CHELSEA made it through to the group stage of the Europa Conference League by the skin of their teeth.
The Blues went into the second leg of their qualifier for Europe’s tertiary club competition leading Swiss side FC Servette 2-0 on aggregate.
Christopher Nkunku appeared to kill the tie from the penalty spot 14 minutes into the match.
But Jeremy Guilleme’s neat finish in the 32nd minute breathed new life into Servette’s bid to overturn the first-leg deficit.
And Enzo Crivelli set up a nervy finish in the 72nd minute with a stunning header that fired them into a 2-1 lead.
But the Blues held firm to avoid conceding a fatal third goal that would’ve handed them an embarrassing exit.
And SunSport is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Enzo Maresca‘s troops.
Had very little to do other than pick the ball out of the net when Guilleme and Crivelli struck.
Made a couple of routine saves either side of half-time and commanded his box well during the few set pieces he had to deal with.
Was solid for large portions of the match but allowed Dereck Kutesa to breeze past him too easily in the build-up to Guilleme’s goal.
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A steady Eddie when called upon. Put himself about when needed and showcased great positional awareness throughout the match.
Looked a more reassured figure and showcased better positional awareness than he has done since his return from injury.
A quiet night at the office as he struggled to stamp any authority on the game – despite the Blues’ early dominance of the midfield.
Anchored the midfield well and was positionally sound. It’s early days yet, but he looks to be a solid addition to the squad.
Forced a fine save from the Servette keeper early in the first half with a long-range drive. But he was also guilty of allowing Kutesa to ghost past him in the build-up to Servette’s first goal.
Got himself in dangerous positions on numerous occasions but let himself down with poor first touches.
Was a constant threat from the outset and made several intelligent runs in behind.
Made no mistake from the penalty spot but should’ve doubled his and Chelsea‘s haul in the 34th minute.
Won the first-half penalty by ghosting in on the defender’s blindside as the ball became loose in the box.
But other than that, and an average finish after a neat breakaway in the 52nd minute, he was an anonymous figure.
Was seldom on the ball but wasn’t wasteful with possession when he had it. In fairness to the teenager, he wasn’t given the best service.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Thought he’d put the Blues back on level terms not long after Crivelli’s strike but was – as he’s so often been during his Chelsea career – offside.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Was brought on to sure up the midfield but offered very little in terms of the defensive shield Maresca wanted him to be.
Tyrique George – 6
The teen failed to make any sort of impact in the time given to him by his manager. But in his defence, the Blues were very much on the ropes when he came on in the second half.
Cole Palmer – 6
Oozed quality when he came on late in the second half. Should have levelled the scores in the 82nd minute but somehow hit the crossbar when it looked easier to score.
