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Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel apparently warned of the (gusty) winds of Elland Road (not to mention the changeable weather and non-standard Premier League terrain), ditching the three-way backline and deciding to play the crazy game from Leeds with what mostly looked like a 4-2-3-1. Christian Pulisic was certainly not a winger, and not even in the symbolic sense of Marcos Alonso.
Pulisic’s forays forward created Chelsea’s best chances of a mostly open first half, but the Blues were unable to take advantage of it. Chelsea also hit the crossbar on a ricochet from a Leeds defensive clearance.
On the other end, Chelsea’s previously strong and loyal defense looked more like Swiss cheese, with Leeds scoring once (rightly ruled out for offside) and hitting the crossbar once (through fingertips). and Mendy’s acrobatics).
Chelsea appeared to assert a bit more control as the half progressed, especially after Patrick Bamford suffered an unfortunate hip stinger, but a Havertz shot in extra time was the clearest chance we have. was able to create, Meslier making his third half stop.
The second half started just as open as the first, with Havertz losing a fantastic chance on one end and Mendy making another terrific save, from Raphinha, on the other.
Chelsea continued to push for an opening goal, bringing Werner and James up and moving to a more familiar 3-4-3 for the final 25 minutes or so. Hudson-Odoi would be added a quarter of an hour later, but it was still in vain. Chelsea seemed most likely to score throughout, although Mendy also had to be alert, including a somewhat lucky catch in a corner as Rodrigo was a bit too free.
Aimless at the end.
Carefree.
- Tuchel mixes his deck once again, with a fullback behind a pivot from Kanté and Jorginho, and the Mount-Ziyech-Pulisic trio backing Havertz as a center forward.
- More familiar 3-4-3 for the last 25 minutes or so, with Werner, James and Hudson-Odoi as three substitutes used.
- Tuchel remains undefeated as Chelsea head coach, but two points have dropped here.
- Chelsea remain fourth, three points ahead of West Ham, who now have two games in hand. Two points behind Leicester, who plays tomorrow.
- Next step: the return match against Atlético, at Bridge, Wednesday
- KTBFFH
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