Chelsea earned their first competitive win under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 triumph over Swiss side Servette in the Conference League play-off first leg.
The Blues were booed off by a section of the fanbase after a frustrating first half at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku provided the breakthrough in the second half after picking himself up to score from the spot, having been brought down by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt provides his player ratings from the play-off first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for Chelsea after they were frustrated in the first half
Nkunku scored from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Servette’s goalkeeper
Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Chelsea’s second in the play-off first leg
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Busier than he perhaps expected to be. But they were all largely routine saves and he’ll have been glad to see a clean sheet through.
Axel Disasi – 6.5
Filled in at right back and largely limited Servette’s threat, much of which came down the opposite wing. A solid display.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
The more composed of the Chelsea centre backs but it’s obvious he’s still settling into new surroundings. A work in progress but one you can see becoming a routine starter once Maresca trims the fat on this first team squad.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Got away with an erroneous back-pass in the first half and looked shaky after a bright start. Needs to show much more composure when playing out from the back to be trusted in this new-look system.
Renato Veiga – 6.5
Helped to give Chelsea an extra man in midfield by stepping up from left back when in possession. Needs to take more risks with his passing, particular at home against ‘lesser’ opposition.
Tosin Adarabioyo was composed but is still settling into his new surroundings at Chelsea
Moises Caicedo was named as Chelsea captain for the first time on his 50th appearance
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressed and played a key role in Chelsea winning the penalty
Moises Caicedo – 5
Game completely passed him by. For a British record £115million, who was wearing the captain’s armband, you expect and require so much more. Imperative he starts to stamp his influence on matches if Chelsea are to make much noise this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7.5
Always tried to make something happen and his energy saw him win the ball back high to tee up Nkunku, who won a penalty which put Chelsea in front. Looks more comfortable in an advanced role than playing deeper alongside Caicedo. MOTM.
Pedro Neto – 6
His change of pace proved so explosive down the right. Showed glimpses of his talent but his final ball needs some refinement. Was among the first to be taken off when Maresca rang the changes.
Christopher Nkunku – 6.5
The second survivor from the loss to Man City. Put a nightmare first half behind him to win and score the penalty that put Chelsea ahead. Chelsea fans will hope that goal can give him lift-off heading into the weekend against Wolves.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 4.5
Very wasteful, so much so that Enzo Maresca lost patience with him in the first half as he bellowed instructions. Has lightning pace but his decision making leaves you scratching your head constantly. You do wonder if he’ll ever be able to piece it all together in England.
Marc Guiu – 3.5
Almost scored after two minutes when rounding the goalkeeper, only to run out of grass. Later missed an open goal following a smart press on a nervy goalkeeper. Doesn’t look ready. Would benefit hugely from a loan move.
Mykhailo Mudryk was so wasteful that Marseca lost patience with him in the second half
Nkunku kept his composure from the spot to put Chelsea ahead early in the second half
Marc Guiu failed to keep his when presented the young forward missed an open goal
MANAGER: Enzo Maresca – 6
Made nine changes, only for the players to be booed off at half-time. His substitutions worked after a flat start. He is trying to trim this bloated squad – and is exiling players away from the main group to do so – but based on what he saw here, he’s still got so much work to do.
SUBS
Enzo Fernandez (for Marc Guiu, 58) – 7
Cole Palmer (for Christopher Nkunku, 58) – 6.5
Noni Madueke (for Pedro Neto, 57) – 7
Malo Gusto (for Axel Disasi, 78) – 6
Romeo Lavia (for Moises Caicedo, 84) – 6
Servette XI: Frick 4.5; Tsunemoto 6, Rouiller 5.5, Severin 5, Mazikou 5.5; Douline 6 (Magnin 69), Ondoua 6, Cognat 5.5 (Ouattara 85); Stevanovic 7 (Antunes 61), Kutesa 7 (Von Moos 69); Crivelli 6 (Guillemenot 61)
Referee: Mr Jeremie Pignard – 7.5
