It’s safe to say the biggest name participating in the Premier League Summer Series has the most to prove this season. That’s because just two years after winning the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea Football Club has become a punchline.
The five-time Premier League champion spent more than $700 million last season adding flashy new players such as midfielder Enzo Fernández and speedy winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to the mix. The problem was, owner Todd Boehly embraced a fantasy football mindset — attempting to acquire any and all players even remotely available.
With ownership struggling to comprehend the phrase “impulse control,” the roster became so completely bloated that there weren’t enough spaces in the locker room for all of the Chelsea players. As difficult as it is to believe, some Chelsea players actually had to change into their uniforms in the hallway.
Established veterans Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and several other name players have all moved on this summer, illustrating just how much of a revolving door Chelsea has become. Additionally, former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was hired to restore order, which is easier said than done when the Blues have bought and sold almost two dozen players.
On the other side of this matchup was Fulham, led by manager Marco Silva, who finished in 10th place — two spots higher than Chelsea last season.
An emphatic header by defender Thiago Silva and a tap-in by Christopher Nkunku enabled Chelsea to coast to a 2-0 victory in front of a sellout crowd at FedEx Field.
