CHELSEA breezed past lesser opposition as they thrashed Belgian champions Gent 4-2 in the Uefa Conference League tonight.
Enzo Maresca‘s side continue to impress this season, and did it without the help of Cole Palmer this evening – who has been left out of their Conference League squad.
It was a night of firsts for the Blues as they played their first ever full Conference League game and two players got their first goal for the club.
Both Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the back of the net for the first time since the arriving in SW6.
While Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku also found the back of the net in front of a calm Stamford Bridge crowd.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated every Chelsea performance for the win…
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Confident with his feet, did not have a lot to do with his hands. Absolutely blameless for both Gent goals, let down by defence.
Axel Disasi – 5
Little to do in first half. Ball into channel led to Chelsea’s second, but first Gent goal was not the last time the Blues looked short on the right.
Renato Veiga – 7
Excellent header for the opener. Comfortable inverting into midfield, hitting some good passes, but lost man for Gent’s second.
6
Tosin Adarabioyo – 5
Caught out for Gent’s best first-half chance and nowhere to be seen when the Belgians pulled one back. Weirdly, looked otherwise comfortable.
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Benoit Badiashile – 5
Shocking first half of poor passes and mistakes which could have been punished. Better after break, but Levi Colwill won’t be losing any sleep.
Cesare Casadei – 6
Frustrated Maresca at times, but also improved as time went on. Apart from his comedy overhead kick attempt, that is.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Gave the ball away in a shaky start, but grew into the game and delighted boss Enzo Maresca by poaching Chelsea’s fourth.
6
Pedro Neto – 7
After struggling for end product in the first half, delivered an excellent finish to double Chelsea’s lead and his confidence visibly increased
6
Joao Felix – 6
Faded after a lively start. Plenty of neat touches but nothing decisive, as if he knows he has no chance of displacing Cole Palmer.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Had the beating of the Gent right back all night long. Great cross from right for opening goal but could not quite find another killer pass.
Christopher Nkunku – 6
Barely had a kick in the first half, looking lost. Ended the frustration by blasting in Chelsea’s third and celebrated with a balloon.
6
Subs
Marc Guiu (for Nkunku 80′) – 5
Fired wide from a narrowish angle.
Tyrique George (for Neto 80′) – 5
Had little chance to show what he could do
