'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
West Brom hosted Chelsea in a crucial Premier League fixture on Saturday. The hosts were looking to get their first point of the season, and the visitors looked to bounce back from their defeat against Liverpool last week.
The start of the game saw the Blues dominate possession but it was the hosts who took the lead in the fourth minute. Callum Robinson scored the first goal of the game after a mistake by Marcos Alonso. The Blues tried to get a goal back, creating a couple of chances but the equaliser remained elusive.
West Brom doubled their lead in the 25th minute. Thiago Silva lost concentration and gave away the ball which allowed Callum Robinson a free run at the goal. The forward finished past Willy Caballero to score his second goal of the game.
The Throstles scored their third goal of the game two minutes later when Chelsea failed to clear a ball into the box and Kyle Bartley finished from close range. The first-half finished with the score 3-0 in favour of the hosts.
Frank Lampard made a couple of changes at the break to inspire his side to earn something out of the game. Callum Hudson-Odoi and César Azpilicueta came on for Mateo Kovačić and Marcos Alonso. The visitors started dominating the game as they looked for their first goal of the game.
Chelsea were rewarded for their effort when Mason Mount scored a great goal from distance to start the comeback. Hudson-Odoi was bright since coming on and caused problems to the hosts back line. The winger scored his first goal of the season when he finished expertly after a return pass from Kai Havertz.
Chelsea kept on pushing for another goal to complete the comeback. Tammy Abraham completed a sensational comeback in the 93rd minute when he finished from close range after a rebound. The game finished with each side scoring 3 goals. It was a disappointing evening for the visitors but they will take encouragement from the comeback.
On that note, here are the five major talking points from an intensely fought game at The Hawthorns.
_________________________________________________________________
#5 Chelsea's Defensive Struggles Continue
Chelsea has done astonishing business in the transfer window, however, their defence still remains their Achilles heel. Last week, Kepa Arrizabalaga made a mistake which gifted Liverpool their second goal of the game. This week, both Thiago Silva and Marcos Alonso made mistakes for which the Blues paid massively. The third goal was also a stark reminder of the defensive issues from last season.
The Blues had a terrible defensive record last season and if they wish to win any trophy this year, they will have to quickly eliminate such mistakes from their game.
They will hope that it was a one-off mistake from Silva. The Brazilian is expected to be the vocal leader at the back. Frank Lampard will hope that the center-back settles in nicely after getting his first taste of the Premier League, and, Ben Chilwell's return from injury helps improve things at the back.
Also check out: Updated EPL Table 2020/21
#4 Timo Werner Struggles
Timo Werner had a torrid evening against West Brom on Saturday. The striker started the game on the left-wing and struggled to make an impact.
The German had been impressive in the first two games of the season, but was yet to score his first goal for Chelsea coming into this game. He came close to scoring when his attempt at goal hit the cross-bar. However, aside from that one bright moment, he failed to make any impact in this fixture.
The striker is one the best young players in the game, and big things are expected of him this season. Forwards are judged on the number of goals against their names, and Chelsea fans will hope that Werner scores his first goal soon to ease the pressure on him.
Also check out: Complete EPL Fixtures 2020/21
#3 VAR Controversy
Every week of Premier League action brings a new controversy around the VAR. This week's contest between West Brom and Chelsea turned out to be no different.
Chelsea finally completed their comeback when they levelled the score in the 93rd minute. Tammy Abraham finished from close range after Mason Mount's shot was saved initially. However, there was a VAR check to see for a possible handball by Kai Havertz in the build up to the goal. The ball did touch the German's hand, however, it was not deemed a hand ball which infuriated the hosts.
Another instance was for an off the ball incident when the hosts complained for a foul by Reece James right in front of the technical area. However, the VAR did not interfere. After a lot of discussions over VAR last year, it looks like it will remain a topic of discussion this season as well.
#2 Frank Lampard's tactics
Frank Lampard will be encouraged by the fight shown by his team to earn a point, however, he will also be disappointed for another poor showing. His side are yet to impress this season.
Lampard looks to be trying to figure out his best playing 11 and his strongest formation. The Blues have altered between playing a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1. The club's major signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have been played in various positions which shows that Lampard is yet to figure out his best side.
It was always going to take time for Chelsea's squad to settle down after signing so many new players, however, Frank Lampard knows he is under pressure to deliver this year unlike last season. The Blues legend should try to figure out the tactics soon otherwise he will have some tough questions to answer.
#1 Callum Hudson-Odoi delivers
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been linked with a move away from Chelsea on loan in recent weeks. The winger has failed to get a start in the previous 2 games despite injuries to other two wingers, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
The winger was a substitute in this game as well, however, he made a huge difference when he was brought on in the second-half. The youngster gave the visitors another dimension as he looked to attack the defenders and dribble past them. He was rewarded for his efforts when he produced an amazing finish to score the second goal for his side.
The youngster showed immense potential before suffering a Achilles injury. He stills looks a little away from his best, but this performance will give him confidence, and might make Chelsea manager, Lampard, give him more chances.
The Blues have shown great confidence in the winger by rejecting Bayern Munich's bids and giving him a big contract. They will hope that the youngster builds on this performance and prove his talent to the whole world this season.
