Chelsea managed to earn a point as they played out a draw with a potent AS Roma team at Stamford Bridge, according to the Guardian. Diego Luiz opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 11th minute before Eden Hazard doubled the lead, scoring his first goal of the season in the 37th minute. Afterward, Roma began launching offensive assaults in Chelsea's half and were able to respond with a goal from Aleksandar Kolarov minutes before half-time. Later on, the Serie A outfit went ahead in the second half, scoring twice in the span of six minutes courtesy of Edin Dzeko's brace.
Fifteen minutes left to the end of the encounter, Eden Hazard struck home the equalizer to put his side back in the contest, and the both teams eventually settled for a draw at full-time. The match outcome is certainly a big plus for head coach Eusebio Di Francesco and his side, having secured a vital road point at Chelsea. Nevertheless, Chelsea leads Group C with 7 points while Roma is second with 5 points. Here's a summary of the match.
Chelsea outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Thibaut Courtois (6.61). Defender - Andreas Christensen (6.32), César Azpilicueta (six points), Gary Cahill (6.19), Davide Zappacosta (6.48), Marcos Alonso (6.93). Midfielder - David Luiz (eight points), Tiemoué Bakayoko (6.27), Cesc Fàbregas (6.68).
Forward - Eden Hazard (9.21), Álvaro Morata (6.32). Used substitutes - Willian (5.98), Antonio Rüdiger (6.29), Pedro (7.21).
Team's strength and weakness: Antonio Conte's side were effective at creating chances through counter attacks, through balls and set pieces. In addition to these, they were good at finishing but committed individual stumbles.
Style of play: the Blues largely attacked through the middle, favored through balls and long range strikes.
AS Roma outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Alisson (5.34). Defender - Bruno Peres (6.42), Federico Fazio (7.73), Juan Jesus (6.74), Aleksandar Kolarov (8.82). Midfielder - Radja Nainggolan (6.23), Maxime Gonalons (seven points), Kevin Strootman (6.43).
Forward - Gerson (6.32), Edin Dzeko (8.61), Diego Perotti (eight points). Used substitutes - Alessandro Florenzi (six points), Lorenzo Pellegrini (5.90), Stephan El Shaarawy (6.21).
Team's strength and weakness: AS Roma created reasonable goal chances through long passes and counter attacks. They were fantastic at scoring but sometimes lost possession to Chelsea.
Style of play: Eusebio Di Francesco's men played short and long passes with space. Also, they favored rebound efforts through long shots.
Man of the Match
Arguably, Eden Hazard was Chelsea hero in the encounter. He apparently rescued his side by scoring twice and went on to complete 41 touches.
Upcoming encounter both sides
In their second leg tie, AS Roma will play host to Chelsea at Stadio Olympico in Rome on Tuesday 31 October.
