|
|
Sheffield United 3:0 Chelsea. That was the scoreline for match-day 35 when Frank Lampard’s Blues faced Chris Wilder’s Blades at Bramall Lane. Chelsea were thrashed by a newly promoted team in good form. After their Saturday’s shocking loss, Frank Lampard admitted that he had “learned a lot from the game”.
Fans of the Blues least expected Chelsea to lose such an important match given that the race to the top 4 is stiff. With tough rivals like Man Utd and Leicester City, both aiming to secure Champions League spots for next year, Chelsea’s performance looked like a joke.
What Caused Chelsea’s Disappointing Defeat Against Sheffield?
18 minutes into the 1st half, Sheffield’s forward McGoldrick excellently struck the rebound of a McBurnie’s shot, and sent Kepa the wrong way. The build up to the first goal was nothing but poor defense tactics from Chelsea’s defenders.
It’s normal for goals to happen due to errors, but it’s not normal not to rectify those mistakes. Unfortunately, that was what Chelsea did — they willingly traded off their 3 points for laziness.
At least, this time around, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was not the cause of Chelsea’s woes.
Granting a post-match interview, head coach Frank Lampard, believed that his men lacked energy, confidence, and even the right mental attitude. Sheffield United, on the other hand, deserved their victory because they fought for it.
Their team play proved their determination to place themselves in the top 6 of the Premier League table. 15 minutes after conceding the first goal, Chelsea’s defense could not still organize themselves — and that invited Sheffield’s second goal.
A lonely McBurnie standing near to Chelsea’s post, simply had to connect his head to Enda Steven’s cross — and it was a goal.
The harm had already been done. Chelsea was down by 2 goals. The 1st half was over!
But the Blues would later come back to display yet another zero performance in the 2nd half.
Blessed with good luck in the form of poor defense, McGoldrick netted Sheffield’s 3rd goal to seal their victory over the Blues.
Chelsea’s Chances of Qualifying for Champions League 2020/2021
Occupying the 3rd position on the league table with 60 points, Chelsea has 3 outstanding matches to play against Norwich, and two powerful teams Liverpool and Wolves.
Assuming Chelsea doesn’t work on their defense, they may lose 2 more games against the above opponents. Should that happen, it will mar the Blues’ chances of retaining a place among the top 4.
Man Utd and Leicester City will definitely take advantage of Chelsea’s last-minute woes.
The good news is that, on Monday, July 13, a sports appeal court overturned Manchester City’s 2-year Champions League ban. That means even if Chelsea finishes 5th, there is no place for them for Champions Leagues 2020/2021.
What are your thoughts about the fate of the Blues? Leave your comments below.
