Under the canopy of preparing vehemently for this season. Chelsea vs Dortmund ended in a square (1-1), as the Blues concluded their USA pre-season tour. Of course, it was an interesting 90 minutes for both teams.
As a result, Chelsea finished their pre-season unbeaten for the first time since 2011. Frankly, it has been an amazing time for the West London Club.
The Blues have shown enough reasons why they are ready for the Premier League. They will be facing Liverpool in the league in the next few days.
However, it was such a tough 45 minutes for the West London club in the first-half. The Bundesliga side didn’t take it lightly against the Blues.
Borussia Dortmund have defeated Manchester United on their pre-season tour. Therefore, they played to win over Chelsea in Chicago.
Mauricio Pochettino has been doing a marvelous job with the players. They defended with structure, pressing and covering their positions on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku was subbed off after 22 minutes as a result of a knee injury. And Mykhailo Mudryk replaced him.
Borussia Dortmund scored the first goal around 80 minutes. Surprisingly, Mason Burstow equalized for Chelsea at 89 minutes, and Enzo Fernández added an assist.
Chelsea stats on their USA pre-season tour
13 goals scored
5 goals conceded
3 wins
2 draws
unbeaten
Of course, this looks like a fair result on the Blues USA pre-season tour. They have been one of the best-performing English teams this preseason.
In all fairness, Chelsea would have won the game with Nkunku on the pitch. However, the team’s tempo decreased immediately after the Frenchman left the game.
Nevertheless, Mykhailo Mudryk was very impressive throughout his minutes in the match. He dictates the team’s offensiveness.
Also, the result can be blamed on the pitch. The field was so rough and not comfortable, so the players struggled to cope, missing many balls.
Chelsea pre-season goals and assistsÂ
Goals
3 – Nkunku
2 – Maatsen, Gallagher, and Jackson
1 – Chilwell, Mudryk, Thiago Silva, and Burstow
Assists
3 – Jackson
1 – Angelo, Casadei, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Cucurella, Maatsen, Sterling, and Enzo.
Chelsea vs Dortmund was interesting. Of course, it showed that Mauricio Pochettino’s men are capable of going far this season in the league.
The Blues fans can rest assured that they will make it to the top-4 in the league this season. As a result, they could be looking forward to the UEFA Champions League in 2024-2025.
Chelsea vs Dortmund: 10 takeaway points from the Blues’ last friendly matchÂ
1. Importance of Christopher Nkunku
In all fairness, the West London club are so blessed to have the Frenchman. He was very impressive in his first 22 minutes against the Yellow and Black.
However, the team’s tempo and pressing went down after he left the pitch. That shows his importance in the squad, electrifying the team’s attack.
2. Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical brilliance
Apparently, the Argentine gaffer can fight tactical battles in the Premier League. He revealed a new setup against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago.
As regards his instructions, the players linked up very well. Also, they created a lot of chances through open plays and set-pieces, it was an excellent setup.
3. Nicolas Jackson’s readiness
The 22-year-old Senegalese striker keeps showing why he’s capable of leading the attack this season. He was a nightmare for the Bundesliga team.
Nicolas Jackson’s overall game showed his true potential. He almost gave the Blues a lead in the first-half, but he hit the post, feeling disappointed.
4. Mykhailo Mudryk’s confidence
Mauricio Pochettino has done a marvelous job with the Ukrainian youngster. He’s been a different player since the beginning of their USA pre-season tour.
Mudryk was feeling himself against Borussia Dortmund. At the moment, his confidence is over the roof, creating chances for fun for his teammates.
5. Conor Gallagher’s new role
In the absence of Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei. The Englishman played as a defensive midfielder, a double pivot beside Enzo Fernández.
Unbelievably, he dazzled impressively in that position. At least, he allowed the Argentine to move forward, roaming and making passes.
6. Thiago Silva & Levi Colwill combo
Of course, the West London club conceded in the second-half. However, they were very strong and balanced defensively in the first-half of the game.
Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill are expected to be Chelsea’s starting CBs against Liverpool. They understand each other, making long passes.
7. Disappointing Raheem Sterling
The former Manchester City player flopped once again. Despite the fact that he’s the only experienced attacker in the team, no improvement whatsoever.
Raheem Sterling wasn’t impressive throughout his USA pre-season tour. He didn’t add anything to the team’s offensiveness, with a poor display against Borussia Dortmund.
8. Carney Chukwuemeka’s creativity
The English youngster gave Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s vibe against the Yellow and Black. He was very impressive in the first-half.
In the absence of Christopher Nkunku. Chukwuemeka controlled the midfield offensively, linking up with Jackson, Mudryk, and Sterling.
9. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s distributions
Obviously, it looks like the Spaniard is quite ready for Robert Sánchez’s competition. Of course, the Seagulls goalie is linked with a move to Chelsea.
Kepa Arrizabalaga distributed passes brilliantly on Thursday. As a result, he’s expected to continue as the No.1 goalkeeper, despite the arrival of his countryman.
10. Mason Burstow looks promising
The 19-year-old striker was subbed on for Nicolas Jackson in the second-half. And he scored the equalizer for the West London club.
Mason Burstow dazzled brilliantly against Dortmund. His movements, link-up play, and positioning showed his true potential in Chelsea vs Dortmund.