Revealed: 5 Things Learned as Chelsea lost second pre-season game on penalties 1-1 (5-3 Pens) against Charlotte
At the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and went to penalties, where Charlotte FC defeated Chelsea 5-3.
However, After defeating Club America 2-1, Thomas Tuchel’s team could only follow it up with a draw in the extra period, maintaining their perfect 90-match streak in the US on their preseason tour.
At the halfway point in the match in North Carolina, Christian Pulisic gave Chelsea the lead after Michy Batshuayi’s shot was blocked and dropped into his path. He made no mistakes, slipping the ball past Kristijan Kahlina to give Thomas Tuchel’s team a lead heading into halftime.
At halftime, 10 players were substituted, with Edouard Mendy remaining as the lone Chelsea player. To make his debut appearance since joining the team from Manchester City, Raheem Sterling was introduced.
Up until Trevoh Chalobah handled in the area in stoppage time of the second half, no goals were scored. Unexpectedly, the game went to penalties as Daniel Rios stepped up and slid a shot past Edouard Mendy.
Conor Gallagher missed the lone extra point, allowing Charlotte to win 5-3 in penalties.
Here are five lessons that can be drawn from the preseason game.
1) Raheem Sterling debuts for Chelsea in the first of many games: The 27-year-old made his debut for the Blues, entering the game at halftime to join Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in an assault. In the opening five minutes, he came close to scoring, but Conor Gallagher’s pass to the back post was cut out just as the winger was about to have an easy tap-in. His slowing down before finding that burst of speed to draw fouls from the Charlotte FC side was already apparent in his movements. A successful first outing for the attacker.
2) The last 45-minute fitness examination: Thomas Tuchel made significant substitutions at halftime, much like he did against Club America at the weekend. Edouard Mendy was the only player to play the whole 90 minutes as he was fully replaced at the half against the Mexican club and again against Charlotte FC. This is probably the last time Chelsea’s head coach does it since he wants to increase the fitness requirements and make his players ready to play 90 minutes.
3) The significance of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in controlling: Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were started as the midfield pivot by Thomas Tuchel in the first half, but they were replaced by Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher at the break. Continuing their connection from the previous season, the duo provided control for the Blues and located openings for passes.
4) The union of Sterling, Havertz, and Mount is a portent of future events: The attacking trio of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz is expected to be Tuchel’s go-to front line for Chelsea next season. Mount and Sterling showed early signs of chemistry by combining well in the second half after coming on. Both came close to scoring, providing a preview of what the Blues might expect in the next season.
5. Ethan Ampadu asserting himself as a Chelsea squad member: The 21-year-old showed Thomas Tuchel his versatility by playing in midfield against Charlotte FC after taking the field as a center-back against Club America. His performance did him no harm in his pursuit of a spot in Chelsea’s first squad for the upcoming campaign. His passing and distribution, as well as his midfield decision making, were all top-notch. a significant plus for Tuchel.