By Safiu Kehinde
Despite not registering a single shot on target, Malmo proved a difficult nut to crack for reigning champion, Chelsea, who waited till the 56th minutes before breaking the deadlock in a fierce Champions League faceoff.
Having won their last league match against Newcastle United, Chelsea faced the Swedish club with confidence of stealing all three points at the Eleda Stadion.
But it was not an easy task for the Blues who had to face the motivated Malmo team.
Recall that Malmo head coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson, called for massive support from the fans.
The home team were not short of crowd as their fans trooped in to motivate their club who are yet to garner any point and currently sit at the bottom table.
As expected, Chelsea were dominant all through the match, amassing 73 percent possession.
The blues recorded 11 shots on goal, but their first half efforts were denied by Malmo’s goalkeeper, Johan Dahlin who saved the attempts of Cesar Azpilicueta, Ziyech, Kai Havertz, and Andreas Christensen.
After a frustrating first half, Chelsea were relentless in breaking through Malmo’s goal mouth. Their efforts later paid off after Callum Hudson-Odoi sent in a low ball from the right wing after a build up with Kai Havertz.
The cross beats Malmo’s defender, Ahmedhozic and goalkeeper Dahlin to land on the feet of Hakim Ziyech who neatly put the ball through the net.
With Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Werner still out injured, Chelsea gaffer had to put Kai Havertz up front as a false nine. The absence of Mason Mount due to illness also weighed the team down.
Meanwhile, the return of Christian Pulisic gave the blues a blight of hope. The American forward had been kept out for two months due to ankle injury.
He, however, came on as a substitute in the 74th minutes.
The win against Malmo kept the blues at the 2nd position on the table with Juventus maintaining the top spot.
