Christian Pulisic nearly won it for Chelsea, who were forced to settle for a draw in a weekend that saw most Premier League games called off due to COVID.
Wolves 0 – 0 Chelsea
Christian Pulisic had arguably the best chance of the game for Chelsea on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to get the Blues over the hump in their stale draw at Wolves.
Manager Thomas Tuchel was upset in his post match interview due to the Premier League’s refusal to let Chelsea postpone the game in the midst of the league’s Covid crisis, which also hit Chelsea hard with seven positive cases, and the ability to only carry four outfield substitutes on the bench.
Wolves had the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute after a sweeping attack, but Raul Jiminez was adjudged to have been offside in the build up. There wasn’t much in the game as far as clear chances, and the neutral could argue that Wolves had the slight majority more of them.
Pulisic’s attempt came after a fluid build-up with a clever interchange on the left wing saw a perfectly weighted through-ball to the American. He took a few good touches to get it on his left foot, but the Wolves goalkeeper was equal to the task with a massive left handed block.
Chelsea have only won once in their last six games but remain in third place, with Arsenal hovering six points below them in fourth. Pulisic will look to keep building as Chelsea play Brentford on Wednesday in more Premier League action.
Watch the game highlights here:
Bristol City 2 – 3 Huddersfield Town
Duane Holmes played almost the entire game for Huddersfield Town, scoring the opener in a thrilling win away at Bristol City.
The game didn’t start well for the visitors as Andreas Weimann scored a tap-in at the far post from Antoine Semenyo’s cross just two minutes in. Things seemed to be on the ascendency as Dan Bentley saved a penalty kick just moments later from Danny Ward.
The first half ended with Huddersfield pulling level through the American, who collected a ball from the left wing in a central role. His first touch saw him burst in to the box as he squared his body to slot past Bentley with a cool right footed finish.
If Bristol City scored fast in the first half, Huddersfield scored even faster to start the second, just one minute in. The ball found Danel Sinani at the back post, and a quickie shimmy gave him a yard of space to slot the ball to the back post and in to take the lead.
The visitors added a much needed insurance goal by the front-man Ward, who got his goal in the 55th minute. The ball out wide was crossed in and deflected in to the path of Ward who nodded it past Bentley.
Weimann pulled one back for the home team with a thumping finish, but it was too little too late as Huddersfield Town left with all three points.
Huddersfield, tenth place, hadn’t won since November 20th, but will look to continue their winning ways against 12th place Blackpool on Boxing Day.
Watch the game highlights here:
Ipswich 1 – 1 Sunderland
Lynden Gooch went the distance for Sunderland in their away draw at Ipswich.
Sunderland stayed in third place heading into the Holiday stretch, but will be frustrated that 11th place Ipswich were able to deny them all three points.
However, the opening stages went entirely one way, in favor of the hosts, and Ipswich ended the half with a solid header from James Norwood.
The goal seemed to wake up Sunderland who scored just five minutes later in the second half. Dan Neil was slotted through and he expertly dispatched past the statuesque Christian Walton.
Sunderland play Arsenal on Tuesday in the League Cup.
Watch the game highlights here:
Notes
Josh Sargent and Jonathan Tomkinson’s Norwich saw their match against West Ham postponed due to a COVID outbreak in their camp.
Zack Steffen was on the bench for Manchester City in their 4-0 win over Newcastle.
Folarin Balogun did not make the bench for Arsenal who beat Leeds 4-1.
Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson will be in action on Monday night when Fulham host Sheffield United.
Ethan Horvath was on the bench for Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win against Hull City.
Matthew Olosunde’s Preston North End saw their game postponed against Millwall due to COVID protocols.
