Chelsea 0-0 Sevilla: The one Frank Lampard had his first goalless draw

Having played out their last Champions League match in August, the return didn't have quite pomp it usually has when it returns to our lives. Knowing there aren't brilliant away days in our near future certainly doesn't help matters either. But to think 2012 runners-up Bayern were crowned champions just a few weeks ago and here we are at the start of a new campaign. Relentless and strange.

For the first time in his time as Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard saw no goals. That's an extraordinary run of games to go to reach this stage. Although for the sake of sainity and entertainment, let's hope it's not end game. While a Chelsea clean sheet is akin to spotting a unicorn these days, it's really not worth it if the attacking side is going to be sacrificed. Balance is everything.

Say what you will about the defensive restraint Chelsea showed against a formidable opponent, I missed the rip-roaring attack that's been growing as the season goes on. Frank Lampard has been under immense scrutiny over the lack of organisation at the back, but if we're all being really honest with ourselves it's not near as fun to watch. It wasn't a defensive masterclass, rather than a funcional performance that got a point over the line.

The Europa League winners dominated the opening 45 minutes on Tuesday night and forced a formidable save from Edouard Mendy. They managed to dominate the midfield space once Jorginho picked up an early yellow card. It left the home side in a position where they were looking to absorb the pressure than take any sort of control themselves. Not great for a team who are far better with the ball at their feet.

The Blues started much brighter in the second half with Kurt Zouma putting Bono to the test but he couldn't find what he was looking for. Christian Pulisic switched sides in the second half which saw him pose more of a threat but ultimately, it came to nothing.

It was great Hakim Ziyech was able to get another half hour of footall under his belt. Having not played since February and returning from a serious injury, it's important his retun is mediated rather than rushed. The covid protocals in training have been strict and not allowed players to get properly match fit. It's within actual proper matches that players are having to find their fitness. 

More surprising than the clean sheet itself was seeing N'Golo Kante take over the captaincy once Jorginho was substituted for his own second yellow protection. N'Golo Kante is a world class player. A tiny little angel in the centre of the pitch. However, as the quietiest man in football - and potentially all of sport - is he really the man to take charge? And let's be honest, the extra attention of having that flash armband probably embarassed him terribly.

Last year's campaign started with a defeat at home to a Spanish side so Chelsea are already one point better off. Not to put the cart before the horse and that but these are the two sides who should reach the knockouts without too much trouble. It's just a matter of who'll top the group and potentially face the 'easier' opponent.

Next up -- Man United. The goals will be back (at both ends).

jb x

RESULT: Chelsea 0-0 Sevilla

GOALS: N/A

CHELSEA XI: Mendy, James, Thiago Silva, Zouma, Chilwell, Jorginho (Kovacic 64), Kante, Pulisic (Hudson-Odoi 91), Havertz, Mount (Ziyech 61), Werner (Abraham 91)

STAR MAN: Kurt Zouma