Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores hat-trick as Chelsea brush BATE Borisov aside
Chelsea 3 BATE Borisov 1
The limited opportunities given to Ruben Loftus-Cheek this season have been a contentious issue during the early stages of Chelsea’s campaign. The midfielder’s hat-trick on Thursday night, capping an outstanding all-round display, means the volume of that debate will only increase with the youngster making a compelling case for more involvement.
The 22 year-old has been handed a harsh reality check since returning from the World Cup, having forced his way into the national team on the back of a successful season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Sarri, the Chelsea head coach, made it clear the youngster still has much to learn and has yet to include Loftus-Cheek - who joined the club at the age of eight - in his Premier League starting line-up.
Making his second Europa League start, however, the player could hardly have done more, scoring twice in the opening eight minutes to ensure there was no repeat of the stuttering display in Chelsea’s last outing in this competition against MOL Vidi, before adding a third early in the second half.
A late consolation from BATE Borisov may have denied Chelsea a clean sheet but did nothing to spoil Loftus-Cheek’s night. These were the England international’s first Chelsea goals in over two years, on only his 15th start for the club since his debut in 2014. Sarri was impressed but Loftus-Cheek is still likely to return to the bench at Burnley on Sunday.
“He played very, very well,” said Sarri. “At the beginning of the season, I told hm he was really a very good player, now I think the same, but maybe I think also that he is more suitable to my football. He’s improving. I think also he need to improve the defensive phase. But not only him. At the moment we have four midfielders for two positions, and three of them with the same characteristics, or better, three offensive midfielders. I need an improvement in the defensive phase.”
The chant of "he’s one of our own" that followed Loftus-Cheek’s third goal confirmed the midfielder’s inclusion would not be an unpopular choice. “I know the fans love him, of course, because he was in the academy,” added Sarri. “It’s normal. My problem remains the same. It’s very difficult to solve the tactical problem without an improvement in the defensive phase of these three midfielders. We can try. We need to work. But I like very much this kind of problem.”
Loftus-Cheek took less than two minutes to make his presence felt when he met Davide Zappacosta’s low cross with a first-time finish from 12 yards out to put Chelsea ahead. The second quickly followed, when the midfielder met Willian’s corner with a close-range volley leaving Chelsea in control with just eight minutes gone.
BATE, who included Alexander Hleb, the 37-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, in their line-up, offered few signs of being capable of stemming the flow during a one-sided opening period when Chelsea cut through the visitors defence at will.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts and finishes the move to complete a memorable hat-trick ��
���������������� pic.twitter.com/yK0p8AElLt— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 25, 2018
A third goal was inevitable but Sarri’s side were denied during the remainder of the first half. There was little chance of them losing momentum, however, with Loftus-Cheek immediately showing he intended to carry on where he left off with a strong run past two defenders into the BATE penalty area. That move came to nothing but two minutes later, the midfielder had completed his treble.
Pedro was again involved, driving into the box and when the ball broke loose after the Spaniard’s run was stopped, Loftus-Cheek showed impressive composure to place the ball inside the far post from 20 yards out.
A comfortable win was blemished only by Aleksei Rios’s response in the 78th minute when he was allowed to turn home a free-kick at the far post.
Sarri on his midfield dilemma
When we started the season he was a good player and now he is a good player who suits my style more.
We have a tactical problem with the midfielders. We have two spaces with four players with the same characteristics - the only different one is Kante. I don't know (if he'll play), we need to improve with all the midfielders.
Hoddle on Kovacic
"He hasn't scored for 21 games - we're not asking questions about [Kovacic] because he's foreign. Is he really ahead of them two? If he had more about him he'd score against not very good opposition. But he didn't. Loftus-Cheek did."
This is ignoring how brilliant Kovacic is, how tidy on the ball he is, how safe he makes the midfield... but no it's because he's foreign that he plays, Glenn. That's why. Maybe Loftus-Cheek did something in a previous [end Hoddle jokes]
Loftus-Cheek seems like a really nice boy
"It feels really good. The manager said the target is to come top of the group and now it's three wins.
"It's up there, my first hat-trick, it feels nice and that was really nice to hear (the first Chelsea player since Drogba to score a European hat-trick).
"It feels good, I'll get this signed, framed and put in a glass box.
