Premier Division
Date: 26 October 2052
Venue: Robin Friday Park, Reading
Attendance: 44,130
Clinical Chelsea Take Control
Chelsea extended their winning streak to four consecutive league victories with a composed and professional 2–0 win away to Reading. The result sees Calin Dimario’s side go top of the Premier Division table, and once again, it was Netanel Sahar who proved decisive — scoring both goals and continuing his sharp run of form.
Coming into this fixture off the back of a 3–0 win against APOEL in midweek, Chelsea looked in control from the outset. Despite Reading enjoying 57% of the possession, they failed to turn that into meaningful opportunities, recording just 0.21 xG across the 90 minutes. Chelsea, meanwhile, were surgical. Every foray forward felt dangerous — none more so than when Sahar received the ball in the 22nd minute and buried it low into the bottom corner following an incisive team move, assisted by Zain Whatmough.
Sahar: Finding Form, Fueling Chelsea
This was another reminder of Sahar’s importance. Having made his return from a loan spell at RB Leipzig in the summer, his reintegration has been seamless. Since opening his Chelsea account in the Community Shield against Manchester United, Sahar has delivered regularly — scoring penalties, headers, and poacher’s finishes alike. His brace against Reading brings him to six goals in his last six appearances across all competitions.
The Israeli international’s movement was again exceptional. For his second goal, in the 36th minute, he peeled off his marker, found the half-space between Reading’s centre-backs, and lashed home a second after another clever layoff from Whatmough. VAR briefly delayed the celebrations, but the goal stood — rightly so — and Chelsea never looked back.
Midfield Control, Defensive Discipline
José Francisco Landeira and José Franco anchored midfield, completing a combined 170 passes at over 87% accuracy. Though the headlines will go to Sahar, it’s the consistency of players like Landeira — fresh off his player of the match display against APOEL — that’s helping Chelsea maintain their level. Landeira continues to grow in influence with every performance, keeping Chelsea ticking and supporting transitions with aplomb.
Defensively, Civzelis and Quiroga snuffed out Reading’s few counters with confidence. Mohamed Risvi had little to do between the posts but remained sharp when required. It was a controlled performance from front to back — the kind title challengers build their season on.
Whatmough’s Creation Continues
Zain Whatmough was once again at his creative best, finishing the game with two assists and three key passes. His chemistry with Sahar continues to develop into one of the most productive attacking partnerships in the league. With his ability to drag defenders wide, commit markers, and deliver the final ball, Whatmough is consistently unlocking doors that seem bolted shut.
Man of the Match
Netanel Sahar (Chelsea)
Rating: 8.4
Goals: 2
Shots: 7
xG: 1.58
Passes Completed: 28/32 (88%)
Touches in Box: 11
Match Stats
- Shots: Reading 4 – 19 Chelsea
- xG: Reading 0.21 – 2.69 Chelsea
- Possession: Reading 57% – 43% Chelsea
- Pass Accuracy: Reading 92% – 88% Chelsea
- Corners: Reading 3 – 10 Chelsea
What’s Next?
Chelsea’s next test will be at home as they host Valencia in the UEFA Champions League. Calin Dimario’s men currently top their group, and momentum is clearly on their side. Sahar, Whatmough, and Landeira look undroppable — and the depth on display suggests Chelsea are primed to compete deep into the season.
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By WorldSport UK Editorial Team