Usual issues for new-look Chelsea in draw with Fulham

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez shone on his debut and another new faces hinted at their potential however, after a 300 million kilos ($361.53 million) January spending spree, the identical issues weighed on the Blues of their 0-0 draw with Fulham on Friday.

With solely 22 objectives scored in 21 Premier League video games to date this season, coach Graham Potter has but to discover a option to flip the wealth of expertise in his large squad right into a successful machine.

Argentina’s World Cup-winner Fernandez, purchased this week for a British document of virtually 107 million kilos from Benfica, flashed a shot simply large within the 72nd minute after an imperious first-half show of tackling and passing.

Fellow debutant David Datro Fofana, on as an alternative after the ahead’s switch from Molde of Norway, had a shot cleared nearly off the road seven minutes later.

Noni Madueke, an England youth worldwide who additionally got here off the bench for his first look for Chelsea since signing from PSV Eindhoven, confirmed some tempo and drive.

However for all the thrill created by the string of signings by the membership’s new American homeowners within the mid-season switch window, there was acquainted frustration for the house followers as Chelsea struggled to interrupt down their organised guests.

“We didn’t do enough in terms of our attacking play to create more, which is something we need to do,” Potter – who’s underneath stress to reverse Chelsea’s slide to the center of the league desk – informed reporters.

“That bit of connection, that bit of fluidity, that bit of understanding that you need, we lacked a little bit.”

‘GEL THE TEAM’

Potter stated it was comprehensible that his facet, with wing again Reece James getting back from damage alongside the brand new faces, weren’t firing on all cylinders.

However he stated he was assured they might but end within the high 4 and qualify for the Champions League subsequent season. Chelsea are at present 9 factors adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United who’ve a sport in hand.

“What we need to do now is gel the team. That is the challenge,” Potter stated.

Ukraine worldwide Mykhailo Mudryk, one other costly January signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, failed to search out the house he loved on his debut as an alternative towards Liverpool two weeks in the past and was changed by Madueke at halftime.

Potter stated the winger had been affected by a chilly.

Fulham boss Marco Silva praised his group, who beat Chelsea 2-1 at Craven Cottage in January.

“From the first minute the players understood really well the plan and they executed really well,” Silva stated.

Slightly than fear about Chelsea’s new-look squad, he stated Fulham made certain they maintained the shape that has propelled them to sixth within the desk.

“Our focus to be honest is on ourselves … and what we can do as a team,” the Portuguese coach stated. “Our organisation was really good and … we deserved the result.”