Al-Hilal 0-1 Chelsea: 5 talking points as Lukaku goal seals final spot for the Blues | 2021 FIFA Club World Cup

Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021
Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021

#3 Kepa Arrizabalaga's form might give Thomas Tuchel a selection dilemma going forward

Kepa Arrizabalaga has performed well in Edouard Mendy's absence
Kepa Arrizabalaga has performed well in Edouard Mendy's absence

Kepa Arrizabalaga had to step up in the absence of Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who lifted the AFCON title with Senegal. In the semi-final, Kepa produced one of the best saves in the competition as he denied Moussa Marega from eight yards out.

He prevented efforts from Odion Ighalo and Kanno to keep a clean sheet. It was his third clean sheet in the last six games across all competitions, in which he has conceded just three goals.

Mendy is expected to retain his place in the starting XI when Chelsea return to league action from this competition. But Kepa's form gives Thomas Tuchel the option to rest Mendy ahead of key fixtures. It is a great news for Tuchel and fans with the club facing a busy schedule in the coming months.


#2 Leonardo Jardim's Al-Hilal have a European feel about them

Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021
Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021

Al-Hilal had a solid outing in the semi-final fixture and were able to put up a good fight against the Blues. Leonardo Jardim deserves praise for his side's high-intensity play tonight. He has a solid squad at his disposal at the club with many of the players in the starting XI having some experience in Europe's top five leagues.

How they reacted upon losing possession and tracked back to prevent counter-attacks showed the implementation of modern tactics at the club. Players like Moussa Marega and Matheus Pereira were their standout players here.

While they came up short here. they displayed a lot of promise in the game and look to be on the right track under Jardim.


#1 Chelsea need to sort out their attacking play on priority

Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021
Al Hilal v Chelsea FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021

Chelsea have a lot of talented players at their disposal with Havertz, Mason Mount, Ziyech and Lukaku all lining up in the attacking department. So, it is a wonder as to why they continue to face problems in the final third.

They recorded five shots on target but were far from convincing. Ziyech and Havertz saw their efforts fizzling just past the woodwork as Lukaku was guilty of poor movement inside the box.

Probably, the absence of Tuchel on the sidelines, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, was also a factor for their poor outing here. The German manager is an inspirational figure on the sidelines.

But they still need to work on their attacking play for the final as well the remainder of the season.

Quick Links