Chelsea 2-1 Club America: Mason Mount Stunner Spares Reece James’ Blushes After Timo Werner Opener

Chelsea have won their first game of pre-season after they claimed a 2-1 victory against Club America.

Kai Havertz had a great chance to open the scoring on the verge of the half-hour mark but he sent his effort over the crossbar whilst through on goal.

His fellow German Timo Werner opened the scoring in the early stages of the second half though, firing in at the second time of asking from a Reece James cross.

Although Club America equalised through a Reece James own goal, Mason Mount fired in a wonderful strike to give Chelsea the lead once again, and subsequently the win.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will now face Charlotte FC on Thursday in the next step of their tour across the United States.

The Blues started the match with a mixed lineup, with Conor Gallagher starting in midfield after his successful loan spell at Crystal Palace alongside Ross Barkley.

Kenedy was operating as the right wing-back, with Callum Hudson-Odoi lining up on the left wing.

In their first game back since May, Chelsea dominated the possession from kick-off and looked to attack at any given opportunity.

Hakim Ziyech, who has been linked with a move to AC Milan, had the first chance of the game via a set piece, but his free-kick inside the opening ten minutes was saved by Guillermo Ochoa in the Club America goal.

The Moroccan went close again soon after, but he was unable to hit an effort on goal from inside the six yard area.

Halfway through the first half, Kenedy was inches away from opening the scoring as his curling effort from the right-hand side went just past the post.

Mauricio Reyes had a chance for Club America just moments later, but his effort was dragged wide of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal.

The best chance of the game fell in the 29th minute as Gallagher did so well to intercept the ball in the middle of the pitch before sending it through to Havertz, but the German hit his effort way over the crossbar.

Captain for the evening Thiago Silva saw his header from a free-kick saved by substitute goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez as both sides approached the break.

The first half ended 0-0, with Chelsea looking the stronger side despite a couple of chances from their Mexican opponents.

Tuchel opted to make a host of changes to the team for the second half, ensuring a large number of his squad gained minutes on the pitch.

The opening stages of the half were the same as the first as Chelsea got onto the front foot, with Christian Pulisic hitting an early effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Mason Mount then appeared to have his eye on goal from range, but the 23-year-old’s shot was way off target.

Michy Batshuayi soon did well to turn his man and face towards the goal, but the Belgian saw his effort go high and wide.

However, Werner was on hand to award his side the lead in the 55th minute, latching onto the end of a cross from James and netting from his second attempt.

The lead didn’t last long though, with Club America drawing level through a mix up at the back between James and Marcus Bettinelli.

Despite the conceded goal, the Blues kept pushing in the search for a second, with Batshuayi getting onto the end of chances but failing to take them.

Pulisic was close to netting in his home country but the American headed over from close range from Emerson’s cross.

Batshuayi once again had the chance to get onto the scoresheet after being played through by Pulisic, only for him to put his effort wide and see the linesman raise his flag for offside.

Emerson soon did really well to track back and stop a Club America chance shortly after.

As the game entered its remaining ten minutes Mount made it 2-1 with a superb strike from range, finding his feet on the edge of the area before firing into the back of the net.

Emerson came so close to making it three as his half-volley went narrowly wide of the far post.

Chelsea were keen to run the clock down in order to secure the victory, and were able to do so despite a late attempt from Club America to find another equaliser.

Full-time soon came and the Blues earned themselves their first win of pre-season.