- Fabregas bags brace
- Lanzini, Carroll score
- Penalty controversy late
- Chelsea stays 10th
Ruben Loftus-Cheek won a late and controversial penalty to earn Chelsea a point in a 2-2 draw with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll scored on a forgettable day for Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but a pair of goals for Cesc Fabregas left things even.
Loftus-Cheek fell after questionable if any contact from Michail Antonio that also appeared to be just outside the 18, and a penalty was given that Fabregas converted in the 90th minute.
Fabregas scored Chelsea’s other goal on a beautiful free kick, and the Blues sit 10th with 40 points. A win would’ve taken West Ham into the Top Four, but the draw pulls them to within a point of Manchester City.
[ MORE: Watch full PL match replays ]
Chelsea had the better of the early play, but it mattered little once Lanzini dented the scoreboard. Given room to move outside the 18, he curled a ball past Thibaut Courtois. Should the keeper have been in better position? Yep, but still a good shot.
The Blues equalized in the third minute of stoppage time, as Fabregas whipped a gorgeous free kick past Adrian to make it 1-1. He now has 3 three goals and 2 assists in 9 PL games after picking up just two assists in his first 20.
[ MORE: Latest Premier League standings ]4 - Four of Manuel Lanzini’s five Premier League goals this season have been scored away from home. Tourist.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2016
[ MORE: Full lineups, stats, box score ]
Dimitri Payet continued his fine play, not only contributing in the run up to Lanzini’s goal but also nearly putting the Hammers ahead early in the second half. John Terry cleared the effort before it crossed the line.
At the other end, Oscar opted for his right foot for a tap-in opportunity and instead failed to finish his chance.
Then, just after the hour mark, Big Andy made his presence felt. Sent through by Payet, the English striker beat Courtois with a near-post shot. Not a banner day for the Belgian.
