NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
On Saturday, Chelsea and Manchester City face off in an all-English final in the UEFA Champions League Final. For both managers, winning this title would be a massive accomplishment in each side’s history. However, both teams endured their fair share of struggles early on in the season. Under Frank Lampard, Chelsea got off to a slow start in the season, playing inspiring football. By week 17, the side was ninth in the league and looked unconvincing with Chelsea’s talent.
Former manager and club legend, Frank Lampard, was eventually fired, and the Blues appointed Thomas Tuchel as the newest coach. Tuchel not only preceded to change the whole dynamic of the club, but he has lifted the team into a top-four finish and a Champions League final. In that span, he was unbeaten in 14 matches and has also kept 12 clean sheets. The resurgence has been a great one. Tuchel’s path to the final includes impressive wins against La Liga title winners Atletico Madrid and runner-up Real Madrid.
Looking at the England Premier League titles, Manchester City caught fire quickly. At one point, they had almost as many points in the league as matches played. However, the team turned things around. Guardiola led his team to a 28-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. This momentum has led to City’s first appearance in the final, an accomplishment that has evaded Pep in recent years. Manchester City also defeated PSG, who knocked out the winners of last year’s title, Bayern Munich. Winning the title would complete the treble for City, but it would mean so much for a club that has underperformed in the past with the talent squad depth that they have. The minimum for club success has been the Premier League title and a few English Cup titles here and there. The UEFA Champions League final means much more.
Both teams come into this matchup reasonably healthy. The only concern may be Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who appears to be trending in the right direction for match fitness. Chelsea is to expect City’s usual formation of a “False 9,” with an extensive amount of possession as far as game plans are concerned. The combination of Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ilkay Gundogan has proved successful in scoring goals, quick passing, and control of the game.
As the last match between these two sides saw Chelsea dominate possession 52-48%, that may not be the case. Still, Tuchel may have a more defensive approach in this game while hoping to catch City on the counterattack.
This plan is where the importance of Timo Werner comes into play. Earlier in the campaign, Werner was a man wanted by Chelsea fans because of his atrocious finishing in front of the goal. However, newfound confidence has Werner being dangerous on the field again, scoring against Real Madrid at home. Midfielders Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante have had multiple man-of-the-match-like performances for Chelsea. Although City defender Ruben Dias has been a brick wall in the backline, expect him to be tested with balls over the top. Unless Pep has other ideas, it’ll most likely be Dias matched up with him all game.
Manchester City comes into this final as the favorites, but fans shouldn’t take Chelsea lightly. Tuchel will have his side ready to play and may just have the best game plan and players to execute against City. They, by all means, have the talent to win this game. If the last meeting between these two teams was any indication, they have more than enough to get the job done. Still, this year feels like Peps time to shine. This win may cement him as one of the best, if not the best, manager ever to step foot on the pitch. For that feeling alone, Manchester City will have just enough energy to win this game.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Chelsea
