Chelsea's Jorginho celebrates scoring their second goal with Mason Mount. Reuters
Chelsea's Jorginho celebrates scoring their second goal with Mason Mount. Reuters
Chelsea's Jorginho celebrates scoring their second goal with Mason Mount. Reuters
Chelsea's Jorginho celebrates scoring their second goal with Mason Mount. Reuters

Chelsea stay unbeaten under Tuchel with win at Sheffield United


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Chelsea remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel and are up to fifth place in the Premier League after a 2-1 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The result saw the Blades' recent resurgence halted by an 18th defeat of the season, leaving Chris Wilder's team rooted to the bottom of the table and 12 points from safety.

Mason Mount starred for Chelsea again, scoring the opening goal just before half-time, but the hosts were level early in the second half through Antonio Rudiger's own goal.

But parity lasted just four minutes and Jorginho's 58th-minute penalty was enough to secure all three points for Chelsea.

The Blades had a huge chance to take the lead inside the first 30 seconds.

Oli McBurnie threaded a ball for Oliver Burke between the Chelsea centre-backs, but Burke put his effort into the side-netting after opting for a near-post finish rather than going across the goalkeeper.

Chelsea then had an opportunity of their own when Mateo Kovacic's lofted pass put Timo Werner through on goal.

Aaron Ramsdale raced off his line and Werner lifted over the goalkeeper, but Chris Basham was on hand to scramble back and clear the ball before it crossed the line or Mount had a chance to turn it home.

Chelsea were given a reprieve by a VAR decision after 13 minutes when a clumsy challenge from Ben Chilwell on Basham saw referee Kevin Friend point to the penalty spot.

But the video replays showed Basham was offside when he received the ball and instead it was a free kick for the visitors.

At the other end there was a let-off for the Blades when unmarked pair Chilwell and Cesar Azpilicueta got in each other's way at the back post from a free-kick, allowing Ramsdale to swoop and smother the ball.

Chelsea were looking dangerous down the left, with Chilwell taking up some good positions and putting plenty of crosses into the penalty area.

But some solid defending kept them at bay, with Kean Bryan making a heroic block.

That was until the 43rd minute.

A lovely one-two saw Werner dart into space down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Mount, who expertly steered his shot into the bottom corner of the net from around 15 metres out.

But the Blades were given an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when Rudiger poked the ball past Edouard Mendy.

The defender played a blind back pass from inside the penalty area to his goalkeeper, who was on his way out to collect the ball – which rolled into the unguarded net.

The hosts were not level for long, though. A defensive error saw them fall behind once more.

Werner darted on to Bryan's loose back pass into the box and knocked the ball around Ramsdale before being brought down out by the Blades goalkeeper.

Friend waved play on but was told to consult the pitchside monitor and, after taking a look, awarded the penalty, which Jorginho coolly slotted away in his usual nonchalant style.

An acrobatic effort from Billy Sharp would have rescued a point for the Blades in stoppage time, but Mendy made a fine sprawling save to ensure Chelsea held on for the win.

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5