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Winning Ways Stalled For Chelsea

Winning Ways Stalled For Chelsea
Photo credit to inanews via Flickr

Premier League

Winning Ways Stalled For Chelsea

Chelsea saw their winning ways stalled today after dropping points to Everton in a 0-0 draw. The Blues were looking to keep their five game winning streak in all competitions alive.

Slow Beginnings

Chelsea began the game off on the back foot. The Blues had an early corner situation to deal with. Jorginho carelessly cleared the corner only to see Everton’s Bernard volley just wide of the goal. Chelsea’s early struggles foreshadowed the rest of the game. Jorginho’s troubles continued when he was booked after a nasty challenge on Gylfi Sigurdsson. Only five minutes later, N’Golo Kante was also booked for a negligent tackle on Richarlison. Best chance for the blues came at the 41st minute from a free kick by Willian. The Brazilian’s ball found its way to the back post where Marcos Alonso was stationed. The Spaniard hit a venomous volley towards goal where Jordan Pickford made a spectacular save.

Just before halftime, Alvaro Morata went down in the box after a foul from Lucas Digne, however his penalty appeal was denied. The Blues went in the the half with Hazard had being held in check and the blues with more bookings than shots on goal.

The Hazard Effect

Eden Hazard began the second half putting his fingerprints all over the game with multiple build up plays with Willian and Mateo Kovacic. One of the early chances came when Willian found Hazard streaking down the side. Hazard was able to flash a fiery cross into the box which was too hot to handle for Morata on the opposite end. Everton’s first shot on goal didn’t come until the 57th minute from Sigurdsson.

Chelsea’s play would continue to heat up when Willian found himself on the end of a great ball by Hazard into the penalty area. The Brazilian’s shot goes inches wide and just misses the corner of the net. Pickford’s workload would pick up immensely as the game went on. Hazard would find his way into the penalty area once again after his shot just misses the post. Ex-Everton man Ross Barkley would make an appearance into the game to the welcoming chorus of boos from the visiting supporters. Chelsea would have one last chance in the 95th minute with a free kick, but nothing would come from it.

Reset And Regroup

Chelsea will head into the international break seeing their five game winning streak snapped. The blues will be back in action in with a big game against their north London rivals. The blues will be traveling to Tottenham looking to get back to their winning ways. This game will be crucial for the blues chances at the title this year. The Spurs are are currently one point behind Chelsea. With Manchester City and Liverpool both winning today, the blues are now in third place. The defending title holders currently hold a 4 point lead on the blues. Chelsea must take this break and regroup if they hope to get their hands on the title this year.

 

Photo credit to inanews via Flickr

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