It hasn't been entirely smooth sailing for the Blues this pre-season. Having won one out of two games so far, there is still a lot of work left to do with Thomas Tuchel's squad. Chelsea most recently faced newly formed side, Charlotte in their pre-season tour and lost on penalties. The curse of the penalty kicks hasn't quite escaped.
A promising first half was complimented with a disjointed second as the Blues kicked off the match more than an hour after it was scheduled. It took half an hour before Chelsea was able to break down Charlotte. A Christian Pulisic goal coming off from a misfire from Michy Batshuayi put the Blues ahead. It came as a sigh of relief as patterns from last season began to repeat itself in front of goal.
Charlotte equalised deep into extra time with a penalty and ultimately went on to win. The story sounds like a stroke of misfortune for the Blues but in fact, it may be a cry for help. Missed chances and sloppiness in possession cost them the game. Usually, it would be a case of 'it's just a pre-season game' but alarm bells are ringing for fans as they relish the idea of a repeat of last season.
