Willian hits late winner to give Chelsea lift
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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Chelsea 2-1 Dynamo Kyiv
It all looked to be going wrong for José Mourinho when Aleksandar Dragovic cancelled out his own goal, but Willian's free-kick earned victory.
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- Willian strikes an 83rd-minute winner to give Chelsea a much-needed lift
- Dynamo defender Aleksandar Dragovic scores at both ends of the pitch
- Chelsea move above Dynamo and into second behind Porto
- Eden Hazard left on the bench for the English champions
- Next games: Maccabi Tel-Aviv v Chelsea, Porto v Dynamo Kyiv (24 November)
Willian's sublime free-kick seven minutes from time got Chelsea out of another hole as they leapfrogged Dynamo Kyiv to move second in UEFA Champions League Group G.
The spectacular winner came shortly after Aleksandar Dragovic had equalised for the visitors, cancelling out his own goal which gave the English champions a half-time advantage.
Oscar was the first to seriously threaten as he spun on a cross that was aimed fractionally behind him and did well to get his shot on target. The Ukrainian side were also making their intent known and it was a contest conducted at an impressive pace.
Kyiv's defence was stretched as Brazilians raided down both flanks but they also showed an awareness to pick holes in Chelsea's rearguard, with Serhiy Sydorchuk impressively.
Willian spread the play well and when Cesc Fàbregas's cross was cleared, Diego Costa looked poised to take advantage. Instead, his rushed effort sailed harmlessly over the bar.
It seemed increasingly like Dynamo would reach half-time on level terms when they were undone by an own goal as Willian's cross was headed inexplicably into his own net by Dragovic, under no immediate pressure.
At the start of the second half, only the cleanest of tackles from Kurt Zouma halted Vitaliy Buyalskiy's surge on goal. At the other end, Zouma missed a golden opportunity when Willian's free-kick found him unattended and only metres from goal. He stabbed wide.
Just before that substitute Júnior Moraes, with virtually his first touch, was unable to beat Asmir Begović when well placed.
Dragovic cannot have experienced too many nights like this. A poor attempt at a defensive header had put his team behind but the chance to make amends came with Begović's mistake following a corner. Willian, though, had the last word.
Key player: Willian
Oscar takes his chance
Starts have become ever less frequent for Oscar, and the youngster clearly had a point to prove with a performance of skill and authority. His work rate was impressive, too, as Eden Hazard was left to reflect that there are genuine alternatives to his left-sided role.
Zouma a rock at the back
Zouma was restored to his preferred position at the heart of the defence and his strength and positional sense won him new admirers. One superbly timed challenge, executed at great risk of conceding a penalty, kept Chelsea in front early in the second period.
Mourinho watch
The 'José Mourinho' chant began almost with the first whistle and was warmly acknowledged by Chelsea's beleaguered manager. The fans – like John Terry – are firmly behind the Portuguese coach.