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| N'Golo Kante adding to his collection |
With an eye on the Premier League's opening weekend, and players still recovering from international tournaments, Thomas Tuchel opted for a few surprise faces in the team to face Europa League winners Villarreal. Marcus Alonso, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Trevoh Chalobah all were named for a chance to impress and win their places for the upcoming season.
The Champions League winners put on a dominant display - at least for the opening half hour. Villarreal barely got a look in and were regularly forced to defend deep putting at least six men behind the ball at any given time. They proved last season they are not an easy team to break down, and Unai Emery is a lot more savvy than many Arsenal fans give him credit for.
After 27 minutes it was Hakim Ziyech who managed to find the breakthrough goal. He managed to get on the end of a lovely cross in from Kai Havertz and directed past it Sergio Asenjo. Continuing his brilliant pre-season form after scoring two against Tottenham last week. However, his good fortune was not to last.
After whispers of the Moroccan potentially having a breakout season and star in the Premier League, former Spurs 'star' Juan Foyth had other ideas. After coming together in a challenge for a header, Ziyech's evening came to an end with his shoulder dislocated. In fariness to Foyth, there was nothing in that challenge - certainly in comparison to most of the others they put in throughout the match. Emery might have this lot a little too fired up, especially after taking out Leicester's Wesley Fofana in a 'friendly' last week.
Whether it was the surprise injury or just some very tired legs, Chelsea's energy and concentration took a serious dip in the second half with the Spanish side growing in confidence. Threatening Edouard Mendy's goal on a number of occasions. Their eventual equaliser was really a matter of when and not if. Unsurprisingly it was star man Gerard Moreno with the goal, following a mistake from Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea played themselves back into the game, regaining composure and possession. But failed for find a winner, forcing another 30 minutes. Which is definitely what a team full of players who got little down time over the summer needed just three days before they start the domestic season. As the clock ticked down and the penalty shoot-out approached, Tuchel shocked the socks off of just about everyone watching from Windsor Park to your telly at home. He had one final substitution to make, and used it on Kepa.
There was a bit of a buzz earlier when it appeared the young keeper was receiving instructions, and then headed down the tunnel with Henrique Hilario. When they reappeared, he was kitted up and ready to come on. Part of me hoped that Edouard Mendy would refuse to come off because it would have been amazing banter. But the consummate professional took his late substitution in stride and wished his counterpart the best of luck.
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| What a hero |
In a rare turn, I was actually full of confidence in this bold move. Not in Tuchel.. but in Kepa himself. In all of the furor over his performances people have forgotten he was actually quite a good keeper. And not only that has saved a lot of penalties. Two striking ones in recent memory were against Valencia and the one he stopped with his knees against Eintracht Frankfurt. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in agility.
The mentality that took for him to take on that role is unbelievable. He's lost his place as first team keeper, has a bunch of petulant children on social media constantly abusing him for his inclusion anywhere ever. And he's not even had a chance to get a feel for the game or even touch the ball. It was all on him to step up, and did he ever. Kai Havertz missing the first penalty could only have added to that. What an incredible performance and he deserves all the plaudits for those few moments of magic.
Two other players - other than the always perfect N'Golo Kante - that deserve a mention for their performances were Alonso and Chalobah. Alonso played like a man on a mission, out to prove to Tuchel he should be in the team - or showing potential suitors what he has to offer as he constantly was a threat to Villarreal's formidable defence. And Chalobah who absolutely stepped up and proved that he is deserving of a place in the first team, completely not phased by the occasion of a UEFA final.
What a way to kick off the season! Next up, Patrick Vieira's new-look Palace.
jb x
RESULT: Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal (6-5 PENS)
GOALS: Ziyech 27', G. Moreno 73'
CHELSEA XI: Mendy; Zouma, Chalobah, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Werner
STAR MAN: Kepa
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