Chelsea smashed Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge to return from the international break with a bang.
It was a walk in the park for the Blues right from the first minute. Jorrel Hato lashed in a loose ball after a corner with just a minute on the block to set the tone for the game.
Before long the Blues had a second, with Joao Pedro scoring his latest nice goal after a brilliant feint to sit down a defender. It was three before half time – this time Cole Palmer was there to force an own goal after a nice move involving Joao Pedro and Malo Gusto.
The second half was a rout. Four goals were added as the Blues went up a gear and showed their teeth. We even got a debut for young Ryan Kavuma-McQueen off the bench. This was a much needed confidence boost for the Blues after a rough few weeks, and we hope this confidence carries forward into our league form.
MOTM – Estevao
Analysis
Estevao Willian slides in his goal.
Estevao Willian slides in his goal. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
It’s hard to take too much from a game like this against such weak opposition, but it was great to see some players out on the pitch. Estevao is back and played well, Romeo Lavia was able to start and Dario Essugo was able to come on later on
Teams
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto (Acheampong 85), Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Andrey Santos, Lavia (Kavuma-McQueen 78); Estevao, Palmer (c) (Essugo 60), Neto (Garnacho 61); Joao Pedro (Delap 60)
Chelsea substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Sarr, Cucurella, Caicedo
Port Vale: Gauci, Hall, Gabriel, Garrity (Archer 74), Walter, Ojo, Gordon (Campbell 65), Waine (Hall 65), Sherif (Gray 65), John (Magloire 85), Humphreys
Port Vale substitutes: Amos, Stocklet, Croasdale, Shipley
Stats
Statistic Chelsea Port Vale
Ball possession 76% 24%
Expected goals (xG) 4.92 0.12
Total shots 20 4
Shots on target 11 0
Big chances 11 0
Big chances missed 5 0
Accurate passes 650 (93%) 145 (68%)
Fouls committed 10 10
Corners 8 2