Opening the 23rd round of the English Championship, Chelsea drew 0-0 with West Ham in this Saturday’s London duel and have not won for three games. Coming back from suspension, João Félix scored for the Blueswhile the Italian-Brazilian Emerson Palmieri evened the score.
First time
Even away from home, Chelsea were the ones who controlled the actions with the ball at the beginning of the game, while West Ham defended and bet on counterattacks. The visitors had the first opportunity of the match at the feet of João Félix. The Portuguese received in depth and played from coverage, the ball hit the post and completed for the goal, but the bid was canceled for offside.
Then, in the 16th minute, Enzo Fernández made an accurate pass over and found João Félix in the back of the marking. At first, the Portuguese sent it to the back of the net and opened the scoring. In the 21st minute, Chelsea reached the goal again with Kai Havertz, but it was also disallowed for offside.
West Ham reacted in the match after 27 minutes. In the first attack, right-back Coufal crossed and the ball crossed the area until it found the other full-back Emerson Palmieri on the left. Without an appointment, the Italian-Brazilian completed the goal and tied the match.
Right place, right time 👊 pic.twitter.com/HYZ6z39xPe
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 11, 2023
Second time
While Chelsea dominated most of the first half, West Ham played better after half-time. Unable to create chances, the Blues they saw the home team grow in the match and take more danger.
In the 35th minute, after a free kick in the area, Declan Rice headed in and forced Kepa to make a great save. On the rebound, midfielder Soucek touched the goal. However, VAR entered the scene again and annulled the bid for irregular position.
In the last moments, midfielder Connor Gallagher took a chance from outside the area and Soucek touched the ball with his hand. The Chelsea players asked for the penalty to be awarded, but the referee ordered the move to continue.
Honours even this afternoon.#WhuChe pic.twitter.com/5xw5mpoKrZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 11, 2023
position in the table
The result keeps Chelsea in ninth place in the Premier League with 31 points, while West Ham breathes outside the relegation zone and momentarily rises to 15th place, with 20 points added.
West Ham’s next commitment will be against another London rival for the English Premier League. You Hammers face Tottenham away from home next Sunday. Chelsea, on the other hand, have a challenge for Champions League this Wednesday against Borussia Dortmund.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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