3 Key Talking Points From Chelsea’s Draw vs West Ham: Fabregas The Saviour As Ivanovic’s Woeful Form Continues

What a cracker of a game. It had all sorts of drama. Players showing dissent to the referees, penalty kick being offered in the last minutes of the match, a wonderful curling free-kick that equalised the scores and a whole lot of yellow cards coming out. Both the teams finally came out with a point each post a 2-2 draw. Lanzini and Carroll got on the score sheet for the visitors and it was Spaniard Fabregas who got both the goals for Chelsea. There were a lot of talking points from this game and let us look at three important things we picked up from this match.
1.Fabregas the saviour as Ivanovic’s woeful form continues:

Cesc Fabregas stepped up when it was required the most for the team. Whilst the first goal was a wonderfully taken free-kick that levelled the scores before going into the dugout at half-time, his calmly taken penalty towards the end of the match ensured that Chelsea got a point out of this match. Although he too ended up in the referee’s book at the end of the match, he would be pleased with his overall performance.

The same however cannot be said of Branislav Ivanovic who was slotted back to his original position of right back after he was forced to play as a centre-back, following the injuries to their players. Though at times his runs on the flank did put Cresswell under pressure, yet at times, he left too much space behind which was used to good effect by Dimitri Payet. Following this performance, it is of imperative importance that Chelsea sorts out their right back problem in the upcoming transfer window.

2. The Payet Factor:

Well, we all know how much West Ham values him. So much so that after the FA Cup first leg match against United, any status or picture they uploaded on Facebook for two or three days was about Payet and had #weveGotPayet on them. The Frenchman is having the time of his life. He has been recently awarded the PFA player of the month for February and has been recalled to the French squad for the Euros. And the midfielder just doesn’t seem to stop. Payet was brilliant today as well and he linked up perfectly with Diafra Sakho and opened up space for Lanzini outside the area in the 17thn minute of the match. West Ham almost second a second goal when Payet brilliantly flicked Sakho’s pass to Cresswell but the final shot was dealt with by Ivanovic. However West Ham did score a second goal in the 61st minute and it was Payet again who provided a precise pass to Carroll to finish it.

With this comes the question as whether West Ham can hold on to him post this season. With just 8 matches left to end the season, it’s going to be a difficult season for West Ham to hang on to their star performer and with clubs like Chelsea looking to have an overhaul, Payet is a player which definitely makes to a wishlist.

3. Status for European qualifications:

Victory for West Ham would have temporarily placed them in fourth position leap frogging Manchester City who are due to host their cross-town rivals tomorrow. With United too looking to finish in Top 4 for an entry into Europe’s most Premier Competition aka UEFA Champions League, the Manchester derby is perfectly poised for it. Although they can still end up in the fourth place once the league ends, yet they should have grabbed their chances with both hands today.

On the other hand Chelsea’s aspirations of a Europa league spot have taken a blow too, as they dropped points on their home ground. Even though they are still unbeaten in the league, ever since appointment of Guus Hiddink, yet today’s match leaves them with lot to do if they dream to make it into Europa league next season. They are currently 10th in the premier league table and are 6 points off from 6th place Manchester United and have played one extra game. Also Chelsea were recently been knocked out by PSG from Champions League and their chance of being in Europe for next season almost seems to over.