Norwich City 2-3 Chelsea, Premier League: Post-match reaction

A wide open first-half was followed by a much more one-side second half as Chelsea camped out for long stretches in Norwich’s half but were unable to find a breakthrough for quite some time. But eventually we did, and hung on for the win, Lampard’s first!

Chelsea, as has been the case often so far this season, got off to a fantastic start, with Tammy Abraham opening the scoring inside of 3 minutes with a great finish from an Azpilicueta cross. Fellow youngster Mason Mount added a second with another great finish. Pulisic, who had the secondary assist on the first goal, picked up the assist on the second.

But Norwich had equalized both times against the youngest Chelsea team in the Premier League for 25 years, first through Cantwell, then through Pukki, with Chelsea’s defensive line crumbling on both occasions.

The second-half was a bit more controlled affair, at least until Chelsea took the lead for the third time with Abraham completing his brace. Norwich then came to life and pushed for a third equalizer but Chelsea managed to play some solid defense, for once.

Three points! Job done.

Carefree.

• An injury in warm-ups ruled Pedro out. He was replaced by Barkley, who slotted into midfield and pushed Mount into the front three. Chelsea stayed in the 4-3-3 for the entire game.
• Subs: Giroud for Abraham, Willian (PL appearance No.200) for Pulisic, Alonso for Mount (with Emerson pushing higher)
• We either go full VAR or no VAR at all. Azpilicueta, Abraham both fouled in the penalty area; obvious on replay but not challenged for whatever reason.
• VAR review agreed with Atkinson on ruling out Zouma’s goal for Giroud’s supposed foul on the goalkeeper. It wasn’t a foul, but goalkeepers always get that call.
• Next up: Sheffield United at home next weekend
• KTBFFH

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