The Man in The Shed

14^th August – The woman is in charge

I’d been stewing for a few days after the last game – partly because the result still felt harsh but equally because it seemed that Jose had put the boot in with his “pundit comments” afterwards. It just seemed to back up his whole approach (or lack of) towards younger players.

The team selection for the Super Cup seemed quite cautious from Frank (although we maintained the same back four). Or maybe it was just recognition of Giroud’s performances in Europe that got him the nod up front. Somehow Kanté was deemed fit enough to play too.

Much of the pre match column inches had been focussed on the fact that the referee was a woman. She seemed well qualified so whilst my loyalties were focussed on a Chelsea win I also hoped that the referee had a good game as well.

The game started fairly evenly.  Salah had a early chance but Pedro seemed to be the main Chelsea threat in the first 20 (including hitting the bar). By half way through the half we were looking the better side. Kanté seemed to be everywhere.

Then Pulisic puts Giroud through and he scores.

As that sinks in I look at the crowd on the TV and the ground looks like Anfield. There’s red everywhere.

Within minutes Pulisic scores a great goal – except it’s called for offside.

Half time – and there seem to be no signs of the effect of the last game on our performance. And Liverpool had two extra days to rest and prepare.

Liverpool start the second half by bringing on Firmino – so the terrible trio are back together and their performance improves noticeably. Within minutes its Firmino to Mané and 1-1. The first ten minutes are all Liverpool. Slowly we get going and somehow avoid conceding again. A double substitution to freshen things up front but Liverpool are still pressing. A great double saver from Kepa then the ball hits our bar. Dave commits two fouls in minutes and that’s the first booking of the night.

As both teams tire first Mount scores (again offside) and then Mané is clean through but misses. Chelsea found a second wind as we entered the last few minutes but then Salah (fairly quiet all night) shoots across goal.

Full time and now extra time.

Minutes into extra time and Mane completes a 1-2 and its 2-1 Liverpool. Chelsea heads remain high. Abraham has a great chance but it’s saved. Then minutes later he chases down a lost cause, the keeper makes contact and it’s a penalty. It seemed pretty soft to me but VAR agreed. It was a hop, skip and a jump from Jorghino and we’re back in it at 2-2.

Chelsea still pressing and another Abraham chance goes just wide.

Extra time, half time.

I’m still amazed the players have energy. Kante is somehow still covering acres of ground.

Finally the pace slows as we enter the last fifteen minutes. Mount and Pedro have chances but the goal won’t come.

Full time, Extra time. Penalties.

Despite conversions by Jorginho, Barkley, Mount and Emerson we found ourselves 5-4 down with the final regulation kick. Abraham shoots down the centre and reserve keeper Adrian goes from West Ham misfit to Anfield hero.

A disappointing end to a good Chelsea performance. It was around 1am in Istanbul when the game finally ended. A long way home for those loyal Chelsea fans.

We’d matched the champions of Europe over two hours and in the end it came down to 1 missed penalty.

And the referee played a blinder.