Chelsea captain Reece James has tried to explain why his side struggled so much in their 2-2 draw with Qarabag on Wednesday.
The Blues looked like they were going to be in for an easy game after Estevao Willian scored in the 16th minute.
Estevao’s end product has really impressed Leon Osman, with the winger scoring his fourth goal of the season at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.
However, goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic eventually put Qarabag 2-1 in front. Alejandro Garnacho was able to spare Chelsea’s blushes, though, after coming off the bench to net an equaliser in the second half.
Chelsea defender Reece James applauding
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James thinks Qarabag’s pitch was partly to blame for draw
Following the full-time whistle, James gave a post-match interview, suggesting that the pitch at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium was one reason for Chelsea dropping points.
Speaking to TNT Sports, James said: “Their fans were quite good tonight, the pitch was difficult to play but this is something we expected and didn’t quite adapt to.
“Two mistakes led to two goals and it’s difficult when the momentum in the game changes and we simply didn’t do enough. We had a few chances we didn’t take and we only have ourselves to blame.”
The defender played in his usual right-back position after starting in the middle of the park in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.
After that match, Enzo Maresca discussed James’ midfield role, explaining that he used him in the engine room to add more physicality there.
With Romeo Lavia picking up another injury, Chelsea fans could get to see more of James in the middle. Lavia started the Qarabag game but had to be taken off in the first half after pulling up.
Chelsea captain Reece James defending
Photo by TOFIK BABAYEV/AFP via Getty Images
A rare bad day at the office for Reece James
Against Qarabag, James was unable to make the kind of impact that he usually does from the right-back position.
Offensively, the 25-year-old had little success, failing to complete a single one of the five crosses that he attempted. James was also dribbled past a couple of times and picked up a yellow card.
Reece James’ stats vs Qarabag Total
Minutes 90
Tackles (won) 2 (1)
Interceptions 2
Aerial duels (won) 0 (0)
Dribbled past 2
Shots 0
Key passes 1
Crosses (accurate) 5 (0)
Dribbles (successful) 0 (0)
Via Sofascore
Chelsea fans will just be happy that James was able to finish another game without picking up an injury, especially after Lavia’s latest setback.
Like the midfielder, James was always struggling to stay fit at one point, but the England international looks to have overcome his fitness issues.