Five Things Learnt from Chelsea’s draw

Chelsea drew 0-0 with Dynamo Kiev last night

Chelsea could only muster up a 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine last night, which keeps them third in their Champions League group on four points.

After a torrid start to the Premier League campaign, Jose Mourinho will be hoping the Champions League can be a timely break for the Blues, but last night he had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate.

Following the match, SillySeason have put together Five Things they learnt from the goalless draw.

1. Yarmolenko interest must be stepped up

Jose Mourinho made a public claim on Monday that Chelsea had not been scouting Dynamo Kiev’s star man one day prior to the match in Ukraine. However, after Yarmolenko’s fine display last night, the Chelsea boss should be looking to gain a full report on the forward and seriously consider acquiring the player at Stamford Bridge.

Yarmolenko was causing problems in Chelsea’s defence, particularity on Cesar Azpilicueta’s side throughout the entirety of the match, and The Blue’s were lucky not to see him force a goal against them. Although, it was a credible defensive spectacle from Chelsea, who did well to push Yarmolenko back into midfield and deny him any chance of getting a shot away at goal.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to find Chelsea fans urging their club to keep a few scouts in Ukraine until the transfer window re-opens in January, so a more detailed overview of the Ukrainian’s qualities can be assessed.

2. Eden Hazard still out of form but in need of time

Although Eden Hazard had more time to make an impact in this match, once again, he struggled to deliver anything close to the performances he showed throughout last season.

It is hard to believe his massive drop in form this campaign, especially considering his obtainment of the Premier League’s best player award last season. However, it is clear the 24-year-old requires time to lift his game back to where it was set during his illustrious last season.

There was a solitary moment of magic that portrayed exhibited a slight revival of his calibre, but everything from then on simply declined into what has become a disappointing convention Blue’s fans currently have to witness week in and week out.

3. Matic returns to former self

Matic was one of several Chelsea players who failed to get one’s feet wet this season, and many fans could justifiably express their concern as to whether he would yet again vanish ahead of this match after a diabolical international break that saw him sent-off for his national side Serbia in a bad-tempered 2-0 defeat at the hands of Albania. But did he prove everybody wrong with an outstanding game.

With his midfield partner Ramires not at his best, the responsibility was on the Serb’s shoulders to generate the core of Chelsea’s team – both offensively, and of course, defensively.

As with a large remainder of the Chelsea team, Matic is still not at his prime best, but he is certainly getting there quicker than others.

4. Chelsea are slowly, but surely, recovering

On the weekend Chelsea picked up a vital three points against Aston Villa in league that will go a long way in their bid to revive their campaign. Although Chelsea’s overall performance wasn’t up to scratch, they took the much-needed victory gratefully. And again last night, Chelsea achieved their goal: not to lose the game.

Taking into account the penalty that should have been awared after a foul inside the box on Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard’s chance that hit the post and Willian’s venomous free-kick that struck the bar, Chelsea were indeed unlucky not to come away with a win. With Porto’s 2-0 victory against Tel Aviv, The Blue’s result against Kiev means they sit only a mere point behind the Ukrainian club in Group G.

5. Chelsea’s redemption marred by reputation

Over the past few weeks, you’d have to have had your head firmly under the sand to not be aware of Mourinho’s constant sneer towards Premier League match officials. And what has now become something of a tradition from the Chelsea boss was also evident after this match. This time, Mourinho’s common criticism of decisions has been headed towards European referees.

The Portuguese clearly has a point, with the foul on Cesc Fabregas as blatant as ever. But the manager’s reputation is beginning to be the heart of daily headlines. Perhaps focusing on results instead of the regrets would be a better approach for Mourinho to undertake. Everyone is entitled to a whine, but at the end of the day, that will ultimately not reverse the original decision.

By Ollie Carroll