Valencia 2-2 Chelsea: Four talking points from dramatic Champions League draw

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James Olley27 November 2019

Defending costs Chelsea dear as qualification hangs in the balance

Chelsea’s Group H fate will go to the wire after a highly entertaining 2-2 draw in Valencia.

Christian Pulisic scored his first Champions League goal as the Blues looked good in attack but porous at the back, a familiar tale under Frank Lampard. Valencia wasted a host of chances throughout – most notably Maxi Gomez twice in the first half, Daniel Parejo’s second-half penalty miss and Rodrigo’s stoppage-time shocker.

Both the inclusion of Andreas Christensen at the expense of Fikayo Tomori and switching to a back three when 2-1 up failed to add resilience to Chelsea’s rearguard.

They will still back themselves to qualify with Lille to come at home but defensive improvement is arguably Lampard’s most pressing concern.

Champions League | Group H

Pos Team P W D L GD Pts
1 Ajax 5 3 1 1 7 10
2 Chelsea 5 2 2 1 1 8
3 Valencia 5 2 2 1 1 8
4 Lille 5 0 1 4 -9 1

Abraham injury fear

Tammy Abraham was in tears when leaving the field at half-time clutching his stomach following a challenge with Ezequiel Garay.

Abraham left the pitch in pain but is hopeful he has avoided serious injury.
AFP via Getty Images

The 22-year-old was stretchered off and although Chelsea were able to win in his absence, a lengthy spell on the sidelines would be a huge blow given he is second in the Premier League goalscoring chart and enjoying a fine season.

Michy Batshuayi is next in line at present although Olivier Giroud will also expect more opportunities if Abraham is ruled out for any sustained period.

Kovacic finally breaks his duck

Mateo Kovacic ended a run of 145 appearances without a goal for club and country dating back to January 2017 with a 41st-minute equaliser, struck right-footed into the corner from the edge of the box.

AFP via Getty Images

He had gone 70 games for the Blues without finding the net but this was worth the wait given it stopped the home crowd from turning up the noise after Carlos Soler have given Valencia the lead less than two minutes earlier.

Kepa’s moment of redemption

Action Images via Reuters

Kepa Arrizabalaga had little time to react to Soler’s 40th-minute effort given he struck it first time from close range.

But the shot did not have much power behind it and having got down to the ball, the 25-year-old will be disappointed to have only pushed into inside the side-netting.

He was also lucky to escape when caught out of position in the second half as Rodrigo lifted a shot over the crossbar and questions were asked over his positioning for Daniel Wass’ equaliser.

They join a list of concerning moments for the Brazilian but all was forgiven – here at least – when he kept out Parejo’s 65th-minute penalty with a brilliant one-handed save.

Getty Images

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