15 minutes in pretty even match so far. Ream has distributed the ball well and done well against Higuain.
World Class finish by Higuian. Ream not involved. Quite honestly, could not have been stopped by anybody.
Wrench referring to goal in 21st minute. Higuain stepped in front of Nordveit and scored from a difficult angle. Ream had stepped to a player at the top of the box. Joe Bryan got burned on the play as well.
Okay. Confusion reigns. 2-1 Chelsea by Jorginho from the top of the box. Ream tried to get out there, so, yes he was involved. I don't think it should be on him. A midfielder from outside the 18 is not really his. But anyway...
31st minute Jorginho scores from the center of the 18 yard box. There was literally no central midfielder near him, they were along the 6 yard box for some reason. Ream attempted to step up but was too late to make a block. 2-1 Chelsea
Higuain gets behind Ream after splitting the CBs. Higuain saw Bryan lagging behind and made a world class run. He timed the run to be onside and ran into a great position between Ream/goal. Shot was way off target.
I can see where teams have been destroying Fulham. Chelsea has, at times, 2-3 players sitting in the gap between the cb and cm. They are just waiting for Fulham possession to make a mistake.
A near identical situation to the first goal happens at 45 minutes. This time Higuain steps in front of Ream after Bryan is burned again at LB. Higuain’s shot is saved this time.
An interesting observation on Fulham, it seems like they never prepared or trained on defensive positioning, but especially the midfield. They are absolutely dismal in their positional discipline when Fulham need to take shape in their own half. I also notice that Fulham aren’t playing any long balls. Anyone can appreciate watching a team play on the floor, but there is a reason in England coaches like Big Sam find miraculous success - they clear the area and reshape.
46th minute Ream gets too cute with the ball and loses possession near the 18yard box. Bryan recovers the ball and clears.
A lot of the distribution out of the back is going through Ream. Ream passes the ball really well. Sometimes he takes too long on the ball.
Shout for handball on Ream in the 54th. The ball definitely hit his hand, but they were at his side and it wasn’t deliberate.
A lot of Fulham players walking around after losing the ball or after transition. Not good. Safe to say Ream is not one of those.
Fulham have had some bright moments this second half. Healing the pressure on Chelsea. It wouldn’t surprise if they get an equalizer.
Some craziness in the 89th, very nice flick backwards to Mitrovic, who heads the ball towards goal and it’s saved well by Kepa. So close for Fulham.
Ream with a accurate long ball to Mitrovic, who then flicks on to Vietto. Vietto pushes the ball through to into the path of Sess who scores, but it’s called for offside.