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In an entertaining match on Saturday, James Ward-Prowse was sent off after a foul on Jorginho, minutes after scoring for Southampton in their game against Chelsea. James Ward-Prowse, Southampton’s captain, was sent off in what is his second red card in his professional career. He aggressively fouled Jorginho, leading to him being shown a red card and sent off the pitch.
Today’s game against Chelsea was one where Video Assistant Referee, VAR, played a major role, denying Chelsea two goals, one from Romelu Lukaku and the other from Timo Werner. Chelsea were relentless and despite being denied the two goals came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1.
Chelsea’s Comeback after Back-to-Back Losses
After two losses, one to Juventus in the UEFA Champions League and another from Manchester City in the EPL, Chelsea showed why they are major title contenders for both leagues in their stunning display against Southampton in Stamford Bridge. The game started with an energetic Chelsea who showed great skill and prowess leading to them scoring three goals in the first half, two of which were denied.
Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoreboard in the ninth minute for Chelsea, followed by Lukaku’s goal that was denied as he was offside. Chelsea’s Timo Werner then went on to score, a goal that was later also denied after a VAR check that showed that Cesar Azpilicueta had fouled Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters moments before the goal.
Ben Chilwell: From Villain to Hero
In a dramatic twist of events, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell’s dangerous tackle in the goal box saw a penalty decision handed against Chelsea. Southampton’s captain James Ward-Prowse took the penalty and converted it to equalize for Southampton in the 61st minute. In the 77th minute, he was handed a red card and sent off after fouling Jorginho.
Chelsea, now with a one-man advantage went on to score two phenomenal goals, one from Timo Werner in the 84th minute, and another from Chilwell in the 89th minute. Chilwell’s goal was a strong shot after two misses by Azpilicueta and Lukaku, including a shot that hit the post. He redeemed himself after his challenge that led to the penalty against Chelsea, much to the delight of the club’s fans.
Werner’s Comeback
In his first goal this season for Chelsea in the EPL, Timo Werner made a beautiful conversion after a stunning cross from Azpilicueta. Chelsea took a turn for the better after substitutes Ross Barkley and Mason Mount were brought on. In his second touch, Barkley was able to make a beautiful pass to Azpilicueta that went on to Werner leading to the goal.
Mason Mount, on the other hand, created a chance for Ben Chilwell, who failed to convert the cross. Thomas Tuchel showed great mastery of the tactical side of things by bringing on the two, despite being yellow-carded himself for a protest after the VAR denial of Werner’s goal. Tuchel has a team that could win both the EPL and UCL and we are excited to see what Chelsea can produce in both leagues.
Tactical Tuchel
Tuchel’s protest and his numerous reactions showed his passion for the game and he may just be the man to inspire Chelsea to greatness. His bench included stars, giving him the chance to up the ante in the game, a privilege that not many coaches share. Despite back-to-back losses at Juventus and Man City, he showed that Chelsea have the quality and capability to really bring the heat this season. The team feels like a young fresh team and to be honest, they have both leagues to lose.
Chelsea Now Top of the EPL Table
Saturday’s game propelled Chelsea to the top of the league with 16 points, followed by Liverpool and Manchester United both with 14 points. Manchester United drew Everton 1-1 and Norwich drew Burnley 0-0. In other Saturday games, Leeds beat Watford 1-0 as Wolves beat Newcastle 2-1. Manchester United are suffering a sort of star-struck with an average performance in the last few games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seen to be still struggling. His dismal performance has prompted Man United fans to ask for him to be sacked and for the issue to be done with once and for all. What are your thoughts, should Manchester United sack their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
