Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea got their pre-season underway with a come-from-behind win over bogey team Bournemouth. Elsewhere, Manchester City scored twice past Championship outfit Preston North End to win their first friendly.
Thomas Tuchel named a strong starting line-up for the first half, composed of players who were at Chelsea when he took over and the ones who returned this summer from their respective loans. Forgotten man Danny Drinkwater was handed a start in midfield while Lewis Baker – another midfielder – was deployed as one of the three center-backs, surprisingly.
Chelsea fashioned out a few good chances for themselves in the opening period, most of which fell to Tammy Abraham inside the six-yard area. However, the Blues striker failed to convert his opportunities, much to the chagrin of his head coach. Tuchel changed seven players at half-time, including his entire backline. However, his changes did not take effect immediately, and instead, Chelsea fell behind after a defensive lapse allowed Emiliano Marcondes to head past Eduoard Mendy.
Nonetheless, academy graduate Armando Broja levelled the scores in the 72nd minute; the striker kept his cool to slot the ball home after controlling a low cross inside the box. Five minutes later, the Blues took the lead through another one of their academy strikers.
This time, it was Ike Ugbo who headed the ball past Mark Travers in goal, following a corner. The Blues held onto their narrow lead to see out the match.
Elsewhere, Premier League champions Manchester City took on Championship outfit Preston North End in their first pre-season friendly. Riyad Mahrez gave the Citizens the lead in the 25th minute through a wonderfully struck free-kick.
Pep Guardiola’s men threatened the Preston goal several times, but the insurance goal did not arrive until the 64th minute. Samuel Edozie scored to make it 2-0, albeit only after some wonderful footwork on the edge of the box by youngster James McAtee. City will play Barnsley next on July 31.
