BEVERLY HILLS, February 20, (THEWILL) – A second-half penalty by Chelsea youngster Mason Mount helped Thomas Tuchel’s Blues to a 1-1 stalemate as the Japanese Takumi Minamino sensationally contributed in bringing the Saints’ six-game Premier League losing streak to an end at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
It was a Chelsea show in terms of ball possession in both halves. Their domination notwithstanding, a lack of creativity meant that they had nothing to show for it. The little opportunities that came were thrown away as Marcos Alonso, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma fluffed their chances.
Minamino seized the initiative and punished Chelsea’s wastefulness by putting Saints in front in the 33rd minute. He, therefore emerged as the first player to breach the Blues defenses since Frank Lampard and score against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
When they should have locked up shop to see out an unpredictable victory over the men from Stamford Bridge, the Saints allowed them back into the game with a penalty gift. Danny Ings, who was having a rather quiet game in attack was caught in a clumsy tackle on Mount at the back, leaving the referee no choice but to award the penalty.
Mount dusted himself up and slotted into the net in the 54th minute to draw Chelsea level. Having lost the advantage, Southampton were unprepared to drop further points, as it happened against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, and resorted to sitting deep. It was perfect for an attacking side like Tuchel’s, but disappointingly, no other goals came.
However, Mount gave a good account of himself. Some Chelsea fans, who admired the young English player’s skillset, feared for him upon Tuchel’s appointment. Instead, Mount has transformed himself into the linchpin of the Chelsea machine. He was the only man in blue at St Mary’s who looked capable of getting something out of the match.
For the hosts, Minamino was the hatchet man. The Japanese has seen a new lease of life at St Mary’s, with his loan move. His first year at Liverpool was reduced to substitute appearances for the Reds, so it made sense for everyone involved that the Japanese international sought more game time elsewhere.
And, Minamino has made a dream start in his new home. Against Chelsea, he opened scoring by adding to the first goal for the club at Newcastle United. Considering how airtight the backline of the Blues has been in the Tuchel-era, it is commendable of the Japanese, especially for the manner in which he delivered, with all the coolness in the world. His composure was incredible and the finishing was top drawer.
The compliments paid to the pair of Mount and Minamino builds from their contribution to their respective sides in the match at St Mary’s but also based on how they have made themselves useful in a forward position as the matches add up. Although Timo Werner continues to be a bother to opposition defenses and positionally plays the crucial assist, the same direct goal-scoring cannot be attributed to him.
When, against Newcastle last week, he finally ended his extended Premier League goalscoring drought, Chelsea fans thought Werner had rediscovered his scoring boots and they could be forgiven for being so optimistic. But, that optimism and high expectations quickly turned to another disappointing appearance for the forward. Once again, he was one of those in the Blue jersey that threw away beautiful opportunities despite getting into some good positions.
The question is not if he has what it takes to succeed as a striker at Stamford Bridge. The German had shown he does have what it takes. The issue at stake now is whether Tuchel can wait for him to deliver after another bland display. He definitely has a wealth of talent, but he just needs to find consistency the way Mount has done, the way Minamino is doing. And very quickly too.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
