Unlike in Tuchel’s first game, Chelsea started fairly slowly in this game, and the speed of playing and passing was a bit lacking. And unlike in the first game, Chelsea were also nowhere near as much in control, and Burnley had some strong periods, even though they yielded a total of zero shots.
On the other hand, Chelsea ended the first half with 10 strokes, most of which were rather stubborn or weak, sometimes both, with Werner once also able to hit his own standing leg.
After 40 minutes of such chatter, Captain Azpilicueta took matters into his own hands. Chelsea hacked Burnley open, with Alonso and Jorginho combined on the left and found Mount in the middle. He turned excellently, not for the first or last time in the match, with the dangerman Hudson-Odoi, who cut inwards and put the ball wide down to the galloping Azpilicueta, who made a sideways effort outside the giant goalkeeper hammered.
A rare goal; a required purpose.
Tuchel made a halftime change, hoping to change the game with Pulisic, and Abraham making room. Chelsea’s attack looked a bit more dynamic after the break, but a second goal remains unclear despite several chances of the half (or even better).
Reece James replaces Hudson-Odoi for the last 20 minutes, through whom most of Chelsea’s attacks have gone. That pattern remained. Havertz was also added, but the goal just would not come.
But then Marcos Alonso does what Marcos Alonso does, scoring a ridiculous goal to secure all three points.
Carefree.
- One change in the back seven of Tuchel’s first game, with Alonso coming in for Chilwell as wing back. Full rotation in the top three, with Abraham central and Werner and Mount in fluid support. 3-4-3, sometimes a 3-4-1-2.
- Pulisic for Abraham at half-time moved Werner more centrally, with Mount still providing deeper support
- James for Hudson-Odoi for the final 20 a somewhat defensive change, at least on paper. Most of Chelsea’s best attacks came down on that right flank anyway.
- Havertz for Mount the last change for the last ten minutes.
- Burnley have won three consecutive matches in all competitions, and rugby matches in the league over Liverpool and Aston Villa. Not easy as always.
- Chelsea are now unbeaten in 5 of 6, with 4 wins.
- We moved to 7th, tied with Spurs and Everton, but played two games more than one of the two. Spurs play later today.
- Next: Spurs away on Thursday, followed by Sheffield United on Sunday.
- KTBFFH
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