[ad_1]
Chelsea dominated the opening 35-40 minutes of this game, both in terms of possession and creating opportunities, and duly capitalized on that domination when Kai Havertz found Hakim Ziyech with a very nice cross for the opening goal of the match just before the half hour mark.
But then Ziyech was injured in a seemingly innocuous collision (dislocated shoulder?) And Villarreal suddenly woke up, hitting the woodwork on either side of the half-time.
The second half was a much less comfortable affair, in fact, with Villarreal creating multiple dangerous chances and chances. Chelsea would bend, but not break … until the 73rd minute, when Gerard Moreno took advantage of a series of mistakes and giveaways at the back to kiss a chip from the bottom of the crossbar and in the back nets.
The equalizer woke up Chelsea, but neither team found the back of the net before the 90 minutes were over, or even before the 120. Extra time was played at about a walking pace, reflecting the levels of pre-season fitness. Christian Pulisic was the closest to breaking the deadlock, but his improvised imbalance effort missed a few inches.
And so, on penalties we went. Kepa was appointed specialist, and Kepa did deliver.
Carefree.
- Fourth consecutive Super Cup to go into extra time, including the last time we were there in 2019 against Liverpool.
- Third consecutive Supercup for us to go to penalties. We finally won one.
- Five titular players who also started the Champions League final (Mendy, Rudiger, Kanté, Werner, Havertz)
- T.Chalobah’s senior debut for Chelsea, playing on the right side of the final three.
- Ziyech’s injury concerns, especially following such a good preseason. A big turning point in the game. Pulisic his replacement just before half-time.
- The triple change just past the hour saw Christensen insert himself in the center of the last three, with Jorginho in midfield, Mount between the lines and Havertz slipping into the center of the attack.
- Azpilicueta for Hudson-Odoi the latest regulatory change. Chelsea moved more into a 3-5-2 with Mount joining the midfielder.
- Chelsea Penalties (6): Havertz (saved), Azpilicueta (scored), Alonso (scored), Mount (scored), Jorginho (scored), Pulisic (scored), Rüdiger (scored)
- Villarreal penalties (5): Gerard Moreno (scored), Mandi (saved), Estupinan (scored), Moi Gomez (scored), Raba (scored), Foyth (scored), Albiol (saved)
- Next stop: Premier League season opener, Saturday 3 p.m., against Crystal Palace at Bridge
- KTBFFH
PLAYER NOTES:
[ad_2]
Source link