Manuel Lanzini slots home from the spot
(Reuters)
Premier League leaders Chelsea head east today visiting high-flying West Ham United in a tricky-looking fixture. The Blues are without several first-team options due to injury and hold just a one-point lead at the top of the table, making every game a must-win encounter for them if they want to end a five-year wait for the title. The Hammers are fourth, but a recent drop-off has seen them take just one point from the last three matches since the international break.
Manager David Moyes thinks it’ll click soon isn’t overly concerned at recent defeats as he wants the team to test themselves against the best. “We’re playing the Champions League winners. Last week we played the Champions League finalists as well. I said a few weeks ago, I really want us to play the best teams and see how we do and see where we are at, it is the only way to find out,” he said.
Thomas Tuchel expects a couple of players to return after injury for this fixture and noted that on-loan midfielder Saul could feature at wing-back in the coming weeks, having struggled to get game time in the middle of the park this season. Follow all the latest team news and match updates below:
West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
43 mins: Mendy’s first touch following the penalty is a shanked clearance into the stands. West Ham have been lifted here.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:14
West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
41 mins: Ziyech drifts inside the West Ham box as Chelsea look to hit back but Dawson makes a big block to deny his shot at goal.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:13
GOAL! West Ham 1-1 Chelsea (LANZINI 40’)
Lanzini sends Mendy the wrong way with a composed penalty into the side-netting, and West Ham are level!
But that was such a needless penalty for Chelsea to conceded. Jorginho’s backpass was underhit and Mendy’s touch invited pressure from Bowen and Rice. Bowen was able to step across the Chelsea goalkeeper who caught the West Ham forward as he tried to slide in.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:10
PENALTY! West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
38 mins: Nightmare for Mendy as he hauls down Bowen!
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:09
West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
35 mins: Rudiger is able to carry the ball forward and looks to curl a shot at goal, which Dawson blocks to some murmers of frustration from the West Ham fans. It’s all a bit too easy for Chelsea at the moment. Loftus-Cheek then shifts the ball along to Mount, who found himself in space, but his low drive was gathered by Fabianski.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:07
West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
32 mins: Chelsea again threaten down the right and West Ham are forced into two last-ditch clearances to deny Havertz from steering a shot at goal from point-blank range. Alonso then gets down the left wing and a combination of Dawson and Diop clears as Havertz stole in at the front post.
Chelsea have lifted their tempo following Thiago Silva’s breakthrough.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:05
West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
29 mins: Off the line! West Ham almost hit back straight from kick-off. The ball sits up nicely for Coufal who drives a volley back across goal. Mendy looked beaten by Silva read the danger and got back to hook it clear!
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 13:02
GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Chelsea (SILVA 28’)
Chelsea take the lead through a corner – and David Moyes will be fuming! It’s a poor goal for West Ham to concede. Mount’s cross from the right is directed into the middle of the box and Thiago Silva is able to evade Antonio to guide a downwards header inside the post.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 12:59
West Ham 0-0 Chelsea
25 mins: Chance! When Chelsea get the ball out to James in space, it usually results in some danger. The wing-back has time to get the ball out of his feet and pick out Havertz in the box, who positioned himself in between Diop and Dawson. It’s a free header for Havertz but it’s straight at Fabianski. Even if it was either side of him, it probably didn’t have enough power behind it to beat the goalkeeper.
Jamie Braidwood4 December 2021 12:57
