Benitez’s stint at Chelsea started off on a bad not after being rejected by his own fans and now things are going from bad to worse for the Spaniard as they lost his first game in charge against newly promoted London neighbors West Ham.
Tales of two halves at London as West Ham sink Chelsea
Speaking of first times Benitez is yet to get his first win as the blue’s manager. Things looked good for them in the first half as Juan Mata put them ahead with fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres provided the assist. Chelsea dropped Oscar to the bench and Moses was given the starting spot as Benitez tried to discover his proper starting lineup.
West Ham were struck with a huge blow as their goals scorer against Spurs, their inform man and their target man Andy Carroll was ruled out for around two months with a knee injury.
The second half at Upton Park was a completely different tale as the home team bounced back and they owed it all to their second half substitutions. Mohammed Diame controlled the midfield for the Hammers. In fact he bossed it for them.
The equalizer came through Carlton Cole in the 63rd minute through a header. Chelsea might consider them unlucky though as replays clearly suggested that Ivanovic was fouled during the buildup and they should have been awarded a free kick.
The game though belonged to the home team later on. Chelsea kept pushing for the full three points but the chances fell to the hosts as Ashley Cole cleared one off the line with his head.
Diame then scored the goal that put them in front after he was set up by Cole. The goal sent the whole of Upton Park crazy and more Chelsea supporters protested in favor of Roberto De Matteo.
Chelsea’s day was clearly bad as Ashley Cole started to make mistakes as his misplaced pass led to another West Ham goal. The goal rubbed more salt in Chelsea’s wounds and now they have gone without a win for 7 consecutive matches in the league.
This is Chelsea’s worst run of games without a win in 18 years and their first loss to West Ham in the Abrahimovic era.
Chelsea though still remains third after West Brom lost to Stoke City and West Ham continue their top performance after gaining promotion this season. The Hammers are now 8th with 22 points and ahead of Stoke City on more wins. Chelsea are now 7 points behind table toppers – The two Manchester Clubs but with United having a match in hand.
Chelsea need to find their rhythm fast and get back to their winning ways at the Stadium of Light in the league. They have an even more important match against Nordjesseland in the Champions League which they must win for a hope of going through to the next round if Juventus draw or lose against Shakthar.
Tags: Chelsea, EPL, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, London, Premier League, Rafael Benitez, Upton Park, West Ham
