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.
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.
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.
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.
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
