Europa League
Blues European Gains Roll On
Blue skies and brighter days seem to be on the horizon for the Stamford Bridge hopefuls. After a rough stretch of games in the past month, the blues seem to be on a roll with all the drama put behind them.
Chelsea returned to European play today with Dynamo Kyiv making their way to South West London. Additionally, Chelsea have enjoyed a run of two wins in their last two matches. Their hopes of returning to the top four in the Premier League have been rekindled. After seeing their Premier League rivals Arsenal fall to Rennes today, it reinforced the importance of Europa League play.
Also, this would seem to be the easiest path for Chelsea to get back into Champions League play. Nonetheless, Chelsea look to keep their undefeated streak alive in European play beginning the round of 16.
The Chelsea Mojo
Chelsea would be on the front foot often and early against the Ukrainian side. Chelsea would open up the first wound in the 17th minute. Surgical play between Pedro’s quick pace and Giroud’s death touches left Dynamo Kyiv tracking shadows. Pedro would get behind the line and find Giroud in the six yard box. Giroud’s back heel would nutmeg the defender and find its way into the path of Pedro where he would finish easily. Pedro would have multiple opportunities throughout the first half but wouldn’t be able to widen their lead. As a result, Chelsea would once again begin the second half quite shaky resting on their laurels. Unfortunately for Dynamo Kyiv, history would repeat itself in the 65th minute. Willain would step up and bury a free kick putting the nail in the coffin for Dynamo Kyiv’s hopes of drawing some sort of a result.
Battle Tested
Chelsea’s concentration would be tested as their lead would build. Luckily for the blues, their youth rose to the occasion. Loftus Cheek and Hudson-Odoi would create a third goal in the closing moments of the match that would ease all nerves at Stamford Bridge. The blues will now be able to travel to Ukraine with a three goal lead being able to refocus on their Premier League battles. Maurizio Sarri will enjoy three wins in a row for his squad who have been tested as of late. Chelsea will be back in action this Sunday when the host Wolverhampton Wanderers who sit seventh in the Premier League table. The second leg of this draw will take place next Thursday where Chelsea will look to advance into the quarterfinals.
Photo credit to Chelsea via Twitter
