VIDEO: Chelsea earn a late draw against Borussia Monchengladbach in pre-season friendly
3rd August 2019
Frank Lampard's Chelsea had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in their final preparatory game before facing Manchester United in their Premier League opening day at Old Trafford.
Chelsea went into the break two nil down after conceding some soft goals. Firstly goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's distribution went wrong as French striker Alassane Plea grabbed the gift to slot past the goal keeper in the 13th minute.
American import Christian Pulisic, who starred against Red Bull Salzburg last week, was denied from a tight angle by keeper Yann Sommer.
But while Blues looked focused going forward, they were left open at the back with N'Golo Kante not fit enough to start but made a late cameo.
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, both attack-minded players, struggled to handle the counter-attacks and Lampard's men were vulnerable.
Jonas Kofmann capitalised on that by slotting home the Bundesliga side's second after a swift move up the field.
It showed just how much Chelsea will be relying on Kante this coming season.
The second half renaissance started when Tammy Abraham reduced the deficit from the spot after the referee adjudged Mateo Kovacic had been fouled in the box.
Late in the game Mason Mount was pulled down in the box and Barkley equalized although he had an even better chance earlier.
VIDEO BELOW:
https://youtu.be/Ah3D42PtoFM