premier league
Chelsea have to settle for a draw
Good attacks were not rewarded with a goal: Kai Havertz (l) from Chelsea. photo
© David Cliff/AP/dpa
Chelsea remain only mediocre in the Premier League. A newcomer hits. The leader couldn’t win again.
Before the Champions League game at Borussia Dortmund in the English Premier League, Chelsea is only mediocre.
The Blues only drew 1-1 (1-1) at West Ham United and, after the third league draw in a row, are only in the middle of the table with 31 points. On Wednesday, coach Graham Potter’s team will visit BVB in the round of 16 first leg of the premier class.
Newcomers fit in well
Two top-class winter newcomers provided the guest leadership. Striker João Félix easily converted a perfect pass from Argentina’s world champion Enzo Fernández to take the lead 1-0 (16′). West Ham equalized with the first good opportunity: former Chelsea pro Emerson used Jarrod Bowen’s header from close range to make it 1-1 (28′).
As the game progressed, both clubs had numerous good opportunities in a fast-paced encounter. Chelsea showed good attacks via Mychajlo Mudryk and international Kai Havertz, but the Dortmund opponents still have weaknesses in defense. Lucky for the Potter team five minutes from time, Tomas Soucek made it 2-1 for West Ham. Declan Rice was just offside after a video review.
Arsenal only draw, Tottenham lose
Leader FC Arsenal suffered the next small setback before the Premier League top game on Wednesday (8.30 p.m. / Sky) against champions Manchester City. After the 0-1 draw at Everton, the Gunners only drew 1-1 (0-0) against Brentford. The lead over the Cityzens is currently six points. Leandro Trossard (66th) gave the hosts the lead, Ivan Toney marked the deserved 1-1 (74th).
Tottenham Hotspur lost 4-1 (3-1) at Leicester City before the Champions League game at AC Milan on Tuesday.