Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners at Huddersfield in their first game of the new Premier League season on Saturday.
Maurizio Sarri enjoyed a fruitful competitive debut as the side’s manager, with player debutants Jorginho and Kepa Arrizabalaga also getting off to positive starts in the division.
The game began in underwhelming fashion for the Blues who appeared to be struggling to get to grips with Maurizio Sarri’s style of play.
Chelsea had plenty of possession, but created few chances until Willian drove down the left after 34 minutes and smashed a ball across the box which was volleyed home by N’Golo Kante.
Three minutes later, the Terriers came within inches of an equaliser. A corner from the right was flicked on at the near post by Mathias Jorgensen only for Steve Mounie to head against the far stanchion from close range.
With just two minutes until half-time, a flick from Ross Barkley played Marcos Alonso in behind the Huddersfield defence. This drew a desperate challenge out of Christopher Schindler and caused referee Chris Kavanagh to point to the spot.
Jorginho stepped up, calmly stroked the ball past Ben Hamer and gave Chelsea a 2-0 half-time lead which was flattering to say the least.
In the second period, Sarri’s side started far brighter than in the first, with two early corners nearly producing goals as Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso went close.
With just over ten minutes remaining, a classic Blues counter attack saw substitute Eden Hazard carry the ball forward before releasing Pedro, who beautifully dinked the ball over Hamer to wrap up the three points.
STAR MAN – Pedro
In all honesty, no Chelsea player stood far out from the bunch against Huddersfield. The Blues weren’t at the races for much of the first period and, despite improving later on, were still not displaying top form. Pedro put in a solid shift on the wings and rounded off the win with a finely-taken goal.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
The goal that ultimately killed the game has to be Jorginho’s penalty. Huddersfield had performed well in the first half and felt hard done by to be behind. A 15 minute break could have allowed them to regroup and come again in the second 45, however Christopher Schindler fouled Marcos Alonso and Jorginho doubled Chelsea’s lead just before the break.
LINE UPS
Huddersfield: Hamer, Jorgensen, Schindler, Kongolo, Hadergjonaj, Mooy, Hogg, Billing, Lowe, Pritchard, Mounie.
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso, Barkley, Kante, Jorginho, Willian, Morata, Pedro.
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SOurce: Talksport