Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea: The one that saw Frank Lampard lift his first trophy

The big one... all hail the Rakuten Cup

One month into his new role and Frank Lampard has led Chelsea to the dizzying heights of Rakuten Cup champions. A completely meaningful trophy that shall no doubt be revered for some time to come. Insert terrible overplayed jokes about it being more trophies than Mauricio Pochettino, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, etc and so on. Still no idea why actual trophies are given out in these pre-season friendlies. It’s odd. So nevermind that, Chelsea only went and did a win against fierce rivals Barcelona.

Some will want to highlight that not only was it the Catalans first match of pre-season but both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were still on holibobs. It’s not like they are exactly short of talent. New signings Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong were immediately thrown into the mix and slotted in fairly seamlessly. Griezmann in particular caused Chelsea’s defence problems throughout his debut. Step in Jorginho who tried to cut his Barcelona debut very short indeed as he chopped the Frenchman in half with a two-foot tackle just 15 mins in. The referee, clearly an Atletico Madrid fan, looked the other way and Sarri’s-son-no-more evaded any sort of booking.

In other French forward news, Olivier Giroud was hotly tipped to start ahead of Michy Batshuayi but Frank Lampard opted for youngster Kevin Tammy Abraham as his big man up front. His first big chance he missed an absolute sitter but made up for it by opening the scoring. Jorginho once again involved as he managed to divert the ball into the path of Abraham who cooly slotted home like he does this every week. He has given the boss a lot to think about as the Manchester United clash edges closer.

Tuesday’s match saw a first start for American Christian Pulisic who once again looked lively. By and large he’s been tasked with filling the massive gap left by the Belgian that shall not be named as I sit here and eat my feelings about it. Let’s be honest, no single player is going to be able to do that. So slightly unfair on Chelsea’s only new arrival this summer. But, he does show a lot of promise in terms of attack minded play. He showed bravery and thoughtfulness in the runs he made against Barcelona B and will continue to grow into the No. 10 role alongside his new teammates.

Formerly known as ‘the next Frank Lampard’, Ross Barkley once again was out to impress his predecessor. Although he did not impress as much in this match as he did on Friday against Kawasaki Frontale, ultimately he scored what would be the winner. He continues to make a case for himself in Lampard’s new-look Chelsea. And not just as a sub for Mateo Kovacic who has also be quietly impressing throughout pre-season. Dare I say it, they may both be on the pitch together this season.

Unpopular opinion, but I think could be an asset this season. He has regularly been slated by the social media masses but I think he’s looked good. At least in a very raw sense. He’s puts in an enthusiastic display in all of his appearances so far and admittedly needs some tactical refinement. But that will come through training and match fitness. Kenedy is a threat going forward and will be needed as a long season unfolds. Pedro won’t be available for 90 mins week in and week out. Kenedy could do worse than learn from the winningest man in the Premier League.

Tuesday also saw the return of Kepa. Willy Caballero did an admiral job as his deputy but by and large was rarely tested in the three previous matches. But the opposition being what it is, kept our keeper a little busier. I’d dare say they had more shots than the other three teams combined. Although many efforts appeared to be straight at Arrizabalaga, truly excellent goalkeepers ensure they are in positions to have the shots cushioned into their torsos. Not every save needs to be a dive across the goalmouth for it to be top goalkeeping. He looked like he’d never been away.

Next up - a brief appearance at home-ish. As Chelsea leave the humidity of Japan to return to the …er, heat and humidity of England. Sunday sees Blues take on Reading at the Madejski. It is the home of our other American on the books Matt Miazga who will be with them for the season on loan. Until Chelsea can unload him completely.

jb x

RESULT: Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea

GOALS: Abraham 34, Barkley 81, Rakitic 90+1

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta (Zappacosta 70), Christensen (Tomoroi 47), David Luiz (Zouma 46), Emerson (Alsonso 46), Jorginho (Drinkwater 70), Kovacic (Bakayoko 70), Pulisic (Kenedy 60), Mount (Barkley 60), Pedro (Batshuayi 70), Abraham (Giroud 60)

STAR MAN: Kepa