Chelsea travelled to Germany to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Despite Maurizio Sarri splitting the fanbase, he’s still managing to drag his team kicking and screaming towards Champions League qualification.
Eintracht Frankfurt started the game well, even if not as good as their vocal supporters, those rousing Frankfurters. It was almost inevitable they would take the lead, and so they did. Possible future Chelsea striker Luka Jovic’s deft header passed by Kepa Arrizabalaga’s outstretched arm, pinging in off the post. Somewhat ignorantly, Jovic chose to celebrate the goal, disrespecting those who would potentially wear a shirt with his name on it in west London. Chelsea fans on Twitter were absolutely fuming… probably.
In a frantic first 20 minutes, Andreas Christensen could consider himself to be fortunate to have not picked up a red card for a couple of rash challenges. With Antonio Rudiger missing what’s left of the season, the young Dane’s place in the starting XI is as assured as his country’s propensity to produce bacon. Unfortunately, his ability is not as good as that English breakfast staple.
If Chelsea are to escape this summer’s transfer embargo – a big if, – the transfer gurus at the top of the club have to invest defensively.
With a ban in place, Kurt Zouma and Rudiger must be the pairing of choice. Christensen may believe he’s the cat’s whiskers, but like so many currently on Chelsea’s books, he’s not quite at the required level. Chelsea have spent big money on sub-standard signings and wasted £30 million here, there and everywhere.
These recruitment issues have been building at Chelsea for a couple of seasons. Should Sarri get Champions League football, and – deep breath – stay… no scratch that, Sarri’s getting sacked whatever. Whoever is in the hot-seat next season must overcome a transfer ban by adapting to the players at his (or her) disposal and play with a system that suits them. With the ban, the manager must be recruited early enough to get in a full preseason and be backed with top quality players.
Meanwhile, back in Germany, Chelsea kept themselves in the game. Slowly but surely, Frankfurt’s frenetic opening period began to take its toll. Pedro bought the teams level with a smart finish through a tangle of legs that left Kevin Trapp unsighted in the German goal. At the break, the score remained level.
Chelsea have had so many games of two halves recently. A good first 45 followed by an abject performance after the break, time and again it’s happened. But not in Germany. The second half was not breathtaking, of course, but it was workmanlike.
When you get to this stage of any season the time for the type of football Liverpool play is long gone. It’s a results business win: or at least don’t lose, at all costs. History doesn’t remember scintillating football.
Maurizio Sarri has been in one – failed – final already this season and has the potential of another in this competition. This game is still very much alive for both sides. With the return fixture at Stamford Bridge next week the tie could still go either way.
Despite a style of football that has not hit the heights it did in Napoli – did you actually watch them last season? – it would be good, whatever happens, if he could pick up his first ever real, bonafide, competitive football trophy. It really would.