"The first thing in my head is keep training well, it's important to train as hard as I can and keep sharp for when chances like these come around. Eat well, sleep well, train well - if I keep doing those things my chance will come."
The hat-trick goal
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts and finishes the move to complete a memorable hat-trick ��
���������������� pic.twitter.com/yK0p8AElLt— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 25, 2018
Loftus-Cheek grabs the match ball
FULL TIME
Excellent from Chelsea but their visitors made it really easy. A big night for Loftus-Cheek and it's fantastic he took the chances that came his way, hitting a hat-trick. Next up is Burnley. Like fighting a bear after a kitten.
90 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 1
It's walking pace now. The game's done.
89 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 1
And if they have left, they've just missed one of the plays of the game! Emerson waits for the ball to drop to him from the goalkeeper and his first touch is used to flick the ball over the head of a chasing defender. OLE! Love those bits.
87 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 1
The game has slowed right down. I suspect most Chelsea fans have either started to leave or are considering it.
85 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 1
Loftus-Cheek wants a fourth! The ball drops to him as BATE give it away, he drives at goal, outpaces the centre-back and is pushed wide... but the shot off the outside of the left foot is saved.
83 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 1
Kante is on for Kovacic - Sarri's not happy that the energy levels have dropped. He looks furious on the touchline as he scribbles notes down.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!
BATE HAVE SCORED!
Chelsea 3 BATE 1
It's a set piece from wide right, the ball is crossed into the back post and nobody picks up Rios at the back post!
The crowd sound a little stunned there. Chelsea have switched off though.
78 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
BIG CHANCE FOR BATE! Chelsea have lost a bit of tactical discipline here with RLC and H-O both on the left and BATE are actually trying a bit now too. A chipped ball over the top into the box is taken down well and ends with a volley... but Kepa is aware and has a strong arm to turn it behind.
75 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Hudson-Odoi has just nutmegged a midfielder and if there was any snap in this game whatsoever, I'd suggest he best watch his back the next time he has the ball to feet. Pro footballers don't enjoy being nutmegged.
72 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Chelsea fans are ironically cheering BATE's players now as they haphazardly pass the ball out of play from a goal kick. This is like a training game, BATE aren't putting any aggression or pressure into this match and Chelsea are stroking it about easily.
Moses dribbles into the area, the ball breaks to Giroud, who holds off his man, spins and SMASHES A SHOT! What a save!
Great reflexes from Scherbitski.
70 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
RLC is on teh hunt again! He sprints into the left half space, drives into the box, a stepover.... and looks to shoot... but is surrounded by about 20 defenders and runs out of room.
Chelsea have made 520 passes to BATE's 178.
68 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Urged on by the crowd, Zappacosta has a ping at goal and forces the goalkeeper into a save. Chelsea win every second ball, every 50/50... BATE are in a 4-5-1 defending along their 18 yard line. I think they might just want to go home.
66 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Ooooh isn't that pretty? Yes it is. BATE are useless. Well, Chelsea are very good so that's not helping them, but there's just nothing to them.
Ian Darke keeps telling me it's "a good looking crowd in here". I can't really see any individual faces to work out who's hot but I'll take his word on it.
64 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Brilliant. RLC and H-O trick their way past two players with superb close control but RLC decides to pass instead of having another ping at goal. Take the shot! It was the best option! It's easy to say that watching from above but the best players make it look like they can see everything.
62 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Hudson-Odoi's first touch is nearly perfect and he takes down a long pass then moves inside the pitch. Moses gets a shot on goal but it's easily saved.
60 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Hudson-Odoi makes his European debut, replacing Pedro. Sarri's taking advantage of how easy this match is to gain some XP for his youngsters.
58 mins - Chelsea 3 BATE 0
Moses comes on for Willian. Kovacic dances around two midfielders, the ball is crossed towards Giroud but the keeper punches away. Hudson-Odoi is going to get 30 minutes on the pitch! That's great!
Hleb is taken off for Ivanic and is warmly booed by the Stamford Bridge crowd for being an evil ex Arsenal player.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!
IT'S THE HAT-TRICK FOR RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK!
Oh goalie. Loftus-Cheek starts the move, moves up the pitch with it, Pedro is tackled on the edge of the box and the ball drops for Loftus-Cheek on the edge of the box. He places the shot with power towards the far post and the goalkeeper's efforts to palm it away are feeble and do nothing. Great night for RLC!
