Chelsea 2–1: a hard-fought win closes out an unbeaten run
The goals came at opposite ends of the second half and, in between, Chelsea had to see out a spell of pressure that made the closing stages more nervous than they needed to be. Still, a win is a win — and one that keeps the unbeaten run intact with three fixtures left before the international break.
The first half
Chelsea started brightly, moving the ball side to side and pinning the visitors deep inside their own half for the opening fifteen minutes. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute: a quick switch of play pulled the defence across, and the far-post run was finished cleanly from close range to make it 1–0.
The visitors settled after that, though, and began to carry more threat on the break. Their equaliser in the 41st minute was well worked — a switch, a cut-back and a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The second half
Chelsea responded almost immediately. Ten minutes into the half, a set-piece delivery was met at the far post and headed back into danger, and the follow-up was forced over the line for the decisive second goal.
The hour after that was open. The visitors pushed for an equaliser and were shown a late card for a foul on the counter, which settled the contest more than the scoreline suggests.
“We controlled the game for long spells. The second goal was the key moment — after that we managed the space well and took nothing silly.”
Key moments
- 27' — Chelsea take the lead from a cut-back at the far post.
- 41' — Visitors level it with a first-time finish.
- 55' — Chelsea regain the lead from a set-piece at the far post.
- 78' — Late booking for the visitors after a foul on the break.
- 90+4' — Final whistle, unbeaten run extended.
Lineups
Chelsea: Goalkeeper One; Defender One, Defender Two, Defender Three, Defender Four; Midfielder One, Midfielder Two, Midfielder Three; Winger One, Forward One, Winger Two.
Visitors: Goalkeeper Two; Defender Five, Defender Six, Defender Seven; Midfielder Four, Midfielder Five; Forward Two, Forward Three, Winger Three.
What it means
Three points, and the gap at the top is now three rather than six. The run of consecutive clean sheets ended, but the defensive shape held well enough to manage the closing period. Next up is the away trip in the Champions League on Tuesday.