Chelsea player ratings vs Servette: Two flops give Maresca familiar problem | Football | Sport
Chelsea survived a late scare to book their place in the UEFA Conference League league phase as Enzo Maresca‘s side lost 2-1 to Servette, but progressed 3-2 on aggregate. The Italian fielded a much-changed Blues side with Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo among the key players rested, but two players in particular struggled.
The west London outfit took a 2-0 lead to Switzerland after their professional display at Stamford Bridge. But in the noisy Stade de Geneve arena, it would prove to be a different test for Enzo Maresca.
Christopher Nkunku made no mistake from the spot to put the visitors in control, but a defensive lapse allowed Jeremy Guillemenot to fire the Swiss outfit level at the interval. Servette’s Enzo Crivelli ensured a grandstand finish with a fine header, but a nervy Chelsea side held on.
Express Sport runs the rule over the Chelsea players’ performances after an intriuging first half in Geneva.
Filip Jorgensen 5/10
Out of nowhere, the Norwegian was picking the ball out of his net after a quiet first half and he could do nothing to stop the opener. The second was less convincing, although he made a smart stop to deny Antunes at 1-1.
Axel Disasi 4/10
Brushed off transfer speculation to make his first start under the new boss and looked solid enough in dealing with Antunes. But when he was required to cut out Servette’s attack, he refused to take the booking and Chelsea paid the price.
Tosin Adarabioyo 5/10
With every game he looks more settled at the back and he certainly appears more comfortable being the third of the centre-backs in possession.
Benoit Badiashile 4/10
Earned himself an unnecessary booking to put him on the edge and lost his marker Guillemenot for the Servette equaliser. Levi Colwill won’t be feeling threatened about his place.
Renato Veiga 6/10
The 20-year-old is gradually working himself into Maresca’s thoughts and looked assured in playing the left-back/central hybrid role often occupied by Marc Cucurella.
Enzo Fernandez 6/10
The Argentinian was unlucky to see his 25-yard thunderbolt tipped wide by Frick and assumed his job as the midfield dictator alongside Veiga. But defensively, he still has a big improvement to make to play in the double pivot. Rested on the hour.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6/10
The £30m summer signing is still finding his feet in his system despite playing under Maresca. A tad awkward in managing his deployment as a left-sided No 10 alongside Mudryk.
Noni Madueke 6/10
Fresh off his first England international call-up and a hat-trick against Wolves, the winger didn’t have his best game on the right as Servette doubled up against him and missed a golden chance. Given a rest after being replaced by George.
Christopher Nkunku 7/10
Surprised to see him benched on Sunday, but the Frenchman responded by taking full creative responsibility, demanding the ball in possession. As he did in the second leg, the £60million man smashed home.
Mykhaylo Mudryk 7/10
Had a point to prove after he was hooked at half time by Maresca at the weekend, and his alertness to react to Veiga’s long ball forward was crucial in winning the penalty for Nkunku to convert. Wasteful in the first half, Mudryk was more involved in the second and went on a lung-busting 80-yard run before seeing his effort saved. An improved display all in all.
Marc Guiu 5/10
Another opportunity for the 18-year-old to prove himself after missing a few gilt-edged chances in the first leg. But aside from his relentless pressing and a neat pass for Madueke, he was probably the least involved of the Chelsea XI. Brought off for Jackson.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (on 62′) 7/10
The 18-year-old was handed his debut and wasted no time in taking full advantage, taking on defenders with direct dribbling.
Moises Caicedo (on 62′) 6/10
The Ecuadorian took some time to get into the game as Servette moved from strength to strength.
Nicolas Jackson (on 62′) 5/10
Looked lively on the ball but wasteful in the final third. Booked.
Cole Palmer (on 72′) 7/10
Replaced Mudryk and showed his class, unlucky to hit the bar.
