CHELSEA remained at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heidenheim.
Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk got on the scoreheet as the Bundesliga side gave them their toughest test so far in the Conference League.
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The Blues were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes but were far better after a half-time team talk from Enzo Maresca.
Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea performances.
Filip Jorgensen – 9
He will feel he should be taking Robert Sanchez’s No1 shirt. Made 11 saves in the game.
A simply brilliant save to deny Paul Wanner at 0-0 and produced a stunning double stop as Heidenheim pushed for an equaliser.
Very composed with the ball at his feet.
Axel Disasi – 6
One or two dodgy moments and lapses of concentration.
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Produced the front-foot defending Maresca demands to win the ball back high up the pitch for Chelsea‘s opener.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 7
Made progressive passes between the lines to the midfielders excellently. Was vital to moving the ball up the pitch beyond the German side’s high press.
Missed a huge chance to score from a set-piece just before half-time.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Yellow card in the first minute for a cynical foul set the tone for his display.
Not a very convincing performance. Another who had lapses of concentration.
Renato Veiga – 7
Played the inverted left-back role once again. Really understands a demanding position. Has the technical ability when on the ball and the intelligence when to move back into defence.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Good performance. Picked some excellent passes and swung in dangerous crosses.
Wasted a big chance to score a second for Chelsea.
Cesare Casadei – 5
Far too many sideways or backwards passes. Worked hard defensively to keep Wanner quiet.
Was sent off for two yellows seconds from the end of the game.
Jadon Sancho – 8
Did not do much in the first-half but picked Nkunku out well for the goal.
Then continued to be a threat down the right and set up Mudryk‘s goal.
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Christopher Nkunku – 7
Probably tried to be too clever with a chance in the first-half, trying to unnecessarily chip goalkeeper Kevin Muller.
But then showed his talent by going on a sensational run through challenges and forcing a save.
He kept getting into great positions and took his goal incredibly well with a brilliant first touch and calm finish.
Also missed a chance to bag another goal.
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Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Worked incredibly hard defensively and dribbled forward with purpose.
Finished brilliantly into the top corner to wrap up the points.
Marc Guiu – 6
Had four chances in the opening stages, scuffing the first three and rushing the fourth.
But the 18-year-old worked incredibly hard and got into good positions.
Subs:
Joao Felix (62 minutes, for Guiu) – 6
Perhaps rested for the weekend.
Carney Chukwuemeka (75 minutes, Nkunku) – 6
Did not do much after coming on.
Tyrique George (90 minutes, Sancho) – N/A
Samuel Rak-Sakyi (90 minutes, Dewsbury-Hall) – N/A
