Chelsea played well last night right from the start, but Charlton were good too and it took a while for the Blues to find the breakthrough.
When it came – boy was it some breakthrough. The Blues controlled possession nicely to push the home team back, then Moises Caicedo tried a hopeful ball chipped up to Marc Guiu.
The Spaniard couldn’t win the header, but he forced his marker into a desperate clearance which fell to defender Jorrel Hato inside the box. The left back wound up his left foot and drilled the ball on the full volley into the top corner.
Jorrel Hato on his non-celebration after superb volley
Jorrel Hato smashes in a volley.
Jorrel Hato smashes in a volley. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
It was an amazing strike, but the defender barely celebrated. It was odd. It reminded us of Reece James’ free kick for England a year ago. Was he making a point? As it turns out, no – he was just stunned that it had gone in.
“To be honest, I was a little bit surprised when it went in so that’s why I didn’t really celebrate too much!”, Hato explained to Chelsea TV with a cheeky grin on his face.
“I think it was a good hit and I’m just so happy to score for this great club. The ball bounced and landed just in front of me, it was sat up nicely and thankfully it’s flown into the top corner.”
In other news…
Liam Rosenior has only had a couple of days to work with his Chelsea team, and that’s going to be the case for pretty much the rest of the season as the games come thick and fast. He was asked about what his training priorities would be for the next few days.
Hato got the opening goal last night, but his manager was impressed by more than just the sweet left footed strike from the Dutchman.
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Liam Rosenior and Justin Walker at the Valley.
Jorrel Hato in action against Charlton.
Chelsea players celebrate goal against Charlton.