The cross deserved a better finish and it had the feel of a big miss on a night when both sides knew a win would carry them through. Quick, early crosses are a feature of the 19-year-old right-back’s game and one of his teasing deliveries should have led to the opening goal in the second minute, only for Willian to head over from close range. Lampard’s side are unbeaten on their travels in Europe this season, having already won at Ajax and Lille, and there was much to admire about their slick football throughout an absorbing contest.Ĭhelsea settled well, with Pulisic and Willian lively on the flanks, and their attacking intent was typified by Reece James’s eagerness to provide regular overlaps on the right. Chelsea’s lead, established by goals from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic, never truly seemed safe and that aberration from Arrizabalaga means the job is not done yet.Įqually, there were plenty of positives for Chelsea, even though they now lie in third place after Ajax’s win over Lille. The contradictions running through this side were typified by an erratic display from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was the hero when he saved a penalty from Daniel Parejo but the villain when he allowed Daniel Wass’s cross to sail over him for Valencia’s equaliser in the 82nd minute.
The equation is simple for the Premier League side: if they win their final game in Group H, at home against Lille on 10 December, they will be through regardless of what happens when Valencia visit Ajax.Ĭhelsea do like to make life difficult for themselves, though. They almost secured the win in injury time, only for Rodrigo to miss an open goal, and the most important point from Chelsea’s perspective is that they remain in control of their destiny. Valencia created enough chances to have won several games and the greater frustration belonged to the Spanish club in the end. On the other it was an occasion that exposed their defensive frailties and it spoke volumes that Frank Lampard admitted his young side were fortunate to face opponents who should probably spend the rest of week focusing on shooting practice in training. On the one hand it was a night when they puffed out their chests on one of European football’s grandest stages, scored twice and were denied a place in the Champions League last 16 by a freakish goal. The emotions were difficult for Chelsea to process when this wild game was over.
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