English Premier League
Result: Chelsea 2-2 Sheffield United
Date: 31 August 2019
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea dropped points at Stamford Bridge for a second straight game after throwing away a two-goal lead against Sheffield United.
A single change from the 3-2 win over Norwich City was how the home side lined-up as Fikayo Tomori replaced Andreas Christensen at the heart of the defence. An early move from the Blues found Cesar Azpilicueta in space on the right which culminated with an in-swinging delivery for Ross Barkley, who headed off target. The tempo slightly subsided afterwards, as the visitors threw deliveries in and around the offensive compartment whilst probing a way into the contest. Chelsea went ahead on 19 minutes as Dean Henderson failed to hang onto Tammy Abraham's header, allowing the latter to pounce on the rebound. The Blues pushed in search of a second afterwards, but was met with a strong defence who thwarted the movements of Abraham amongst others. Chelsea eventually doubled their advantage three minutes to the break after Abraham drifted behind the defence to squeeze the ball through Henderson. Sheffield saw very little openings in the first half, though decreased the deficit after the restart as good play from Enda Stevens on the left set-up Callum Robinson to slot home. Abraham closed-in on a hat-trick towards the 55th minute after combining with Azpilicueta to fire a low shot, though Henderson smothered the danger. Willian entered the pitch for the Blues as the game's first substitution five minutes later, with Ross Barkley replacing the Brazilian. Sheffield asserted more responsibility in the clash, giving the hosts little space to play while finding quite a few promising moves. Robinson inspired their come back on 89 minutes after his cross deflected off Kurt Zouma and into the net, forcing a share of the pie.
