It may not have been a defeat but Chelsea was certainly expected to come away with a victory against a West Brom side whose manager has never taken a point at the Bridge. Hiddink had suggested about the possibility of a top four finish but today's game illustrates why the reigning champions will not make it this time.
Chelsea began the game at a slow tempo although there were some good exchanges which were seen between their flair players. However, out of all the attacking talent on display, it was their full back Azpilicueta who gave them the lead with the help of a fizzing cross from Ivanovic. It was then expected that Chelsea would turn on the style after gaining the lead similar to what they had done to Crystal Palace.
However, Hiddink and the Chelsea faithful were disappointed when Pedro lost the ball in the Chelsea half giving it to Gardner who hit a stunning low drive into the bottom corner past a hapless Courtois to give West Brom the equalizer. The game was played at a high tempo and it was end to end stuff at so many occasions in the first half.
In the second half, West Brom were certainly trying to slow the game down. However, they were anything but negative. They allowed Chelsea to keep the possession but posed a significant threat on the counter. Tony Pulis would certainly thank Anthony Taylor for keeping his team to eleven men by not sending off Claudio Yacob, who was really lucky to stay on the pitch after holding back Costa. Pulis then did the smart thing by replacing him with Berahino, who again had to be happy by starting on the bench.
It was however, the Chelsea substitute Kenedy, on for Pedro, who played a vital role in Chelsea's second. Willian put a great low cross on to Kenedy at the near post whose presence made McAuley score an own goal. However, there was a sense of tension at the Bridge due to the number of chances that the Baggies were creating at the other end in the final stages of the game.
It was McClean who finally scored another good goal by striking the ball well in the bottom corner leaving no chance for Courtois again. It was yet one of those games where Chelsea could not hold on in spite of the fact that the manager had substituted Fabregas for Matic. It may have been a late equalizer but it was one which West Brom thoroughly deserved.
Hiddink would certainly look at an opportunity missed to get near to the top half of the table. However, with the fixtures for Chelsea till March including heavyweights like only Arsenal and Everton, they would certainly take this as an opportunity to improve their overall performance and try to get anywhere near those teams.
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| Chelsea's frustrating draw vs. West Brom nullifies optimism under Hiddink. |
However, Hiddink and the Chelsea faithful were disappointed when Pedro lost the ball in the Chelsea half giving it to Gardner who hit a stunning low drive into the bottom corner past a hapless Courtois to give West Brom the equalizer. The game was played at a high tempo and it was end to end stuff at so many occasions in the first half.
In the second half, West Brom were certainly trying to slow the game down. However, they were anything but negative. They allowed Chelsea to keep the possession but posed a significant threat on the counter. Tony Pulis would certainly thank Anthony Taylor for keeping his team to eleven men by not sending off Claudio Yacob, who was really lucky to stay on the pitch after holding back Costa. Pulis then did the smart thing by replacing him with Berahino, who again had to be happy by starting on the bench.
It was however, the Chelsea substitute Kenedy, on for Pedro, who played a vital role in Chelsea's second. Willian put a great low cross on to Kenedy at the near post whose presence made McAuley score an own goal. However, there was a sense of tension at the Bridge due to the number of chances that the Baggies were creating at the other end in the final stages of the game.
It was McClean who finally scored another good goal by striking the ball well in the bottom corner leaving no chance for Courtois again. It was yet one of those games where Chelsea could not hold on in spite of the fact that the manager had substituted Fabregas for Matic. It may have been a late equalizer but it was one which West Brom thoroughly deserved.
Hiddink would certainly look at an opportunity missed to get near to the top half of the table. However, with the fixtures for Chelsea till March including heavyweights like only Arsenal and Everton, they would certainly take this as an opportunity to improve their overall performance and try to get anywhere near those teams.
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