Timo Werner had opened the score at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, but Reece James‘s mix-up with third choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli the scores are equal.
In front of a reported 47,000 supporters, in Nevada’s sparsely populated arena, Thomas Tuchel played two different XIs in the first and second half.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Allegiant Stadium judging the Blues players…
First half XI
Kepa – 6
Kepa Arrizabalaga didn’t have to make a save in his 45-minute display. An assured presence when dealing with crosses.
Chalobah – 6
He made one good recovery run to fend off a potential counter-attack early on, but most of his defense was front legs and his ball skills allowed Chelsea to maintain possession. He wasn’t specially tested, so it didn’t give him much of a chance to shine.
Thiago Silva – 7
Like so much last season, the 37-year-old was the standout performer in the back row. He was aggressive in his defensive moves, but never exerting himself too much.
Sarr – 6
Didn’t shine particularly during his short stint on the field, but kept good possession and made no mistakes. All in all, an understated look.
Hudson-Odoi – 7
It felt like the explosiveness that defined his outburst on stage was back after a long spell of injury. The 21-year-old defeated his man several times, but was unable to deliver a decisive moment. Still, it felt like a promise that there would be more to come.
Barkley – 6
In a tricky number six role out of necessity, Barkley did his job for the team. After struggling to break through the backline in the first half, the midfielder was always tempted to push out of position to create a moment that never came. His impressive cross from a free kick enabled Thiago Silva to make the first shot on target.
Gallagher – 7
Conor Gallagher outshone Barkley in similar roles with aggressive defensive plays and the best pass of the game, putting Kai Havertz behind the defense, but he skied the shot. Unfortunately, he was shown a yellow card and gave the ball away a few times. Overall, though, he seemed ready to play for Chelsea next season.
Chillwell – 6
It was a performance far below the level we are used to from Ben Chilwell. However, it is to be expected as it is his first real game in eight months after a serious knee injury. Jurgen Damm on the right wing of America caused him problems and his passing often went wrong.
Ziyech – 6
Hakim Ziyech produced his usual moments with tricks and flicks. There were some nice passes, but he couldn’t really push himself into the game.
Havertz – 5
Now that Romelu Lukaku is gone, Havertz’s fame will increase. He will be the only big number nine in the squad next season, but he lost the biggest chance of the half. There were a few good touches, but that moment defined his rendering.
Kennedy – 7
A surprise package of the first half. Kenedy seemed physically ready for the challenge of playing as a fullback. He was aggressive, energetic and entertained with a few skills. In a dull first half, he surprisingly shone above many of his more prominent peers.
Second half XI
Bettinelli – 5
Marcus Bettinelli was involved in the disastrous foul in front of goal when Reece James’ pass hit the back of his own net. Every time he touched the ball, the third-choice goalkeeper was booed by fans behind the goal, although the mistake was more James’ fault. Perhaps a higher level goalkeeper could have spared his teammate the disgrace, though.
Azpilicueta – 6
An unobtrusive display with Barcelona lurking in the background trying to capture the Blues captain.
Ampadu – 6
Ethan Ampadu found himself at the base of a defensive three in the role of ‘Thiago Silva’. In difficult boots to fill, he was insured and recycled the property well.
Emerson – 7
An impressive recovery run while playing out of position saved Chelsea from a potential defeat in the 78th minute. He also created an opportunity for Christian Pulisic with a deep cross from his centre-back. The defender almost scored with an edge-of-the-box volley in the 87th minute. Emerson is one of the players who will have the opportunity to leave the rental group and join the first team roster next season.
Alonso – 6
A very calm performance from the attacking fullback. He didn’t do much wrong, but had to be rescued a few times by his partner Emerson.
James – 5
While some may prefer to blame Bettinelli, it felt like it was more the fullback’s fault for playing it back so firmly without looking. He did take care of Timo Werner’s goal.
Mounting – 8
Mason Mount was really “Money Mase” in Vegas. He won the jackpot by putting down a defender, sliding the ball and hitting it hard from 25 yards. Otherwise, he did his job skillfully while out of position in a number six role.
Jorginho – 7
Unusually, he found himself in a firing position in the 48th minute from a clever run in midfield, but saw his shot saved by Oscar Jimenez. He was the one who eventually broke through the Mexican’s deep backline with a clipped ball, enabling Timo Werner to score via a cross from Reece James.
Pulisian – 7
Christian Pulisic missed half a chance from an Emerson cross, but brilliantly created several missed opportunities. We should have talked about a sensational
Batshuayi – 5
The Belgian made a nice turn and shot just wide in the 54th minute. A great outsider to impress Tuchel and his team, the poacher then missed two huge opportunities. He didn’t look his usual self for the purpose. Despite all his flaws in the build-up, he has always scored in a blue shirt.
Werner – 7
Werner produced his usual work pace and high energy in a more open second half. His movement was good when he was found by Reece James’ cross. It took him two tries, but he scored the opener.