Match report: Chelsea 1-4 Celtic: Hoops Humiliate Blues in..
Chelsea 1-4 Celtic: Hoops Humiliate Blues in..
In a stunning pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge, Celtic overwhelmed Chelsea with a resounding 4-1 victory, leaving the Blues with plenty of questions to answer before the Premier League season kicks off. The Scottish champions put on a show of attacking prowess, while Chelsea’s defensive frailties were laid bare.
Celtic started the match with high intensity, pressing Chelsea deep into their own half. The early pressure paid off in the 12th minute when Japanese international Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring. A swift counter-attack saw David Turnbull deliver a perfectly weighted through ball to Furuhashi, who calmly slotted it past Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The goal was a testament to Celtic’s quick transitions and clinical finishing.
Chelsea struggled to regain composure after the early setback. Their midfield, missing the presence of N’Golo Kante due to injury, was overrun by Celtic’s dynamic trio of Turnbull, Callum McGregor, and Reo Hatate. The Blues’ defense, featuring new signing Malo Gusto, looked disjointed and vulnerable to Celtic’s incisive attacks.
Celtic doubled their lead in the 27th minute through a superbly taken goal by Liel Abada. The Israeli winger latched onto a cross from Greg Taylor, showing excellent control before firing a shot into the top corner, leaving Kepa with no chance. The goal highlighted Celtic’s superior wing play, with Abada causing problems for Chelsea’s left-back Ben Chilwell throughout the first half.
Chelsea’s attempts to respond were thwarted by Celtic’s disciplined defending. Despite having more possession, the Blues were unable to create clear-cut chances. Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, both key players in Chelsea’s attack, were effectively neutralized by Celtic’s midfield and defense.
The second half saw Chelsea make several substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s dynamics. The introduction of Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling added some much-needed energy to Chelsea’s attack. Their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Sterling was brought down in the box by Carl Starfelt, earning Chelsea a penalty. Jorginho stepped up and converted with his trademark coolness, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope.
However, any hopes of a Chelsea comeback were quickly dashed. Celtic responded almost immediately, with Hatate scoring a stunning goal from outside the box in the 62nd minute. The Japanese midfielder picked up the ball in midfield, drove forward unchallenged, and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past a helpless Kepa. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underscored Celtic’s confidence and attacking intent.
Chelsea’s woes were compounded in the 70th minute when defensive errors led to Celtic’s fourth goal. A miscommunication between Thiago Silva and Kepa allowed Furuhashi to steal the ball and pass it to Giorgos Giakoumakis, who had an easy tap-in. The goal epitomized Chelsea’s defensive struggles and Celtic’s opportunistic play.
Postecoglou, Celtic’s manager, deserves immense credit for his team’s performance. The Australian tactician set up his team to exploit Chelsea’s weaknesses and executed his game plan to perfection. Celtic’s high press and quick transitions caught Chelsea off guard, and their defensive organization stifled the Blues’ attacking threats.
Postecoglou’s decision to start Furuhashi and Abada paid off handsomely, with both players causing constant problems for Chelsea’s defense. The midfield trio of Turnbull, McGregor, and Hatate controlled the tempo of the game, while Celtic’s backline, marshaled by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Starfelt, stood firm against Chelsea’s sporadic attacks.
For Chelsea, this defeat raises significant concerns ahead of the new season. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will need to address the defensive lapses that were glaringly evident in this match. The absence of Kante was keenly felt, and Chelsea’s midfield lacked the tenacity and composure needed to dominate proceedings.
Pochettino will also need to find a solution to Chelsea’s attacking woes. Despite having a wealth of talent at his disposal, the Blues struggled to break down Celtic’s defense. The lack of creativity and penetration in the final third was evident, and the forwards were often isolated and ineffective.
While it is only a pre-season friendly, this match serves as a wake-up call for Chelsea. The Premier League season is just around the corner, and Pochettino will need to make significant improvements if his team is to challenge for honors. The addition of new signings and the return of injured players may bolster Chelsea’s prospects, but the issues exposed by Celtic will require urgent attention.
For Celtic, this victory will boost their confidence as they prepare for the new season. Postecoglou’s men have shown they can compete against top opposition, and their performance against Chelsea will be a benchmark for the challenges ahead. The Scottish champions will look to carry this momentum into their domestic campaign and European adventures.
Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Chelsea was a comprehensive display of skill, strategy, and determination. The Hoops outplayed the Blues in every department, leaving Chelsea with much to ponder. As the new season approaches, both teams will take valuable lessons from this encounter, with Celtic aiming to build on their success and Chelsea striving to rectify their shortcomings.
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