton this Saturday.