Chelsea went back to winning ways on Tuesday night after a 1-0 win over already-relegated Norwich City.
At times in the first half, the Blues looked a tad unimaginative, with Norwich safeguarding resolutely on the edge of their penalty area. The house groups determination paid off simply prior to half-time, as Christian Pulisics pinpoint cross picked out Olivier Giroud in the penalty location, who headed home decisively. In the second duration, Frank Lampards side practically doubled their lead, however great goalkeeping from Tim Krul made sure ball game line stayed a decent one for the visitors.
The outcome reestablishes Chelseas four-point space over fourth-placed Leicester City and fifth-placed Manchester United, however both clubs have a game in hand over the West London outfit.
Positives
The continued goal-scoring type of Giroud will please Frank Lampard significantly, as he has a skilled marksman at his disposal whos currently in a rich vein of type for the essential run-in. Furthermore, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso looked specifically vibrant, offering much-needed width and unsafe crosses. The defensive solidity was also notable, as Todd Cantwell stopped working to discover any happiness up against the Chelsea backline.
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Negatives
For much of the first half, the Blues had a hard time to break down a persistent Norwich defence. Crosses were often wasted and essential possibilities were misused by the similarity Pulisic and Giroud. Both guys would later on combine brilliantly for the opening goal, but the staleness and sluggish nature of Chelseas play was noticeable for an amount of time.
Supervisor rating out of 10
7– Opted to play Giroud up front, who was chosen to Tammy Abraham. Somewhere Else, Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger appeared to operate much better as a defensive partnership on the night, something that will surely please the Chelsea boss.
Gamer rankings (1-10; 10 = finest, gamers introduced after 70 minutes get no score).
GK Kepa Arrizabalaga, 6– Had extremely little to do, with Norwich mainly lowered to speculative long-range efforts.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 8– A bastion of protective strength, the captain was also exceptional going forward, contributing a few dangerous crosses that almost yielded success. Led from the front in simply about every element.
2 RelatedDF Antonio Rudiger, 7– Surprisingly, the German defender was among the best gamers on the ball throughout, after pumping a handful of excellent long-balls forward that discovered their intended targets. In spite of some over-zealous fouls, it was a great recover.
DF Kurt Zouma, 6– After a less that persuading display screen at Bramall Lane last week, this was a far more assured showing from the protector. Partnered Rudiger extremely well at the heart of the Chelsea backline.
DF Marcos Alonso, 7– With much of Chelseas play focused down the left channel, he was heavily involved in the sides attacking phases. Put in some dangerous crosses for the aerially talented Giroud.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 7– Brought excellent energy to the sides midfield, with efficient runs forward and well-timed interceptions.
Oliver Girouds objective was the difference as Chelsea picked up a crucial 3 points in their chase for a Champions League location. GettyMF Jorginho, 7– As the more defensive-minded main midfielder, he fulfilled his duties incredibly well, turning the ball over on a variety of events. Basic, but really efficient.
MF Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 6– Was somewhat of a peripheral figure, specifically in the first half. Struggled to stamp his authority on the game.
FW Willian, 7– Didnt see excessive of the ball, but when he did, the Brazilian looked really threatening. Saw a variety of his shots blocked or conserved after cutting in from wide, however his overall desire was an enjoyable addition to the video game.
FW Christian Pulisic, 7– Whipped in a beautiful cross for Girouds opener, in what was another clear example of the Americans quality. The 21-year-old practically included a goal of his own just prior, forcing a great save from Krul.
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FW Olivier Giroud, 8– Another trademark header from the World Cup winner, who demonstrated excellent aptitude throughout. He isnt known for being specifically respected, however thats now three objectives in his past three Premier League starts for the veteran striker.
Substitutes.
MF Ross Barkley, 6– Replaced Loftus-Cheek on the hour mark. Looked sharp in the last third but was ultimately unable to get a clean shot off.
DF Reece James, N/R– Enjoyed an outstanding late cameo, fizzling in a number of teasing crosses.
FW Callum Hudson-Odoi, N/R– One or two flashes of quality but he was introduced far too late to have a significant impact.
The house teams determination paid off simply prior to half-time, as Christian Pulisics determine cross selected out Olivier Giroud in the penalty location, who headed house decisively. The protective solidity was likewise significant, as Todd Cantwell failed to find any pleasure up versus the Chelsea backline.
Crosses were often squandered and essential chances were misused by the likes of Pulisic and Giroud. Both men would later combine brilliantly for the opening goal, however the staleness and sluggish nature of Chelseas play was visible for a period of time.
Elsewhere, Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger appeared to work much better as a defensive collaboration on the night, something that will surely please the Chelsea employer.
