Dynamo Kiev 0-0 Chelsea: Five Talking Points
Manager Jose Mourinho would not be too worried with last night’s outcomeJose Mourinho said he had targetted four points in the two back-to-back matches against Dynamo Kiev. He has completed half of that expectation with a draw in Kiev as his team shone on the night but could not clinch all three points.Eden Hazard was restored into the lineup in place of the injured Pedro while Jose Mourinho preferred to start Kurt Zouma at fullback over Baba Rahman, shifting Azpilicueta back to the left. Despite the scoreline, Chelsea had a number of opportunities, especially in the first half, and this was a much better showing from the Blues.Eden Hazard and Willian both hit the post while Cesc Fabregas was seemingly denied a clear penalty early on in the game. Chelsea had a brief scare late on, but it was a more accomplished performance from the Blues.Chelsea are now on four points from three games, within three points off top spot and having played both their difficult away games they can now look forward to the two home games and an away fixture against Maccabi Tel-Aviv who lost 2-0 to Porto last night. Work still needs to be done, but the goal is still well within reach.
#1 Hazard and Matic step up
Jose Mourinho benched Eden Hazard at the weekend, citing his side’s lack of defensive stability as the prime reason as to why he was benched. One reason for that could be how Pedro was brought in to protect young full-back Baba Rahman, who had a torrid game at the weekend.
However, Pedro’s injury opened the door for the Belgian to stake his claim for first team action and with Azpilicueta back behind him to do the defensive duties, Hazard had an improved performance. Granted, it still wasn’t the Eden Hazard of old, but this was still something to marvel at.
Capitalising on a rebound from a Fabregas attempt on goal, Eden Hazard rifled in a shot which was tipped on to the post. He also showed better movement in the second half to reach Willian’s cut-back before seeing his effort blocked. Hazard worked harder than we have seen him all game and showed his trademark driving runs at the opposition.
Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic had a fine performance as well. Trusted by Jose to shield the back four, Matic returned to the player we have come to know. Perfectly timing tackles and distributing the ball well, Matic also looked to respond to Jose’s public outburst at him and play himself back in. He also could have scored, nearly converting a good run into a goal early on.
The signs are positive, despite the result, that this Chelsea team is slowly firing up. Performances like these will always help that cause.