CHELSEA fans can breathe a sigh of relief after tube strikes scheduled to take place during their Conference League clash against FC Noah were axed.
The Blues continue their European campaign by welcoming the Armenian outfit to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.
Fans planning to travel to Stamford Bridge via the London Underground had been warned to find an alternative route.
That’s because the Aslef union, who represent around 2,000 tube drivers, had planned for their members to go on strike this Thursday.
This would have meant that no Underground trains would have been running ahead of and after the match.
Fans will be left relieved, however, after Aslef axed strikes following an agreement with Transport for London.
Aslef chief Finn Brennan said: “Following on fresh talks and an improved offer, ASLEF has agreed to suspend planned industrial action on London Underground.
“Details of the offer will be discussed with our reps at a meeting on Thursday. We are pleased that this progress has been made and strike action averted at this time.”
The Blues have won both of their Conference League fixtures this season.
On Matchday One they overcame Belgian side Genk 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.
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While last time out they won 4-1 at Panathinaikos.
Noah, meanwhile, go into the match having won one and lost one in their two matches in this season’s competition thus far.
Chelsea are hoping to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Moises Caicedo’s superb strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty to earn a point.
Levi Colwill hailed his goalscoring team-mate after the match.
The defender said: “It was definitely huge. You’ve got two ways to react, you either put your head down or you get on with it and try to get the equalising goal, which obviously we did.
“Moi is an amazing player and we’ve got so many of them that, when you’re struggling in a game or when you’re not scoring, they pull out that magic.
“We’ve been behind already this season and we know you’ve got to react fast.
“We know we’re a good team, we believe we’re going to create more chances to score no matter the time in the game.”
CHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.
Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.
But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.
Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…
Robert Sanchez – 3
Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.
That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.
His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.
Malo Gusto – 2
Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.
Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.
Wesley Fofana – 6
A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.
Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.
Levi Colwill – 6
That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.
For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.
Reece James – 5
Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.
More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.
Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.
Moises Caicedo – 9
Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.
Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.
Romeo Lavia – 8
Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.
Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.
Noni Madueke – 6
Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.
Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.
Cole Palmer – 7
In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.
Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.
Pedro Neto – 5
Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.
Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.
Nicolas Jackson – 5
Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.
Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.
In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.
Subs
Marc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5
A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4
Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.
Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2
Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.
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