Chelsea lost to Charlotte FC, after a 1-1 draw in normal time, following a 5-3 defeat on penalties during their second match of their United States pre-season tour.
Christian Pulisic put the Blues ahead in the first half with a tidy finish, after a shot from Michy Batshuayi was deflected into the path of the American.
The hosts equalised in stoppage time, after a penalty was conceded by a handball from Trevoh Chalobah. Daniel Rios beat Edouard Mendy with the resulting spot-kick to take the game to a penalty shoot-out.
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Charlotte FC ended up winning 5-3 as Conor Gallagher’s failed panenka proved to be the Blues’ downfall to hand the MLS side victory.
Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the Blues’ performance in North Carolina:
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FIRST HALF
Edouard Mendy - 6/10
Didn’t have anything to do of note. Charlotte’s best effort hit the post, while he was forced into a save from Karol Swiderski, but otherwise a quiet night for the Chelsea number one.
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Reece James - 6/10 [45]
An uneventful half for James, and another 45 minutes in the bank. Kept a clean sheet as well, so shouldn’t be too disappointed as he looks towards the new season.
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Thiago Silva - 6/10 [45]
As expected, a controlled performance by the Brazilian.
Emerson Palmieri - 7/10 [45]
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A solid performance in central defence for the wing-back. Several good tackles and clearances, read the game well. Could prove to be an option in this role for next season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 6.5/10 [45]
Will be disappointed with his lack of impact, considering his intention to be a significant part of Chelsea’s season. Still has time to get back to match fitness.
Jorginho - 7/10 [45]
Looked controlled, and didn’t give the ball away. Will surely expect to be integral to Tuchel’s plans for the new season.
Mateo Kovacic - 7/10 [45]
Looked comfortable on the ball as usual. Will not be disappointed with his performance.
Marcos Alonso - 6/10 [45]
Didn’t do anything special, but was a solid presence on the left of a back 5. Made a few decent tackles in the first half.
Hakim Ziyech - 7/10 [45]
Looked like a player who wanted to stake a claim for a starting place. Some very good deliveries into the box that may have got the attention of Tuchel. His pressing was noticeable too.
Michy Batshuayi - 6.5/10 [45]
Will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet after having a decent chance to double Chelsea’s lead, but Kristijan Kahlina made a fine save to deny him. Didn’t play badly, registering an assist for the Blues’ only goal of the game.
Christian Pulisic - 7.5/10 [45]
Looked lively. Well taken goal to put Chelsea ahead in front of his home crowd for the USMNT star/ However, he should have made it two just moments later but got another 45 minutes in his tank, exciting the home crowd.
SECOND HALF
Edouard Mendy - 6/10 The only player to retain his place for the second half, the Senegalese shot-shopper showed fine reflexes to deny Andre Shinyashiki but ultimately did not have too much to do, failing to save any of Charlotte FC’s well-taken penalties.
Trevoh Chalobah - 6/10 [45] A solid game for the defender, who was unlucky to concede a penalty late on, handling the ball in an attempt to block a shot.
Levi Colwill - 5.5/10 [45] Hoping to impress Thomas Tuchel in the centre of the back three in the second half, Colwill looked shaky but grew into the match. Gave away a sloppy foul on the edge of the box, and will be hoping to do more to impress the German as they prepare to face Arsenal in Orlando.
Malang Sarr - 6/10 [45] Fairly decent performance on the left of the three and didn’t put a foot wrong. The defender could have headed Chelsea further infront, firing his effort into the hands of the Charlotte goalkeeper.
Kenedy - 7/10 [45] Looked good on the ball, almost got an assist by providing a chance for Conor Gallagher. Found acres of space playing at right wing-back and has shown that he could be an option for Chelsea going forward.
Conor Gallagher - 6/10 [45] Looked energetic in the rare times in which he was on the ball. Will be disappointed after scuffing his shot on goal after being played in by Kenedy. A dreadful penalty in the shootout didn’t help either.
Ethan Ampadu - 7/10 [45] Solid performance from the young Welshman, who impressed in a midfield role. The 21-year-old showed great distribution from deep and calmness on the ball as he stakes his claim for a role in Thomas Tuchel’s side next season.
Ben Chilwell - 6/10 [45] A good 45 minutes for Chilwell, who looked solid both in attack and defence as he looks to get minutes ahead of the new season following last season’s ACL injury.
Mason Mount - 7/10 [45] Looked sharp and was close to scoring, with a near post effort kept out by George Marks. Linked up well with new signing Raheem Sterling, signs of things to come for the Blues.
Kai Havertz - 6/10 [45] Led the line well, but will be disappointed with his first touch after being gifted a chance in the second half. With Romelu Lukaku gone, the German will have to do more in the following matches to prove that he can lead the line for the Blues next season.
Raheem Sterling - 7.5/10 [45] A decent runout for the new signing, who was direct with his running and movement in attack. Will be disappointed not to have opened his Chelsea account after a good chance. Dispatched a fine penalty in the shoot-out.
Daniel Nuttman