There was a time on Monday, when a Dominos pizza truck stopped next to Craven Cottage in the build-up to the game, when it became evident that Chelsea’s poor goal-scoring record was transforming from a recurrent storyline to a source of mockery.
Dominos had a digital billboard indicating how many pizzas they had sold in the five weeks since Chelsea’s last Premier League goal, in a blatant (though presumably true) promotional gimmick. It was about 10 million and still growing. It was amusing – and a little of schadenfreude for rival supporters – but more conventional statistics concerning Chelsea’s goal drought are more depressing.
Chelsea have not scored in the league since a 3-0 triumph over Premier League strugglers Luton Town in August, despite having opportunities. Chelsea’s five goals this season were equal for the second-fewest in the Premier League (only Burnley scored less), and their 5.5% shot conversion rate was the lowest of any side, with the Blues failing to score in their previous 49 efforts on goal.
Chelsea, as last season under the dismissed Graham Potter, has remained a club that generates opportunities but seldom scores. Last week, they defeated Brighton in the EFL Cup by a solitary goal. The goal for Monday was to break the Premier League’s stalemate.
Chelsea finally achieved it on Monday, as part of a much-needed 2-0 win that will come as a huge relief. It will also be comforting to know who it came from: winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
Mudryk arrived to Chelsea in January in a move for up to €100 million, but in his subsequent 23 appearances, he became the poster boy for the type of pricey recruit who failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Chelsea, recently attributed Mudryk’s blunders to lack of confidence and psychological issues, which he sought to address by competing against his winger in a game of crossbar challenge.
When asked in a post-match press conference why Pochettino kept picking Mudryk despite his dry period, Pochettino replied he deserved his chance: “It is about maturity.” It takes some time. When he joined, there was a significant shift in the squad, and joining a team is never easy. When a team has too many young players, it is not stable.”
“He showed in his training sessions that he deserved [the chance to play],” said Pochettino.
On Monday, Mudryk’s redemption came after 18 minutes. The Ukraine winger showed uncommon poise as he chested down defender Levi Colwill’s cross before calmly tapping past Fulham custodian Bernd Leno for his first goal for Chelsea.
“It’s all about the design and the strategy that you can provide the young guys, to trust and feel comfortable in themselves, and to feel like home,” added Pochettino. “They, like everyone else, need to feel like they’re a part of this club.” It’s all about giving them time and finding the proper individuals to assist them.”
It became much better just after the goal. Chelsea scored again seconds later, echoing the famous adage about London buses: “You wait for ages and then two come at once.” Cole Palmer took advantage of a bad move from Fulham’s Tim Ream and slipped a pass through to Armando Broja, who just about poked the ball in to complete the quick-fire double. It wasn’t as nice, but it was still a goal.
“For us it’s about motivation, even when we were losing and we didn’t win at the beginning of the season we were calm and kept the belief,” said Pochettino. “Now we have won two games in the last two days, but we always want to keep improving and to build the belief and the confidence because they need to feel that.”
However, Monday’s triumph does not signal the end of Chelsea’s difficulties. There is still work to be done before they can claim to have reached a turning point.
Pochettino’s team remained impotent in front of goal, with Broja missing an early chance after rounding Leno, and Enzo Fernández unable to convert an inviting one-on-one in the second half. Mudryk, despite his well-taken goal, did not shine on the left and was hauled out at halftime due to a quad injury. There should also be worry about the lack of flair and personality required to create regular results.
All of this is without mentioning the club’s league standing. Even with this win, they remain in 11th position, a point behind Manchester United, and Chelsea’s challenge will only get more difficult.
Chelsea have arguably squandered apparent opportunities to earn points this season, losing away to West Ham and Nottingham Forest, as well as drawing 0-0 with Bournemouth. Following a trip to Burnley, Chelsea will face a gruelling run of games against Arsenal (home), Brentford (home), Tottenham (away), Manchester City (home), Newcastle (away), Brighton (home), and Manchester United (away).
This Saturday [against Burnley] will be difficult as well.” It’s crucial for the players to feel good after two wins, but we’ll keep working.”
But all of those concerns can wait for another day. Chelsea broke the stalemate on Monday, halting a troubling league skid. That is not to be laughed at.
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