Given the context, a decent point.
Chelsea travelled to play Wolves for MW 18 of the Premier League season. Chelsea suffered two more Covid cases before the game to make it a total of seven players out. Chelsea had asked for the game to get postponed but the Premier League denied the request, which just reflects the typical bias they have. Wolves had a strong XI and went with a 3-5-2 formation. Chelsea were still able to field a strong XI with Mendy in goal, a back three of Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger and wing backs of James, and Alonso. Kante, and Chalobah made up the midfield with a front three of Ziyech, Mount, and Pulisic.
The first half was sloppy and disjointed and the players felt like they didn’t know what to do. Wolves had some half decent chances but neither goalkeeper was disturbed. Tuchel made a change at half time as Saul came on for Chalobah due to an injury. Chelsea were better in the 2nd half and controlled the game. Chances were still few and far between with the best chance coming to Pulisic who’s shot was saved by Sa. Much like Tuchel’s first game in charge it was a good clean sheet and that was a welcome sight given we haven’t kept one in our last seven games. Given 7 players out due to Covid plus the injuries and the fact that Chalobah and Ziyech also came off due to injuries a point is fine.
Chelsea Team Review
Goalkeeper
Mendy got a clean sheet after what feels like ages which will be good for him. Didn’t have much to do in the game but when called upon he made the odd save.
Defenders
The defence kept a clean sheet which they haven’t managed to do for some time. Silva was amazing as always and it baffles the mind to think the guy is 37 years old. A true legend. Much of the threat came down the right hand side of Reece James and Mount in the 2nd half but we couldn’t manage to get the win.
Midfielders
Kante and Chalobah came in as the midfielders with Jorginho and Loftus-Cheek out due to pain. Kovacic was back on the bench. Kante was amazing and played the whole 90, hopefully he isn’t injured again. Chalobah came off due to some pain but hopefully that is just a knock and nothing else. Mount had a good game but no goal or assist. Saul came on at half time and had a good 45 as a CDM which should help his confidence. Kovacic also came on in the 2nd half and did well to beat pressure situations.
Forwards
Ziyech had a quiet game compared to his current form while Pulisic tried his best to manage as the centre forward and probably had the best chances in the game. Some slated Pulisic but he’s not a centre forward and its hypocritical to cry about Hudson-Odoi having to play as a winger to thrive and then expect Pulisic to thrive playing as a centre forward.
Manager
Tuchel was visibly annoyed about having to play this game. He said the point was of no concern to him and he liked the performance of the players given the circumstances. Tuchel will be hoping that there are no more positive cases but like he said that is hope more than anything else.
Chelsea remain 3rd in the table, 6 points ahead of Arsenal and still 3 points behind Liverpool. City won their game though and are now 6 points clear of us. Much work to do but trust in Tuchel and these players. Just hope we have the likes of Lukaku etc back soon. We need the Belgian striker. Next up is a tough away quarter final against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Park The Bus 