Chelsea travelled to the Gtech Community Stadium to play Brentford in mid-week. Graham Potter chose to rest a few key players considering the high profile fixture against Manchester United scheduled for the weekend.
The Blues were very sloppy in the first half which nearly costed us the game. This trend seems to continue and Potter needs to rectify the situation before the game on Saturday as it could cost Chelsea a spot in the top four and further widen the gap between them and the title challengers. However, some substitutions did make a difference yesterday and would have unquestionably found the back of the net if not for David Raya’s heroics. In spite of not brining the three points home, there were a few players who put in a top effort and managed to stand out from the rest.
CHELSEA’S CHRISTIAN PULISIC
Pulisic joined CFC in 2019 and for the majority of his spell, he’s been out struggling with injuries and lack of game-time. The USMNT skipper who is best known for his ability to cut into the inside of the attack and assist or finish off chances has just not been able to do that in a Chelsea shirt consistently.
However, since Potter came in, Pulisic has started to look like the player we signed from Borussia Dortmund. The Chelsea attack was non existent in the first half other than a few half chances which never looked like finding the back of the net.
The 24-year-old was introduced in the 62nd minute and was by far the best attacker on the pitch. He looked extremely brave on the ball and didn’t shy away from taking on multiple defenders which is exactly what our attackers have been lacking. Even though he couldn’t get his name on the scoresheet, the American showcased just what he is capable of and impressed the entire fanbase. This leaves the head coach with a headache when it comes to naming the lineup for the game on Saturday.
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA
What a story it’s turning out to be for this man! Kepa Arrizabalaga, who came to London in 2018 for a record fee, also known as the Chelsea headache, has finally turned it around. After struggling for multiple seasons, he had to step down and serve as a backup to Edouard Mendy. But the Spaniard didn’t give up and put his nose to the grindstone which has now led to him keeping five clean sheets in a row.
Our MotM put out another outrageous performance which consisted of some saves that he had no right to make. The Blues have now gone 533 minutes without conceding a goal and this man deserves full credit. Long may this continue and then he’ll hopefully cement his name in Luis Enrique’s World Cup squad.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA
The 18 year old English prospect who joined the Blues this summer finally got a real chance by coming on in the 62nd minute of the game. He ridiculously impressed supporters in no time demonstrating his exciting attributes. Chukwuemeka was confident and troubled the Bees defence every time he touched the ball. His pace and physical presence was felt strongly and it was exactly what the Chelsea attack needed. He certainly managed to impress the Gaffer who spoke highly about him in the post-match press conference.
Considering the injury crisis and the congested schedule, multiple options is what Potter would love to have at his disposal. Chukwuemeka’s performance proved that he can be considered as a serious option.
There are a couple of stars who also deserve a shout out for their contribution to the contest. The defence looked unstable in the first half, while Trevoh Chalobah fought like a solider and came to CFC‘s rescue on numerous occasions. Yet again he proved how blessed the Blues are to have him. His reliability has meant that fans don’t really feel the absence of Wesley Fofana in our back line.
Another player who impressed the majority of the faithful with his efforts was Armando Broja. The Albanian was offered his first start in a Chelsea shirt and managed to dazzle the fans with his pace and physicality. Although he failed to find the back of the net and make an assist to Mason Mount, which some of the supporters seem to be disappointed about, Broja put on a decent show amongst a sluggish front line.