CHELSEA were AWFUL against Scottish champions Celtic as they fell to a shock 4-1 defeat in the second game of their US tour.
The Blues drew 2-2 with League One Wrexham in their first friendly across the pond earlier this week and named a strong XI against Celtic, who beat Premier League winners Manchester City in a 4-3 thriller to kick off their summer tour of the States.
But Enzo Maresca’s side were shocking throughout as Celtic ran riot after a rubbish defensive display from the Blues, who scored a late goal from a Christopher Nkunku.
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That’s all from Indiana
Chelsea suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Celtic during a pre-season friendly at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
The Hoops dominated the Blues with goals by Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma and Michael Johnston.
The Blues got a consolation goal one minute before full-time with a penalty-kick by Christopher Nkunku.
The Scottish champions are now gearing up for the Scottish Premiership while the West Londoners are set for another friendly in the US against Club America on August 1.
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Credit: AFP Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures
And here’s what’s next for Chelsea after their summer pre-season tour:
What is next for Celtic?
Celtic’s campaign is set to officially begin next week after an impressive summer pre-season.
The Hoops were undefeated in every friendly as they beat Queen’s Park, DC United, Chelsea and Premier League champions Manchester City, while they also drew with Ayr.
Now the Scottish champions are gearing up for their title defence with a Premiership opener against Kilmarnock.
Celtic will host at Celtic Park on Sunday, August 4.
Credit: AFP
Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures
Here’s what’s next for Chelsea after their heavy friendly defeat to Celtic:
1 August: Chelsea v Club America, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (00:00)
3 August: Chelsea v Manchester City, Ohio Stadium, Columbus (22:30)
7 August: Chelsea v Real Madrid, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte (00:00)
11 August: Chelsea v Inter Milan, Stamford Bridge (15:00)
Credit: AFP Chelsea player ratings
Here’s how SunSport’s man on the field Jack Rosser rates each Chelsea player after the heavy loss to Celtic:
- Robert Sanchez – 6
- Reece James – 6
- Wesley Fofana – 6
- Benoit Badiashile – 4
- Levi Colwill – 5
- Romeo Lavia – 6
- Carney Chukwuemeka – 5
- Noni Madueke – 6
- Christopher Nkunku – 7
- Mykhailo Mudryk – 5
- Marc Guiu – 7
Substitutions:
- Raheem Sterling – 7
- Lesley Ugochukwu – 6
- Tosin Adarabioyo – 5
- Malo Gusto – 5
- Andrey Santos – 6
- Angelo – N/A
- Lucas Bergstrom – N/A
- Renato Veiga – N/A
- Tyrique George – N/A
Credit: AFP Chelsea vs Celtic stats
Chelsea suffered a heavy defeat despite controlling 57 per cent of possession against Celtic.
The Blues registered a total of 23 shots, 10 of which were on target.
The Hoops, on the other hand, produced 14 shots, 11 of which were on target.
More below:
FT: Chelsea 1-4 Celtic
Celtic completed their summer pre-season tour with another stunning victory in the US.
The Hoops dominated the Blues, who are still looking for a victory under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Matt O’Reilly opened the scoring after just 19 minutes with a fine shot from the right after he was found unmarked with a clever pass by Greg Taylor.
O’Reilly turned from goalscorer to provider on 33 minutes as he found Kyogo Furuhashi from the right with a low cross that allowed the Japan international to tap the ball to the back of the net.
Celtic sealed the win in the 76th minute when Benoit Badiashile gave the ball away under pressure and Luis Palma took advantage to beat Robert Sanchez.
Just three minutes later, Palma picked up an assist as he released Michael Johnston who was completely forgotten by Tosin Adarabioyo and he hit the back of the net with ease.
Chelsea got a consolation goal as Raheem Sterling was later brought down by Colby Donovan to win a penalty that was converted by Christopher Nkunku one minute before full-time.
Credit: AFP FT: Chelsea 1-4 Celtic
Peeo!
That’s full-time in Indiana!!!
89 Chelsea 1-4 Celtic
An absolutely clinical shot by Chelsea star Nkunku.
The playmaker sends the ball to the left and Sinisalo to his other side!
89 Chelsea 1-4 Celtic
Goal!
Chelsea get their consolation!!!
89 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Penalty
Chelsea earna penalty kick after Donovan brings Sterling down with a late challenge.
Nkunku with the ball…
87 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Chelsea suffer the same fate in the second half like they did in the first one.
The Blues absolutely dominated the first few minutes but conceded two goals after geting careless.
84 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Substitution
And one more change from Chelsea boss Maresca who introduces George and brings out Guiu.
83 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Substitution
More changes from Celtic boss Rodgers who brings on Turley and Donovan for Kyogo and Ralston respectively.
79 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Substitution
Chelsea boss Maresca also made a number of changes with Angelo, Bergstrom, and Veiga replacing Madueke, Sanchez and Colwill.
79 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Substitution
A raft of changes took place just before Johnston’s goal, with the Celtic ace being among those subs.
The striker replaced O’Riley, while manager Rodgers also introduced Lawal, Lagerbielke and Holm for McGregor, Scales and Hatate.
79 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Celtic ace Palma turns from goalscorer to provider as he delivers a beautufil ball from the left to Johnston who is completely forgotten by Tosin.
The striker goes on to beat Sanchez to put the Hoops on course to a major triumph.
79 Chelsea 0-4 Celtic
Goal!
Celtic seal the win with Johnston!!!
76 Chelsea 0-3 Celtic
Celtic’s high press forces Chelsea to give the ball away in their bid to play out the back.
Badiashile gives possession away to Palma who beats Sanchez from close range with a clinical shot.
76 Chelsea 0-3 Celtic
Goal!
Celtic make it three with Palma!!!
73 Chelsea 0-2 Celtic
Substitution
Celtic boss Rodgers makes another change with Sinisalo taking Schmeichel’s place in goal.
73 Chelsea 0-2 Celtic
Substitution
Chelsea boss Maresca brought in Santos to replace Lavia in the 67th minute.
Apologies for missing that.
72 Chelsea 0-2 Celtic
The two teams are getting a hydration break with the Indiana temperatures still high.
Chelsea running out of time for a late comeback, and remember the Blues are still looking for their first victory under Maresca.
70 Chelsea 0-2 Celtic
Sanchez has been arguably Chelsea’s best player so far in the match.
Some massive saves by the goalkeeper who has also proven to be quite the sweeper keeper.
The Spaniard often comes off his lines to stop a dangerous Celtic attack.
67 Chelsea 0-2 Celtic
Substitution
Chelsea boss Maresca responds with a change of his own with Gusto replacing James.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
