In a devastating blow to their chances of securing Champions League football for next season, the Blues suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss on their visit to Sheffield United. Chelsea FC’s horrid showing at Brammall Lane was mainly attributed to the defensive woes of Frank Lampard’s side.
Early on in the game, Pulisic looked set to add to his recent goalscoring tally for the Blues when the American got onto the end of a superb cross by Reece James. However, Pulisic could not keep his header on target due to impressive defensive work by the Blades’ George Baldock.
Sheffield United were able to score in the 17th minute through the returning David McGoldrick’s effort on goal. Mason Mount’s inability to clear the ball led to a cross being delivered from the right into the Chelsea FC penalty box. McBurnie’s volleyed effort on goal was saved by Kepa, however, the Spaniard could not keep out a close-range finish by McGoldrick.
The hosts’ second goal of the evening came as a result of the Blues’ unawareness in closing down Sheffield United left-back Enda Stevens. A great pinpoint cross by the Irish international found McBurnie who headed the ball past Kepa to double his side’s lead over Chelsea FC.
An effort on goal by Reece James shortly before the end of the opening 45 minutes was saved by Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Chelsea FC got several chances to pull back a goal after the start of the second half. A free-kick taken by Ross Barkley was struck into the wall by the English midfielder. Pulisic sought to get on the scoresheet but the 21-year old’s strike was blocked by the Sheffield United defenders.
The Blues’ hope of salvaging a draw of the game ended when the Blades got their third goal of the evening through McGoldrick. The striker’s completed his brace when he managed to strike the ball that could not be cleared by Antonio Rudiger.
The game soon ended with Chelsea FC receiving a humbling at the hands of Chris Wilder’s side. The defeat at Brammall Lane left Chelsea FC just one point clear of fourth-placed Leicester City, who play AFC Bournemouth on Sunday evening.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 3-0
Possession: Sheffield United FC – 26% Chelsea FC- 74%
Yellow Cards: Sheffield United FC – 1 Chelsea FC – 0
Shots: Sheffield United FC – 8 Chelsea FC – 13
Offsides: Sheffield United FC –1 Chelsea FC – 0
