Chelsea 2-0 Los Angeles FC: Rising star Drapp scores in 10 minutes, Palmer burys hidden dangers in the air goal

Under the dazzling lights of Jeddah, the Club World Cup stage ushered in the premiere of Premier League giant Chelsea. Facing the powerful Los Angeles FC from the American League, the Blues finally took away three points with a 2-0 score, setting a good start for the new journey. However, the process of this victory is far from being as easy and freehand as shown by the score card, and is more like a "passing through" in the difficult problems of running-in and efficiency.

Newly-known sharp edge: Neto broke the deadlock, Drapp's debut gift

match deadlock was broken in the 34th minute, and the key was in the hands of the young wing-side sharp knife Neto. A textbook-like counterattack was staged: Jackson keenly captured the gap in the midfield hinterland and sent out an accurate straightening pass to tear the defense line. The inner support that I understood was like an arrow from a string, and it was inserted at high speed and hit the right rib of FC Los Angeles. Facing the defender who made up for defense, he showed calmness that was inconsistent with his age. A light spike adjusted the angle of the shaking, and then used a calm push shot to send the ball into the near corner of the goal. This goal is a perfect combination of personal ability and tactical execution. Neto also deserves the best player with active breakthroughs and key passes throughout the game.

If Neto is the hero of the first record, then the substitute surprise Drapp took the last insurance for the victory. This new player who had just put on the Blues' robe ushered in his brief but stunning debut moment in the 79th minute. He showed a good impact with the ball on the right, and after a successful breakthrough, he sent a cross with extremely high quality. Enzo Fernandez, who arrived in the middle, did not waste his chance and easily pushed the ball to score in the empty goal, locking the score at 2-0. With only 10 minutes of appearance, Drapp's debut was a fantasy and also injected a shot of a heart-boosting agent into the Blues' slightly dull second half.

Efficiency concerns: There is more control and the ending is weak

Although the victory was won, the problems exposed by Chelsea were equally dazzling. Throughout the game, they firmly controlled the ball (65% possession rate), creating up to 68 dangerous attacks and 17 shots, with absolute dominance in the scene. However, the cold efficiency data reveals embarrassment: 17 shots only hit the goal frame range with only 6 hits, and a large number of opportunities were squandered. Among them, Palmer, whose status has attracted much attention recently, is particularly sluggish. He got many good opportunities, including an empty goal opportunity (the 70th minute), but without exception, he deviated from his target. This important piece on the offensive end of the Blues seems to be deeply trapped in the quagmire of "shot-shot waste". His recovery in his form is undoubtedly a problem that coach Maresca needs to solve urgently.

The opponent's struggle and the peace of the old player

Los Angeles FC are not without opportunities. Their arrow character Buanga has twice won the opportunity to face goalkeeper Sanchez with his speed advantage. However, Sanchez showed a goal-level reaction, and made two brave saves to ensure the goal, making Buenaga unable to do so. Another highlight of the game came at the beginning of the second half. When Los Angeles FC replaced veteran Giroud, the French center who had made great contributions to the Blues, made a debut as an opponent. Unfortunately, facing the old master, Giroud did not gain much room for performance and failed to create substantial threats in a limited time. His appearance was more like a warm but slightly dull reunion. The fluency of the game is interrupted by the referee's whistle from time to time, and the frequent foul penalty makes the rhythm look a bit fragmented. Los Angeles FC players expressed dissatisfaction with the penalty standards many times, especially the suspected pushing and shoving action of Chelsea defender in the penalty area before the final game was not awarded a penalty, which triggered strong protests from the visiting players and coaching staff. Blues coach Maresca's substitution adjustment in the second half became the winner. He decisively replaced Enzo and Drapp. It was the direct connection between these two substitutes that scored the second goal to establish the victory for the team, proving the timely and effective adjustments.

The road ahead is long: challenge the Brazilian Eagles

After this game, Chelsea temporarily leads the Group D standings. However, the real test has just begun. In the second round of the group stage, they will welcome the South American strong team and the stronger Flamenco. This game will be a key battle to determine the group's top spot. For Los Angeles FC, they can only retain a slim hope of qualifying against Tunisia Hope in the last round when they fight against the Tunisia Hope team.

Summary: Thoughts under victory

A 2-0 start to the game, which kicked off for Chelsea's Club World Cup tour. Neto's shining and Drapp's stunning debut are the light of hope for the Blues' future. But Palmer's continued sluggishness, overall offensive efficiency, and squandering in the face of opportunities are like the shadows behind victory, reminding Maresca and his team: if they want to go further in this top event that brings together champions from various continents, or even touch the championship trophy, solve the stubborn problem of "getting the upper hand but not scoring", and activate the status of core players, is a problem they must face immediately. This victory is the starting point, but it is by no means the end. On the road to glory, efficiency improvement is urgent.