Portsmouth 0-1 Chelsea: Hilario saves penalty as Ben Haim own goal gifts victory to former club
The Blues dominated the majority of the game but were unable to expand the lead given to them by their old teammate while Luke Varney missed the chance to cause an upset
By Ross Jackson
Andre Villas-Boas recorded his first win as Chelsea coach at Fratton Park against Portsmouth, courtesy of an own goal from former Blue Tal Ben Haim.
The visitors began the game with a mix of youth and experience, with Billy Clifford and Tomas Kalas both in the starting lineup.
A frantic start at Fratton Park saw both teams come close in the opening five minutes, with Florent Malouda and Dave Kitson both squandering chances.
The deadlock was soon broken however, as Chelsea old boy Ben Haim handed his old side the lead after he planted his header past Portsmouth goalkeeper Stephen Henderson in the seventh minute.
Chelsea continued to assert its dominance yet never really looked like extending its lead, with young midfielder Billy Clifford perhaps a bit too eager to impress as he wasted some good chances, and Fernando Torres also failing to work the Portsmouth goalkeeper with a back-post header.
Daniel Sturridge was handed an opportunity to play alongside Torres in place of Didier Drogba, and he almost showed new boss Villas-Boas just what he can do as his free kick had Stephen Henderson at full stretch.
Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had been untested, but caused panic in the backline on the stroke of half time, as he rushed to the edge of his box, but eventually made amends with a fine save from Portsmouth new boy Luke Varney.
Villas-Boas rang the changes at the break, with Lampard, Drogba and Anelka all being introduced for the second 45 minutes.
Chelsea had complete control in the early stages of the second half, until the 62nd minute when Hilario made a rash challenge in the box on Luke Varney. The former Blackpool man made the most of the challenge but a penalty was awarded and the Chelsea 'keeper received a yellow card for the foul.
Varney brushed himself off to take the penalty himself but justice was done as Hilario sprawled to his left hand side to deny him an equalizer and ensure victory for the visitors.
Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking
Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Edin Dzeko Striker Man City |
2 | 0 |
|
|
César Azpilicueta Defender Chelsea |
1 | 1 |
|
|
Marco Di Vaio Striker Montreal Impact |
1 | 0 |
|
|
Gareth Barry Midfielder Man City |
1 | 0 |
|
|
Micah Richards Defender Man City |
1 | 0 |
