Chelsea twice gave away an advantage in their Premier League season opener last night, as Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis brought Swansea a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The reining champions started the opening match of the new season with authority but ended the 90 minutes looking rather timid. Oscar managed to find the net from a free-kick to give Chelsea the lead after 23 minutes, but Swansea’s new signing Andre Ayew equalized minutes later and Federico Fernandez was unfortunate to score an own goal after Willian’s effort in Chelsea’s very next attack, all before the half-hour mark.
The second-half brought more excitement as Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois earned a straight red card. The Belgian was unable to get to the ball before Gomis in the box, after Jonjo Shelvey’s magnificent long-ball to the French striker. Asmir Begović came on, but was powerless to stop Gomis from the penalty spot.
Chelsea struggle with 10 men
Chelsea were 2-1 up and seven minutes into the second-half when Courtois was sent-off for his reckless charge on Gomis. Whether Chelsea’s custodian was inside or outside of the box, the red card was inevitable. Swansea equalized right away and Courtois’s teammates were about to play almost 40 minutes with 10 men on the pitch, against what was an inspired opposition.
The Blues were not able to fight back properly, while Swansea’s midfield with Ki Sung-yueng and Shelvey moved the ball with little problems. Oscar was substituted after Begović had to come in, and Hazard was not as dangerous as he was in the opening 15 minutes. On the other side, Swansea continued to create problems for Mourinho’s defence and that resulted in a switch-up that saw Kurt Zouma introduced for Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal and Barcelona player was unconvincing while on the pitch, and he had even less time to create playmaking efforts against the rampageous Swans.
Swansea have a strong character
As we talked in the Swansea City’s team preview of the 2015-16 season, they will need stronger character in order to fight for Europa League spot. After last season’s four defeats when scoring first, this time Gary Monk’s side were on the other side of the story. They managed to show temperament after they were trailing twice in the span of seven minutes against the reigning champions. The Swans fought back and even had a great opportunity to make another astonishing opening-day victory, as they did last year at Old Trafford.
Yet, they will not be too disappointed after proving to everyone, even themselves, they can play well against the best in the league. “We looked dangerous today and we deserved this result”, Monk said afterwards, seeming confident in the abilities of his squad.
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Montero and Ayew will continue to terrorize opponents
The Jacks will have a great season if their wings continue to havoc opposing defenders as they did at Stamford Bridge. Jefferson Montero completed six take-ons only during the first hour of the match, and Ayew’s piece of brilliance when creating space for himself to score showed what they are capable of. Both of them will be much needed in order to provide robust Gomis with assists.
Both Branislav Ivanović and Cesar Azpilicueta had a lot of trouble keeping up with the flamboyant duo. Montero was just enough faster than the Serbian to cross to Gomis, whose header was rejected by Courtois into the path of Ayew to equalize. They have gotten their 2015-16 season off to a great start, but will they be able to continue? Will they bring penetration to Monk’s slow possession-based philosophy? If they do as they did against Chelsea, the Swans will be a hit this season.
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