Chelsea started their title defense off on the wrong foot today by sharing the points with Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. An unbelievably resilient Swansea side troubled Chelsea defensively while at the same time making it nearly impossible for The Blues to formulate a solid chance in the latter stages of the match. This is the match in pictures, let’s get to it.
The first half of the match was extremely open, exciting, and fast-paced. Oscar unintentionally scored from a free kick that was purely meant to be a brilliant delivery into the penalty area. The delivery was so brilliant, it snuck its way into the back of the net!
Diego Costa had a rough ninety minutes today, as a penalty appeal was denied by referee Michael Oliver and numerous decisions went against the Spaniard. As usual, the striker wasn’t hiding his frustration.
Swansea soon equalized after Bafetimbi Gomis’ powerful header was saved brilliantly by Thibaut Courtois, which led to Jordan Ayew’s follow-up shot being blocked by John Terry. This resulted in Ayew standing back up and depositing the ball into the back of Chelsea’s net with his gift of a second chance.
Less than a minute later, Chelsea equalized via the most unfortunate own goal of all time. Willian’s cross was deflected over the head of Fabianski and amazingly into the far corner of the net. Little did we know, that goal would end up making the difference between us drawing and losing.
Now for the drama. In the fifty-second minute, Thibaut Courtois was shown a straight red card for his foul on Gomis, and the Swans were awarded a penalty.
In came backup keeper Asmir Begovic to make his debut, and straight away he was tasked with saving a penalty. Gomis calmly deposited the ball into the back of the net, and Swansea were level. Have to say, his celebration was a tiny bit odd.
As Chelsea pushed on for the three points, Radamel Falcao was handed his debut.
Near the end of the match, Eden Hazard awoke from his slumber that he enjoyed for the first seventy-five minutes of the match, but it was to no avail.
The frustration showed here by Diego Costa really sums up how I feel right now, so I decided to throw it in down below.
The final whistle blew, and John Terry was busy having more than a few words with referee Michael Oliver. On the first day of the new season, the score after ninety minutes at Stamford Bridge was Chelsea 2-2 Swansea City.
