London. After the historically insane January window, reality awaited in the western part of the capital.
Chelsea must have overpaid Enzo Fernandes, who could be worth every pound.
Overconsumption is discouraged but… when is the time to score the right goals?
– I was quiet.
Graham Potter isn’t the guy who hangs up his jacket, sits in front of reporters, and holds a box for 30 minutes.
Instead, he avoids emotional reactions. Do not float in the detailed descriptions of his well-being or opinions about the activities of the club.
Because you can imagine that Chelsea’s head coach – behind the facade – should have followed the final hours of the January window with awe mixed with glee. A new group of players, recruited for tension-inducing amounts, must play together and win.
Heaven or hell for the boss? Perhaps it’s even worse for Potter, whose career is still in its infancy. There’s a lot to prove and probably not a lot of time. Todd Bohle talks about Chelsea as a long-term project, but anyone who follows the Premier League knows they can suddenly start itching their owner’s fingers.
Enzo’s presence was felt
Enzo Fernandez’s presence at Stamford Bridge was felt even before the warm-up. An Argentine radio journalist spoke incessantly in Spanish for the two hours before kick-off, until the sounds of “The Liquidator” drowned out his voice.
The derby against Fulham felt special for many reasons. Partly a chance of revenge for Potter after the nightmare night – a worn-out but valid expression in this case – at Craven Cottage two weeks earlier.
But also a more complete glimpse of the ‘new Chelsea’. That which should give enough return in a few years not to put the club’s accountants in an impossible position.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is out of action and in the Champions League squad, is certainly not part of the future.
From Paris to London
It might not be Hakim Ziyech either. After sitting and twiddling his thumbs in the PSG office a few days ago, he has now moved straight into the starting line-up.
The Moroccan is said to desperately want to leave the club, but has been heavily involved on the field. Few sequences are better than many others.
At one point, Fulham manager Marco Silva violently slapped his palms on his knees as his players gave the ball wide in the middle. Fernandez gently coaxed it onto the right wing and timed a teammate.
Then Ziyech released an ending that made one wonder if the grudge against Bullets would be an issue. In his defense, the subsequent reaction showed great frustration. Moments later, he was behind Chelsea’s best first-half position, when Kai Havertz lifted the ball into the woodwork.
oozing class
Although Silva would occasionally tip the box over, his defensive line-up worked relatively well. Apart from the above example, Andreas Pereira was close to Fernandez and was also responsible for a good long-range shot which goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga sent to a corner kick.
Once Chelsea got the ball into the final third, qualities were visible, and the route itself was usually varied. Nothing bad about Fernandez – on the contrary, he was bleeding class – but sometimes he did get a little lonely. Occasionally during a match, the Argentine would go down so deep that a triple line of defense was formed, a sight not uncommon during the World Cup in Qatar. Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount at the front left more to be desired in terms of build.
Madueki came up with energy
0–0 probably didn’t create a complete panic for the home team. Even though you’ve had extra players thrown into your arms lately, as well as a number of injuries coming back, you’d better rotate.
Mykhailo Modric, who has disappeared from the match picture, has been picked in favor of energetic and progressive 20-year-old Noni Madueki from PSV. Cesar Azpilicueta has been replaced by Bryce James, who is worth his weight in gold and must be protected at all costs. Ziyech smokes for Raheem Sterling.
Left-back Ben Chilwell, coming on as a substitute with seven minutes left, seemed to be just what Chelsea fans had been craving. Right now, Mark Cucurella really feels like a 60 million man. crowns. not pounds. Perhaps the Spaniard’s fumble slowed Modric down in the first 45.
Almost writhing in agony
Sterling turned goalkeeper Bernd Leno, but saw his finish clear. Gallagher kicked the ball wide of the post. Mistakes that nearly had Potter writhing in pain (guaranteed on the inside) and Todd Bohle’s mini-game in the stands weren’t far off.
The draw means Fulham remain sixth in the table, two points behind local rivals in ninth place.
He receives to encourage Chelsea to open the wallet again. But the right threat in front of goal – preferably someone under 30 who fits into the game’s system – wouldn’t he be completely dumb?