Chelsea picked up a degree after drawing 2-2 with the Magpies at Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime. St James’ Park noticed among the finest video games within the Premier League this season, with fixed motion at each ends.
The match began within the worst potential means for the Blues. Nick Waltemaade scored two targets within the first 20 minutes of the match, upsetting Enzo Maresca’s facet. Goalkeeper Rob Sanchez did his greatest to disclaim the primary shot and pulled off a advantageous save, however the German managed to attain the rebound. The second purpose was an correct shot from a free kick.
Regardless of being trailing at half-time, it did not take lengthy for the Blues to battle again. Membership captain Reece James took a free kick from 25 yards out and it was an incredible effort. The England worldwide noticed his shot go over the Magpies wall, hit the submit and slam into the again of the purpose.
The Blues’ equalizing purpose got here within the 66th minute by striker Joao Pedro. The Brazilian’s spectacular ability gained him area and he headed the ball over Malic Thiau. Pedro rapidly bought near the purpose and fired a shot to equalize the rating.
Regardless of Chelsea’s spectacular comeback, there have been some disappointing performances general.
Chelsea’s most disappointing participant vs Newcastle
It was an unforgettable efficiency for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho. Though he scored twice within the Carabao Cup win over Cardiff Metropolis in midweek, he was wasteful within the North East and commonly made poor selections within the ultimate third.
It was picked up by Soccer London journalist Bobby Vincent. Chelsea’s senior reporter gave the Blues’ quantity 49 a ranking of 4/10, explaining that he “wanted to move” extra typically as an alternative of taking pictures always.
One other participant who struggled in opposition to Howe’s group was defender Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman has shaped a formidable centre-back pairing with Trevor Chalobah in current weeks, however he actually wasn’t at his greatest in opposition to Newcastle. Anthony Gordon was stripped of the ball as he carried it ahead forward of Woltemade’s first purpose.
Certainly, the stats from this recreation mirror simply how powerful a day it was for the previous Leicester Metropolis man. Fofana had 59 touches, however misplaced the ball 4 instances and was unable to dominate defensively. He received solely three of his 9 duels.
As dangerous as Garnacho and Fofana had been, there was a Chelsea participant who was arguably worse.
Chelsea’s worst participant vs Newcastle
It was actually a troublesome day on the workplace for France worldwide Maro Gust. He began at right-back with James in midfield, and struggled within the first half in opposition to Gordon, who was all the time a menace.
The previous Lyon defender was additionally the one who made a little bit of a change for the Magpies’ first purpose. Gusto pressured England worldwide Gordon to run in from behind and take the lead and fireplace a shot at purpose. The rebound from Sanchez’s save led to the purpose.
His efficiency acquired solely a 4/10 ranking from Vincent. Journalists mentioned he was “sloppy” on the again, which can be mirrored within the statistics. Gusto had simply 26 touches, nearly half as many as Sanchez, and was unable to win both of the duels he tried.
Gusto’s key stats vs Newcastle | |
|---|---|
standing | quantity |
contact | 26 |
move accomplished | 14/16 |
Variety of ball misplaced | 2 |
Received a floor duel | 0/2 |
Variety of fouls dedicated | 2 |
Variety of balls collected | 1 |
Sofascore statistics | |
It stays to be seen whether or not Gusto will retain his place within the Chelsea facet. The subsequent recreation might be performed after Christmas, adopted by a troublesome journey to Aston Villa on December twenty seventh. Going through a participant like Morgan Rodgers would undoubtedly imply the Frenchman’s job is out.
Maresca has choices if he needs to vary issues. In fact, the logical transfer can be to have James play at right-back once more and title a midfielder. Enzo Fernandes is the plain choice, however Andrei Santos may additionally characteristic within the facet.
In any case, given Gusto’s struggles away to Newcastle and the truth that he wants the standard of the ball at Villa Park to manage the sport, Maresca might resolve to rotate him out of the facet. It was undoubtedly a efficiency to neglect for the Frenchman this weekend.
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