Chelsea ran away from Amsterdam with ear to ear grins after Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi combined for the 1-0 winner against Ajax in the Champions League .
Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi Combine For Slender Victory over Ajax
It was a tough game as both sides had, and squandered, chances. Edson Alvarez hit the post for the home side in the second half before Batshuayi skied a glorious opportunity for the visitors.
In the 86th minute, though, the Blues found the winner. Pulisic attacked down the left hand side and sent in a low cross across the box, hoping a teammate would be able to connect. Marcos Alonso let it run past him and Batshuyai fired it home this time with aplomb.
Ajax will feel hard done as a first half goal from Quincy Promes was chopped off by VAR for offise. Chelsea on the other hand will feel elated with the win. They needed at minimum a draw against the group leaders while a win would’ve been a cherry on top. Manager Frank Lampard and co. may have to visit a dentist upon returning to England after the sweet, sweet taste of victory.
Christian Pulisic Becoming Super Sub
In Chelsea’s last three matches in all competitions, Pulisic has taken his chances. And all three times, as a sub. Pulisic earned the assist agains the Dutch capping off a very lethal performance in his 24 minutes on the pitch. At every opportunity, he got in behind defenders, linked up well with his teammates, and made it an overall nightmare for Ajax.
This comes off the back of another game changing performance at the weekend. Against Newcastle, he earned the hockey assist while posing the biggest threat on goal for the Blues. And before the international break, he and former Dortmund teammate Batshuayi combined for a goal against Southampton in the second half to pad the lead.
In the past few weeks, Pulisic has become the first man off the bench for Lampard. When Chelsea have needed a change of pace, a creative spark, or a goal, the American has been that man. He’s subbed on for Willian in the Champions League, Mason Mount against the Magpies, and Callum Hudson-Odoi at St. Mary’s. Whatever the manager has asked of him, he’s entered the game and made his mark. And a significant one at that.
Pulisic’s rough start to the season is behind him and he seems to be hitting his stride. Will he continue to play as a super sub or will Lampard give him a few starts? Either way, Captain America is starting to enjoy life in London. And his team is no doubt enjoying his contributions as well.
Lampard’s Magic Touch Strikes Again
The Chelsea legend has made huge strides as a manager since taking over at Stamford Bridge. And it was never more evident than in Chelsea’s win in Amsterdam. For the second time in four days, he chose the right substitutes, paying massive dividends. Moreover, he got his tactics right in the second half leading to late goals to pick up wins.
Earlier in the season, the Blues would come out flat after half time and surrender goals in the second stanza, ultimately dropping points. But not anymore. Now, they restart strong and have the same concentration and hunger as they do at the beginning of the 90. And as the matches wear on, they don’t fade. Instead they get stronger. Chelsea’s solid second halves, especially when tired legs creep in, show Lampard’s team talks at halftime are keeping the players focused and they are fully bought in.
Everything that plagued Lampard in the beginning of the year is becoming a strength. He’s making better substitutions and the players aren’t falling off in the dying minutes of the game. And don’t forget, that’s three clean sheets in a row too. And the last two were scores of 1-0. Lampard has this team playing well and mentally fierce, never more evident than against Ajax.
Knockout Stage Qualification Still On The Table
This game was a must not lose for the west London club, mainly because Valencia play their home and home with Lille, the weakest side in the group over matchdays three and four. And because of that, the Spanish side are expected to pick up a minimum of four, if not all six points. So, Chelsea had very little wiggle room for error.
Now on six points and having an away win against Ajax, Chelsea have given themselves a great chance to qualify for the knockouts. The next matchday at home to the Dutch will be a formidable challenge of course. And traveling to Spain will also be difficult. Those two, plus Valencia’s expected upcoming points tally combined to make this a crucial game. And the Blues delivered.
After Batshuayi scored, the entire team sprinted over to celebrate together. A few moments later in stoppage time, captain Cesar Azpilicueta won a header and was fouled by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at the same time, earning the free kick. His teammates all encircled him to pat him on the back. And when the referee blew the whistle for full time, all the Chelsea players embraced with pure bliss running through their veins and showing across their faces.
They knew this was a huge win. This victory, especially away to last year’s semifinalists, is an enormous boost to their confidence and chances to qualify for the last 16. Chelsea are learning each week they are improving each week. And very soon, they may find themselves among the elite in both England and Europe.
Main Photo
