Mason
Mount scored twice in the second half as Chelsea edged Reading 4-3 in a
thrilling pre-season friendly.
Mount, 20, played under new manager Frank Lampard on loan at Derby last
season, and has impressed in recent weeks, becoming Chelsea's top scorer in
pre-season.
The kick-off was delayed 15 minutes due to fan congestion, as Lampard chose
a strong team including new signing Christian Pulisic.
After striking the post through a Liam Moore header, Championship side
Reading took the lead as Josh Barrett lobbed Willy Caballero having seen his
initial effort blocked by Davide Zappacosta.
Chelsea's starting XI
Caballero, Zappacosta, Christensen, Tomori, Alonso, Drinkwater, Bakayoko,
Pulisic, Barkley, Kenedy, Giroud
Chelsea reacted with a fine goal of their own as Ross Barkley struck an
unstoppable free kick past Joao Virginia, before Kenedy's hopeful long-range
shot took a deflection off Omar Richards and wrong-footed Virginia.
There were 20 changes at half time, but the goals kept coming as Michael
Morrison tapped home for 2-2, before both sides struck the woodwork through
David Luiz and Teddy Howe respectively.
Mount then got his first, driving past Sam Walker after good work from Tammy
Abraham, and then moments later got another as Walker's clearance hit Michy
Batshuayi, allowing Mount to round off a fine day.
Reading halved the deficit through Sam Baldock with 20 minutes remaining,
but Chelsea held on.
Lampard: We can improve
Speaking after the game, Frank Lampard told Sky Sports News that the
ovations here received from Chelsea fans brought a great feeling, but he is
determined to get to work with two weeks until they travel to Manchester
United in their first Premier League game on August 11, live on Sky Sports
at 4.30pm.
"It's real and it feels great. I appreciate the support I personally get,
it's great to be back, they know that, this is my club and it was a great
feeling today But I am very determined to get to work.
"There were good performances all over the pitch. We're getting to a stage
now where the fitness is good.
"It's two weeks, the clock is ticking. The good from today was very good,
but there are some things we can improve on."
Chelsea pre-season
May 16: New England Revolution 3-0 Chelsea
July 10: Bohemians 1-1 Chelsea
July 13: St Patrick's Athletic 0-4 Chelsea
July 19: Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 Chelsea
July 23: Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea
July 28: Reading 3-4 Chelsea
July 31: Red Bull Salzburg - Red Bull Arena, Salzburg
August 3: Borussia Monchengladbach - Borussia Park, Germany
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