ENZO MARESCA saw his Chelsea side held to a draw by League One Wrexham in his first game in charge.
The Blues began their pre-season tour of America with a draw which showed just how much the Italian still has to work on to get his style in place.
Having created a couple of half-chances, Chelsea took the lead on 35 minutes through Christopher Nkunku.
Reece James’ corner was cleared to youngster Tyrique George, whose shot struck fellow academy graduate Levi Colwill – who had already been embroiled in a bust-up with James McLean after just two minutes.
The loose ball fell to Nkunku, who whipped it home to score the first goal of the Maresca era.
Leading at the break, the Italian made ten changes – leaving only Carney Chukwuemeka on the pitch.
But the Blues conceded an equaliser not long after the restart, when Seb Revan’s low cross was allowed to run across the whole box before Luke Bolton finished at the far post.
Having changed the entire back line, there were struggles playing out from the back and the Blues were caught in their own half for the leveller, and again for a second on 71 minutes.
Jack Marriott win the ball from Josh Achaepong before being played in by Sam Dalby and finishing excellently into the far corner.
Maresca was spared an opening defeat when, eight minutes from time, Lesley Ugochukwu grabbed an equaliser, rolling low into the corner following a layoff from Armando Broja.
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Did not have much to do but made a smart save from James McClean at his near post and was brave in terms of how far from his goal he strayed on the ball.
Managed not to get sent off or injured which, given his goal of simply being able to play, must go down as a success.
Looked impressive in the new inverted role, stepping into midfield, while he also looked fit and sharp on the ball – all very encouraging for Blues fans desperate to see more of their captain.
Brought in for his ability on the ball and completed 58 of his 60 attempted passes while looking largely untroubled defensively.
Had a good chance to get the opener which he didn’t quite catch.
Looked solid enough at the back as the Blues settle into Maresca’s new system.
Started a fight with McClean inside three minutes and dominated at the back during the first half.
Composed and astute on the ball going forwards too.
His 45 minutes mean the former Southampton midfielder has already played more football for Chelsea this season than last.
Without really catching the eye he looked neat on the ball and comfortable alongside James.
The only player to play both halves having impressed Maresca in training during pre-season, the midfielder linked well with both Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling.
A much better pre-season than last year’s already – given he picked up a near season-ending injury a year ago.
Right place at the right time for the finish, but managed to put it away and start on a high.
Tried to cause problems down the right but never really quiet got anything going, wasted a good chance trying to move onto his left foot when a shot with the right was the only option.
Showed plenty of willing to do the hard work when it came to leading the line but will need time to gain some composure on the ball.
A bright start for the 18-year-old, who has never made a senior appearance for the Blues.
Showed plenty of confidence on the ball, always trying to beat his man, and was direct and positive in his play.
Not a lot he could have done with either goal, didn’t look quite as comfortable as Sanchez with the ball at his feet.
It felt like the inverted role rather robbed Gusto of his ability to charge forwards and make a difference – came alive in the final third on a couple of occasions.
Brought on the tour ahead of Trevoh Chalobah, the young defender twice lost the ball after charging forward from the back – the second time resulting in Marriott’s goal.
Showed bravery on the ball under pressure at times, but was also a little loose in possession on other occasions.
Each game is a small building step for the defender after such a rough run with injuries.
Rather on the fringes for the most part, did not sense the danger for Wrexham’s first goal and offered little going forwards.
Got in a lot of trouble for the Wrexham equaliser, caught on the ball too easily in midfield before failing to put pressure on or challenge Revan as he whipped in the cross.
Redeemed himself with a cool low finish for Chelsea’s second.
Largely anonymous in midfield during a second half in which Chelsea struggled for any sustained period of control.
Came into the game late on with a couple of crosses but offered too little for an attacking player.
Worked a good early effort which was stopped by Arthur Okonkwo, and caused plenty of problems with direct runs down the left.
Did get an assist for Chelsea’s second but it felt like the only time the striker touched the ball.
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.
Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.
Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.
Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.
Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.
Reported injured: Petrovic
Left out: Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.
