Players’ minds wander as Chelsea stall
As Chelsea’s ownership climbed down from plans to join a breakaway Super League, the team climbed into the top four of the Premier League with a far-from-impressive 0-0 draw against Brighton yesterday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side was stifled inside Stamford Bridge, barely creating a clear-cut chance against the relegationthreatened visitors who nearly snatched victory in the final 15 minutes as Danny Welbeck struck the post.
Defender Ben White was sent off in stoppage time for Brighton after collecting a second yellow card.
The point moved Chelsea above West Ham on goal difference and into fourth place, the final Champions League qualification position. Chelsea and West Ham play each other on Sunday.
There was more to celebrate outside the stadium for Chelsea’s fans who had gathered before the match to protest against the club’s decision, first announced on Monday, to help create a new, closed-off European league for elite clubs.
Kickoff was delayed by 15 minutes after Chelsea’s team bus was slowed getting into Stamford Bridge because of the protests.
Petr Cech, Chelsea’s technical director, got off the bus to talk to the angry supporters, who could be heard calling him a “traitor” in video footage on social media.
Around the same time, fans were seen jumping up and down in celebration as reports filtered through that the club was withdrawing from the Super League.
“It was nice to see the supporters out there, it was nice to see that feeling, that emotion, and everyone’s response today,” Brighton manager Graham Potter said.
“It was universal in how everyone got behind the issue.”
Tuchel said he and his players had been affected by all the talk about the Super League.
“We talk of nothing else but Super League before the match,” he said.
“Nobody asked match.”
During the game, Manchester City became the first club to confirm their withdrawal from the scheme. Soon after it ended,
about
the all six English clubs had withdrawn their commitment.
Even during the game, Chelsea were preparing documents to tell the Super League they wanted out, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Chelsea were, at that stage, yet to send their decision to the organisers of the new competition.
Brighton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone and have a game in hand over third-from-last Fulham.
— AP