Watch: Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech misses open goal vs Newcastle
Hakim Ziyech missed a glorious opportunity to kickstart his stuttering Chelsea career during the 3-0 win at Newcastle on Saturday, managing to blaze the ball over the bar with the goal gaping.
Ziyech was handed a rare chance in the Premier League starting XI for Chelsea, as they scored three second-half goals to open up a gap over title challengers Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Morocco international has made just two starts in the league this season and was presented with the ideal chance to regain his form after 34 minutes at St James’ Park.
A low cross from Reece James came to Ziyech, via the boot of Kai Havertz, but the 28-year-old could not guide the ball home from close range.
In truth, the chance looked harder than it first appeared and Ziyech would not have seen the ball until late – but he still would have expected himself to score.
When asked about him recently, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told reporters: “He needs time and patience to fight his way back into the team, that’s the way it is.
“Looking for a spot, while he was out, okay, some other guys performed, he’s one of our players and we will never lose the trust and never lose patience with him, he will stay an important player I’m sure.”
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