Bohemians 1-1 Chelsea, Friendly: Post-match reaction

Ninety minutes of preseason match action in the books, and it’s a draw for the Blues, which is certainly better than a loss and worse than a win even if results don’t really matter in preseason friendlies.

What does matter is that 22 players all got 45 minutes to truly stretch their legs against opposition who may have been of lower quality but certainly of better fitness.

Like ol’ José Mourinho in 2004 at Oxford United, Lampard opens his tenure with a 1-1 preseason draw.

Job done.

KTBFFH.

FIRST-HALF (4-2-3-1):
Caballero | Kenedy, Guehi, Azpilicueta (c), Sterling | Ampadu, Drinkwater | Palmer, Gallagher, Pedro | Batshuayi

• Michy reminding everyone that he’s a poacher and a finisher, showing good strength to hold off a challenge and slam home the rebound from Kenedy’s shot.
• Bit of a surprise to see Kenedy at left back, but he did well enough defensively and made his presence felt in attack with the key foray forward on the goal.
• Midfielders all showing good fight for the high press, especially Palmer and Gallagher. Bit of a mixed performance from Drinkwater, who was playing for the first time in almost a year.
• Ampadu of course with the game’s first strong challenge.
• Sterling as the right back perhaps the only truly disappointing performance

SECOND-HALF (4-3-3):
Cumming | Maatsen, Zouma (c), Chalobah, Zappacosta | Gilmour, Bakayoko, Baker | Brown, Ugbo, Piazon

• Disappointing drop in quality and speed of passing for most of the half, especially after a very good first few minutes.
• Billy Gilmour with a couple good chances to add to the lead.
• Maatsen and Zappacosta both showing willingness to drive forward at times. Maatsen with one crucial clearance as well, though the defence was largely untroubled in either half.
• Things will improve as preseason goes on, undoubtedly.
• Carefree.