Chelsea ended their tumultuous pre-season tour of Asia with yet another defeat, as the Blues lost 2-1 against a seemingly rejuvenated Inter Milan side – who have now won all three of their International Champions Cup games.
You would have thought lessons had been learnt from Chelsea’s quick capitulation against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, but two goals in the space of seven minutes once again put Antonio Conte’s men in the lurch.
Steven Jovetic opened the scoring late on in the first-half, as he scored the rebound after seeing his initial penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois. Ivan Perisic then doubled the Italians’ lead in Singapore as he raced onto a through ball before striking the ball across Courtois.
Chelsea were handed a bizarre route back into the game, as Geoffrey Kondogbia scored an incredible 45-yard own goal – lobbing his own keeper with an ill-fated back pass. Michy Batshuayi then saw his equalising goal ruled out late on, despite replays showing he was onside, and as a result Chelsea were resigned to their second loss in three games.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings from today’s game:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Saved Jovetic’s penalty and could do nothing to stop Perisic from adding Inter’s second. Made some important saves from Jao Mario and Candreva to keep Chelsea in the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Should feel hard done by to have seen a penalty given against him for his push on Jovetic. He was, however, caught out of position on a couple of occasions, and were it not for the offside trap, he would have been at fault for Chelsea falling further behind.
David Luiz – 6
Cleared Antonio Candreva’s early effort off the line with the help of Courtois, and his free header was similarly close to going in at the other end of the pitch.
Gary Cahill – 5
The attacking trio of Candreva, Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic caused Cahill problems all game long, but whilst he came out to close down Inter’s forwards, he was not helped by the lack of cover offered to him by Luiz and Azpilicueta and as a result, Inter were able to cut through the Chelsea defence with ease.
Victor Moses – 5
Another poor showing from Moses, his lack of defensive nous is always exploited when Chelsea are on the back foot, Another more defensively minded option at wing-back is a must if Chelsea are to compete at the highest level next season.
Cesc Fabregas – 5
Fabregas was a bystander to Inter’s attacking midfield options just like against Bayern and against the bigger sides, he just can’t be trusted to occupy a deeper lying midfield role.
N’Golo Kante – 6
Sloppy passing undid some of his good work in the tackle and he seemingly hasn’t been at his best since the end of last season. Conte can’t afford a player of Kante’s ability and importance to drop his standards next season.
Marcos Alonso – 5
I don’t know how many times I’ve said Alonso has been caught out of position over the past year, and it’s becoming a real problem at the back for Chelsea. His attacking intelligence can’t be underestimated as he does provide goals and assists, but when it’s to the detriment of the defence, that is not a risk I’m willing to accept too many more times next season.
Willian – 5
Bullied out of the game and was very quiet throughout. He has still been one of the best performers on tour for Chelsea and has definitely made a case for more starts next season.
Michy Batshuayi – 6
He had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside again, although this time in more dramatic circumstances to his strike against Arsenal. He was still isolated up top and the Belgian needs more support from the base of midfield if he’s going to cause defenders any problems. Fabregas and Kante need to launch more balls from deep, although it goes both ways as Batshuayi must also switch up the types of runs he makes.
Alvaro Morata – 5
A very quiet outing from the Spaniard as he hardly got on the ball, but in fairness, he was played out of position and Conte really should have played Boga from the start, before introducing Morata later on but at striker instead of out wide.
Substitutes:
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Came on just after the second goal and played right wing-back, he might be good cover for Moses but like Morata, he should be used in his favoured position in order to get the best out of him.
Charly Musonda – 6
Musonda and Boga came on and helped Chelsea forge a way back into the game, with their pace and energy, but they couldn’t provide the incisiveness and end product of Pedro, Willian and Hazard – but that will come with time. There is definitely potential there but Musonda needs to condition himself in order to get up to speed with the physicality of the Premier League.
Jeremie Boga – 6
Has made a real impression on the tour and could make a real impact next season if given the chance by Conte. His pace and strength make him ideal for the Premier League, and due to a shortage of options out wide he may well get his chance.
A host of other subs were made with just minutes to go and as a result, they couldn’t influence the game.
