Premier League
Chelsea Stumble To Victory
Fresh off international break, Chelsea’s objective could not be any clearer. With the power five teams all being in form, the Blues cannot afford any more slip-ups. Maurizio Sarri’s side will need to dig deep in the seven remaining games if they want to even to sniff Champions League competition. Chelsea fumbled into the break after a miserable loss to Everton. As a result, today’s match against Cardiff should not be approached with ease. Cardiff are four points behind Burnley and occupying that last relegation position. Both teams will be desperate for a result today as the season comes down to the end.
Just Good Enough
Chelsea’s best chance in the first half comes in the 40th minute off a Willian corner kick. The Brazilian plays a short pass to Pedro who plays it back to Willian. Marcos Alonso would find space right at the top of the six yard box, but wouldn’t carry the necessary sting to put it away. Cardiff’s efforts would pay off instantly in the second half with a goal from Victor Camarasa. The energy and discipline for the home side has outplayed the class of the visitors. In moments of adversity, Chelsea have come up short all season. The captain would rise to the occasion for the visitors. Azpilicueta would resurrect a point for Chelsea off a Willian corner kick. A gift nevertheless due to the captain being offside while flicking it into the net. Loftus-Cheek would complete the comeback in the 91st minute off another assist from Willian.
More Questions Than Answers
The blues would survive what would have been a serious blunder in their campaign to the top four. Cardiff City will not be satisfied with this result after the officiating woes. Chelsea may have come away with the three points, but there are still plenty of questions still unanswered. The chants for Sarri’s departure were bellowing throughout the Cardiff City stadium. The decision to leave Hudson-Odoi on the bench once again after his international debut left all scratching their heads. The obvious gifts that he and fellow compatriot Loftus-Cheek bring to the squad are unavoidable. Chelsea will have a close watch on Arsenal’s match against Newcastle tomorrow being leveled on points with the Gunners. The blues will host Brighton mid-week in their continued journey to a top four position.
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Photo credit to Chelsea via Twitter
