In yet another disappointing showing in the premier league, Jose Mourinho’s long standing unbeaten record in the EPL was salvaged by a 94th minute penalty scored by Eden Hazard. It was a questionable call that ruined the day for Steve Clarke’s men, but the result stands as a draw as Jose was lucky not to lose at Stamford Bridge for the first time in EPL.
Starting 11s:
Chelsea FC (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Ramires; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Eto’o
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Myhill; Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Brunt, Sessegnon, Amalfitano; Long
Summary:
Chelsea started the game at Stamford Bridge to avenge last week’s disappointing lose away at Newcastle. The Blues enjoyed a lot of possession of the ball but, West Brom’s resilient defense made it impossible for our players to make an attempt on goal. Steve Clark’s men played a defensive game attributed by their physical prowess at the back and in midfield.
The referee Andre Mariner made questionable calls through out the opening stages of the game by not giving the right punishments to Yacob and Mulumbu who were fouling and kicking players in the 3rd half of the pitch. We had a good chance at scoring as we earned a free kick from a close range, but Oscar’s curling shot was tipped away by Myhall.
At the other end, it was not to difficult for the defense and Petr Cech as only Shane Long was creating danger around our defense. As we approached the end of the first half, Eden Hazard showed some slick footwork to get past his marker and shot on the far post. Myhall, saved the shot but, Eto’o was there to poach in an incredible goal that no one saw coming.
After the half, West Brom came out in all attacking fashion using long balls and taking advantage of their height and stature to score. They earned a corner kick right around the hour mark and some silly marking mistakes aloud Shane Long to head in despite 3 Chelsea men being around. Cech really could have cleared it by scrambling with the big boys, but didn’t paid the price for it.
Jose finally made a substitute late on as Lampard (who was booked early) made way for Demba Ba and the transition from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 effectively took center stage. The team started attacking and challenged to take the lead but, a silly give away by Ivanovic got West Brom on the counter and Sessegnon got a shot on Cech who didn’t save a shot nearly straight at him yet again.
Another two substitutions for the Blues as Juan Mata and Mikel came on for Oscar and Azpilicueta respectively. The Blues started to send every men forward including our two center backs to head in a goal. Juan Mata started to send in dangerous crosses but, the height and collective defense of West Brom held on until the 94th minute added time.
Controversy took center stage by then as Ramires was fouled in a wick challenge by West Brom’s Mulumbu. Mariner made a questionable goal by giving a penalty and Eden Hazard converted from the spot for a late, late goal to salvage Mourinho’s unbeaten streak at home. The Stamford bridge faithful reacted happily in relief but, the real drama is awaiting to happen in the post match comments and reactions in the following days yet to be seen. Thanks for reading and follow on twitter (@FahmiCFC)
