Chelsea 2 West Ham 0
Never expected to get much out of this. Pellegrini was brave fielding two strikers but that handed the midfield initiative to Chelsea in the first half, though it was good to see The General and Fredericks return after injury.
Hazard played brilliantly and scored a world class goal beating five West Ham defenders, though Pellegrini is entitled to think someone should have got a challenge in. It could have been two or three at the break but at least West Ham improved in the second half after Snodgrass replaced Hernandez. Lanzini, Cresswell and Arnautovic all went close to equalising. It wasn't until the 90th minute that Chelsea ensured victory with Barkley's cross being effortlessly controlled and stroked home by the Real Madrid-bound Hazard.
Pellegrini described his men as playing like "zombies" in the first half and mumbled some excuses about tiredness after a long season. That might apply to young players like Rice and Diop, but it's noticeable that Leicester, Watford, Wolves and Everton aren't looking at all tired after a similarly long season. We've got to hope against all expectation that we now get something from a visit to Old Trafford — otherwise West Ham's season is likely to peter out into bottom half mediocrity.
2 comments:
we were outplayed and lucky to go in 1-0 at half time. Lanzini isn't quite up to the standard he was but is getting there.
hernandez was anonymous and Arnie as unpredictable as ever though he did look better leading the line although he isn't the frightening prospect was either, comes and goes alot in games. Anderson was good in bits as well but we've lost our mojo some where along the season.
cant see Man U being different to Chelsea unless we bottle their coach again!
mid table mediocrity is fine with me at a level as long as we improve the squad again and lose the obvious ones being carried continuously. COYI
Some hope if Lanzini can get back to his old form. Arnie at least created a few chances in the second half. Really hope we improve the squad as you suggest and at least have a go at getting seventh next season. Leicester and Everton seem to have improved while we are relaxing on 42 points. Need some more motivators. COYI!
Post a Comment