52 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Kovacic goes down howling in pain as Rios catches his knee but he's back on his feet and fine again now. Well, he's hobbling, but he'll be OK. The Stamford Bridge crowd are applauding the substitutes getting warmed up.
LOFTUS-CHEEK GOES DOWN IN THE AREA! He tries to burst away from the defenders, gets a little push and falls to the floor. It looks really soft but I think that's a penalty. He's shoved him, no matter how gentle the shove was.
50 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
BATE are trying to counter-attack in this half but it turns out they're about as good at that as they are at defending. The coach has his head in his hands, so impressed is he with what he's seeing.
48 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Ian Darke has said today's special word! DANGER ZONE!
Congratulations, Ian! You've won the YouTube video of Kenny Loggins' smash hit. Meanwhile, in football land, BATE have started like a slightly better version of themselves but Chelsea are in control of possession.
46 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Ian Darke has just paid a lovely tribute to fellow commentator Peter Brackley, who sadly passed away this week. Brackley was especially famous to the generation of us for who played Pro Evo in the 2000s. Take it easy, Peter!
KICK-OFF 2
We're back! BATE start the second half.
Guess who BT Sport pundits are talking about at half-time?
Ruben Loftus-Cheek of course! He's been decent and scored two goals, and Glenn Hoddle's pointed out how opposition defenders do not want to have to deal with him because he's a big lad. It's the quick feet that do it for me, he shifts the ball so quickly that you can't steal it from him. The big problem I've noticed is that he sometimes runs out of ideas in the final third and makes the wrong decision, but that might come with coaching and playing time. Coaching is definitely needed. There's a magic player in there.
HALF TIME
Easy peasy for Chelsea. Barring some sort of Belarusian miracle I cannot see BATE getting back into this one. Willian's trying bicycle kicks, Loftus-Cheek is flicking it about... like I said, it's really easy.
45 mins +2 - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Willian wins a yard of space with explosive acceleration but his shot is easily saved.
45 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Hleb is really struggling to hobble off the pitch. It doesn't look like he'll be happy playing on... which is a shame. That's the kind of injury that takes about 15 minutes off your 5-a-side match as everyone gathers around. Always an ankle.
43 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Emerson loses control of the ball while trying to go around his man, Chelsea soak up the clearance and build again. Hleb has gone down injured and is clearly in a lot of pain. He's holding his achilles or ankle... and it looks like Kovacic's sliding tackle has jarred it. Hopefully he's OK but it certainly doesn't look that way.
41 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
LOFTUS-CHEEK! He's got that all wrong. A free header thanks to his great movement but that's a dreadful finish.
39 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Loftus-Cheek is constantly asking for the ball, always looking for a pass... but he's a little too tight to rival defenders to make himself an easy option. As a result the ball isn't going to him.
Christensen has banged his arm while chasing a ball to stop it going out for a corner, clattering into advertising boards and TV equipment.
37 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Chelsea defend as BATE get forward and Loftus-Cheek does really well to bravely head a 50/50 ball forward and the break is on! Willian speeds up the pitch, gets to the box and threads the pass into Giroud... but he's overhit. So close.
35 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Ruben Loftus-Cheek fires Chelsea in front after just two minutes!
Another young England star making an impact in Europe �������������� pic.twitter.com/0ioqPkemmx— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 25, 2018
Nothing comes of the free-kick. Kovacic is held back as he tries to break and Hleb is booked. His 4 pace made him unlikely to catch the Chelsea man.
33 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
This is so easy for Chelsea. Loftus-Cheek needs to assert himself because this is a big chance for a hat-trick minimum... and he's won a corner with a tricky, driving run through the midfield into the box.
It's cleared, BATE break and Pedro hacks down Skavysh to give away a free-kick.
30 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Kovacic is so close to getting a change to shoot from the penalty spot but the ball just won't drop to him again. Willian wings his leg at the loose ball and shoots wide. Still all Chelsea, who have taken their foot off the pedal a little.
28 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Signevich falls to the ground after jumping for a header and is in a heap on the floor. He seems to have really hurt his hip and isn't moving much :-(
The physios are on now and he's up on his feet. That looked like a bad one for a moment so it's lovely to know that it's not.
26 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Cesc has space and time to find Giroud with a curling pass but get it wrong and is disappointed with himself. No pressure from BATE off the ball whatsoever. Chelsea are pulling out the samba tricks now as they work the ball around the final third.
