BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION vs CHELSEA: AN ANALYSIS
Chelsea made a bright start to their new Premier League season with a 3–1 against Brighton and Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium on 14 September 2020, Monday. Frank Lampard’s men were truly on top throughout the game and made sure that the home side could not dominate the proceedings. It is so important to take charge of the matters right when the season begins and the men in blue from Stamford Bridge in London have done just that. If they continue with the momentum that they now have gathered in their kitty, they are going to make life very difficult for a lot of other clubs, both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues began the scoring when new signing Timo Werner was brought down by Brighton’s goalkeeper Matthew Ryan inside the penalty area. Although the referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot, he did not issue a card. Italian regista Jorginho duly converted the shot and although Leandro Trossard equalised for the Seagulls some time early in the second half thanks to a good ball from former Chelsea man Tariq Lamptey (goalkeeper Kepa Arrizzabalaga was faulted for giving too much of space), the visitors were not to be deterred. Right back Reece James almost immediately put through a stunner to land the duel in Chelsea’s favour and from that moment on, it was game on!
Once James’ strike 25 yards away from goal was established, the men from London had smelt blood. After another ten minutes or so, they put a seal on the proceedings after Kurt Zouma headed the ball goalwards from a corner which was sent in by, who else but the young James. Chelsea were truly flying now and there was no way back realistically for the home team.
All Frank Lampard’s men had to do now was play the ball amongst themselves and not allow the hosts to take potshots at their goalpost. This they did with ease and when the whistle sounded signalling the end of the match, their manager was very happy with the three points they had just taken.
THE TOP PERFORMERS AT THE AMERICAN EXPRESS STADIUM ON MONDAY
It will be surprising for the uninitiated spectator to note that it was actually Brighton and Hove Albion who led the possession statistics on Monday (they had 52 per cent of the ball as compared to Chelsea’s 48 per cent.) However, what worked in the visiting side’s favour was the fact that whenever they got chances, they converted them without making too much of a fuss. Admitted that the early Jorginho penalty allowed them to breathe freely after a nervous start to the game, but some stupendous performances by their players must have allowed manager Lampard to give a big smile at the end of the evening.
New signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz started the game and both were very impressive. The former was responsible for winning the penalty which started the ball rolling in Chelsea’ favour in the beginning while the latter’s deft touches, link up play and attacking instincts must have warmed the hearts of many a Chelsea fan. However, there was much more that could be expected from the former Bayer Leverkusen man when it came to delivering under pressure and his underwhelming performance ended early when he was substituted for Calum Hudson Odoi. It remains to be seen throughout the season if Werner is able to snatch his opportunities in front of goal and if Havertz delivers the finished product well.
Young right back Reece James, who started in the position ahead of the experienced and more renowned Cesar Azpilicueta (although the latter did come on in the 85th minute to replace Jorginho), was quite easily the man of the match. Ending the game with a goal and an assist to his name as well as some brilliant efforts defensively makes sure that he bodes well for Lampard in the days to come. James is extremely quick and can get on the outside of opposition attackers very well. His exquisite strike some 25 yards away from the Brighton goal which gave Chelsea the lead after Trossard had equalised for the hosts, will be talked about for years to come.
WHO DID NOT PERFORM AT THE AMERICAN EXPRESS STADIUM ON MONDAY?
If poor performances from the men from London have to be lined up, then there is no doubt in my mind that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has to be mentioned. The Spaniard made another error which led to Trossard scoring for Brighton and Hove Albion. Arrizabalaga has been poor for Chelsea for quite some time and he will be the first to admit so. Although manager Lampard exclaimed after the match that he is ‘very happy’ with his goalkeeper, there are rumours abounding across Europe that the Blues have already signed former Rennes shot stopper Edouard Mendy to keep Arrizabalaga on his toes.
Manager Lampard started with the highly injury-prone Ruben Loftus Cheek in a Central Attacking Midfielder (or number 10) position right behind Werner as the sole striker and the young Englishman had an underwhelming performance to say the least. Along with Havertz at right win, Loftus Cheek sometimes failed to latch on to opportunities and was guilty for allowing too much of time on the ball by other players. However, it has to be said that his lethargic performance did not count much as others like Mason Mount, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante rallied around him to prevent a disaster of any sort. Loftus Cheek was replaced by fellow Englishman Ross Barkley in the 61st minute of the game once Lampard had seen enough and decided to give him a little break.
All in all, Chelsea’s new signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz did relatively well for themselves in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2020/21 season at the American Express Stadium on Monday. The latter may still have some time under his belt but overall, manager Lampard should be satisfied and look towards the future with anticipation.