(Video): Reece James' beautiful free kick puts Chelsea level – but it's too little too late
Yesterday at 04:46 PM
Chelsea have levelled this game up right at the end.
In a classic twist, the Blues scored just as they looked to have run out of ideas. Reece James just whipped a low free kick around the wall and into the far corner beyond the reach of Mark Travers.
It was a glorious moment for the defender, just back from his recent injury, to score in front of the Matthew Harding. What a shame it has to come at the end of a game where his team has squandered so many chances to earn an easy 3 points.
James is still being eased back to full fitness after his latest injury, but this is just the latest reminder of what he can offer the team when he plays. We might actually score some corners if we had Reece taking them. He should be ready to start next Monday, that's the good news.
You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:
REECE JAMES SMASHES HOME THE FREE KICK TO EQUALIZE FOR CHELSEA.
His first Premier League goal in more than TWO YEARS.
Peacock | #CHEBOUpic.twitter.com/S4eI0ap6l5
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 14, 2025
[Footage from NBC Sport]
Chelsea's captain gets a HUGE goal for his club
Reece James marks his Premier League return with a late free kick goal
@tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/jgTb8kPs57
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2025
[Footage from TNT Sport]
That's my captain pic.twitter.com/tGX8hSymIY
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) January 14, 2025
Reece James spares Chelsea's blushes with a quality free-kick to equalize in the 95th. pic.twitter.com/a4TnzIxfNZ
— amadí (@amadoit__) January 14, 2025
[Footage from ViaPlay Sport]
The search for a winner vital for team's confidence
This game should have been over at half time. Cole Palmer's opener was a beauty – but in reality the team should have scored several more in that first period.
It always feels great to score in extra time, especially from a free kick. But the reality is that there should be bitter disappointment at the end here, as Enzo Maresca's team should have had this wrapped up early on.
Nothing quite papers over the cracks like a heartwarming equaliser from your club captain – but the fact that Enzo Maresca's team were spared the boos at full time shouldn't fool anyone into thinking this team shouldn't be gutted at this result.