Cahill might have rolled his ankle while staying tight to the man he was marking.
24 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Willian pies the defender with a Cruyff turn inside the box, chips to Kovacic at the back post... and he just can't take it down quickly enough to shoot. Goal kick.
Chelsea have had six shots on goal now.
22 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
BATE have had a wee bit of the ball the last couple of minutes but I'm not sure they're going to find a way to shoot that isn't outside 30 yards.
20 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
BATE are dropping off Chelsea and being played through and around by the one-touch passing and movement. It's like they've inadvertently found themselves in a tornado. But that's a decent claim by the goalkeeper as he picks a cross out of the air.
And it's out for a throw again. Chelsea all over this game.
Zappacosta tries a shot from 25 yards which is blocked... and Chelsea have it back and again. Constant pressure!
18 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Loftus-Cheek is floating around the back post in his wide left position and very nearly gets on the end of another cross from the right.
16 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Pedro bends a shot wide of the far post as Chelsea's high press carves out another opportunity. Willian has the chance to cross from a corner...
HOW HAS THAT NOT GONE IN?! The defending is dreadful! Cahill flicks on a the cross and Christensen sticks out his leg to jab the ball into an empty net but ends up stopping it instead. It should be 3-0 already.
14 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Chelsea are pushing high up the pitch to try and win the ball back near the BATE box and it's forcing a lot of panicked clearances. The movement is electric too. This could be a long half for the visitors.
12 mins - Chelsea 2 BATE 0
Pedro knows Fabregas is going to launch a long pass to him, Fabregas does and Pedro is inches away with bringing down the ball for a one v one. BATE aren't very good.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
Loftus-Cheek makes it two!
Chelsea 2 (Loftus-Cheek 9') BATE 0
It's a corner defended horribly and L-C sneaks into space by the penalty spot to finish with an open foot volley, just stealing it from Giroud.
8 mins - Chelsea 1 BATE 0
Loftus-Cheek runs 50 yards but isn't sure what to do when on the edge of the box. His pass right is poor, Willian joins in and shows how it's done, shifting the ball onto his right foot and leaving the goalie scared with a shot that takes a wicked deflection and goes behind for a corner.
Chelsea win the ball back from the corner quickly - they seem fired up tonight.
6 mins - Chelsea 1 BATE 0
Emerson goes shoulder to shoulder with a BATE forward, brushes him aside and cleans up the attack. Skavysh wants a free-kick or penalty for it but nothing the sort of will occur.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL!
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has scored!
Chelsea 1 (Loftus-Cheek 2') BATE 0
Zappacosta is easily able to work his way down the right, hits a low ball into the penalty area and the defending is dreadful. Loftus-Cheek powers it past the goalkeeper.
2 mins - Chelsea 0 BATE 0
A 37 year old Alexander Hleb is on the pitch tonight. You may remember him from such teams as Arsenal and Barcelona. Football Manager 19 doesn't think he's up to much now he's getting on a bit.
Pace: 4 is particularly harsh.
KICK OFF
Here we go! It looks like BATE are trying to match Sarri's shape here.
Hudson-Odoi on the bench
Another of the livebloggers worst enemies (the double-barrelled second name) is on the bench today and he will be a household name in a couple of seasons. Callum Hudson-Odoi might get a few minutes off the bench tonight if we're lucky. He won the U-17 World Cup with England.
Checking in
Hello! JJ Bull here. I've teleported from the Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal game to cover this one and if we get more than one goal I'll be very happy. This could be a big night for Loftus-Cheek - will he take his chance?
TEAM NEWS - BATE Borisov
BATE XI:Scherbitski, Rios, Filipovic, Filipenko, Volodjko, Baha, Dragun, Hleb, Skavysh, Signevich, Stasevich.
Subs: Chichkan, Yablonskiy, Berezkin, Ivanic, Volkov, Tuominem, Moukam.
TEAM NEWS - Chelsea
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has made eight changes for tonight's Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.
The alterations following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United include rare starts for defenders Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Olivier Giroud replaces Alvaro Morata in attack, while Brazil forward Willian will make his 250th appearance for the club.
Tonight's team to play BATE Borisov... #CFCvBATEpic.twitter.com/D0HUSviv4a
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 25, 2018
