Things were going so well for Chelsea in their Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Enzo Maresca’s side went ahead after Joao Pedro’s goal in the 25th minute and headed into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
However, they collapsed after the restart, allowing Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere to score against them.
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Chelsea’s defending in the first half was much better, with Josh Acheampong doing his best before everything fell apart.
Robert Sanchez of Chelsea Football Club
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Robert Sanchez showed Josh Acheampong appreciation after block
Prior to Pedro’s strike, Acheampong made a block to deny Ademola Lookman from getting a shot away at Robert Sanchez’s goal.
Following that defensive action, the Chelsea goalkeeper went straight over to Acheampong to show his appreciation for what the 19-year-old had just done, a moment caught by journalist Bobby Vincent.
In the end, Acheampong’s good defensive work did not count for anything as Chelsea went on to concede two goals.
It was a bad night for the Blues, yet they still impressed Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino.
A 12-year run snapped by Atalanta…
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When Palladino spoke about Chelsea after the game, he was quick to highlight the technical skill and pace that Maresca’s team brought to the New Balance Arena.
It is another poor result, though, leaving Acheampong, Sanchez and the rest of the team needing wins in their remaining two matches of the Champions League league phase if they want to avoid a play-off fixture.
Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC and Josh Acheampong of Chelsea FC
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Josh Acheampong deserves more game time at Chelsea
Acheampong’s start against Atalanta was only his first in the Champions League this season. The defender has also not played in any of Chelsea’s last six Premier League games.
He is a strong and tall footballer who can play at either right-back or centre-back, so there is a lot that the youngster can bring to the team.
Bearing that in mind, Maresca should be handing him more opportunities, especially with Tosin Adarabioyo not in the best of form right now.
For whatever reason, though, the Chelsea head coach has chosen to overlook the England Under-21 international lately.
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