Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel apparently warned of the (windy) winds of Elland Road (not to mention the erratic weather and the non-Premier League standard pitch), by dropping the backline of three men and deciding to play Leeds’ crazy match with what mostly looked like a 4-2-3-1. Christian Pulisic was certainly not a winger, and not even in the sign of Marcos Alonso sense.
Pulisic’s forwards did create Chelsea’s best chances in a mostly wide open first half, but the Blues could not take advantage. Chelsea also hit the crossbar on a ricochet from a Leeds defensive level.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s previously solid and tough defense looked more like Swiss cheese, with Leeds succeeding once (excluding right as outsider) and also hitting the crossbar once (by way of Mendy’s fingertips and acrobatics) .
Chelsea apparently gave up a bit more control as the half progressed, especially after Patrick Bamford had an unfortunate hip-stitch, but a Havertz shot in extra time was the clearest chance we could create, with Meslier making his third save. made. of half.
The second half started just as open as the first, with Havertz wasting a fantastic chance on one side and Mendy again making a tremendous save from Raphinha on the other side.
Chelsea continued to press for an opening goal, taking on Werner and James and switching to a more familiar 3-4-3 in the last 25 minutes or more. Hudson-Odoi would be added a quarter of an hour later, but it was still to no avail. Chelsea saw the chance to score throughout, though Mendy also had to be vigilant, including a somewhat happy grip on a corner when Rodrigo was left a little too free.
Countless, in the end.
Carefree.
- Tuchel shifts his deck again and comes in with a back four behind a pivot from Kanté and Jorginho, and the Mount-Ziyech-Pulisic trio supporting Havertz as the forward.
- More familiar 3-4-3 for the last 25 minutes, with Werner, James and Hudson-Odoi as the three substitutes.
- Tuchel remains unbeaten as Chelsea head coach, but two points have fallen here.
- Chelsea remain in fourth place, three points ahead of West Ham, who now have two games in hand. Two points behind Leicester, who play tomorrow.
- Next: the second match against Atlético, on the Bridge on Wednesday
- KTBFFH
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