Chelsea kicked off their Conference League campaign with a victory against Servette, so let’s look at the winners and losers from the European fixture.
Chelsea have got to advance through a two-legged play-off tie with Servette before entering the Conference League group stages.
The Blues recorded a 2-0 home win on Thursday night, so they’ll take a healthy aggregate lead to Switzerland next Thursday for the second leg.
One potential worry is that Cole Palmer was spotted limping off after his cameo performance versus Servette. However, head coach Enzo Maresca explained Palmer is fine after post-match checks, as quoted by Football London.
Winners from Servette match
First up, let’s look at the four players that came out of Thursday’s win in a positive way…
Noni Madueke
There’s no doubt that Noni Madueke can be delighted with how last night went. He only came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, but that was more than enough time for him to make an impact and statement.
The right-winger scored Chelsea’s second goal with a powerful right-footed finish into the roof of the net.
Many have been questioning why he was unused in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League opener after an eye-catching pre-season, but he bided his time well to impress against Servette.
We expect fans will be calling for Madueke to get plenty more minutes in the coming weeks, providing he stays amid speculation about his future. In fairness, Maresca said last night he wants to keep Madueke, as quoted by Football London.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea this summer on a free transfer, made his competitive debut for his new club at home to Servette. He certainly ticked a lot of boxes with his solid performance, too.
He was named in the starting line-up as one of the centre-backs, slotting into the heart of a back three when the Blues had possession.
Tosin looked the most comfortable on the ball in the hosts’ backline. On top of that, he made several decent defensive actions as well.
FotMob data recorded that Tosin had more touches (144) and more successful passes (125) than any other player on the pitch in Chelsea’s win over Servette.
Filip Jorgensen
Next, Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen should be very satisfied by his night’s work.
The shot-stopper was another individual who came in for his competitive club debut, which looked extremely assured and tidy in such a key position.
Chelsea fans agreed Jorgensen was superb against Servette, so let’s see if he can force his way into the number one position.
He made a couple of strong saves, plus looked very comfortable in possession
Renato Veiga
Finally, summer signing Renato Veiga caught the eye again during his first start for Chelsea.
The left-back, who inverted into midfield when in possession, put in a pretty commanding performance for the Blues.
At the age of 21, he’s very physically commanding on the pitch, and he certainly throws himself into challenges, much to the delight of supporters inside the ground.
It’s going to be interesting to watch his battle with Marc Cucurella unfold for the left-back spot.
Losers from Servette game
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a perfect night for every player in the Chelsea squad. Here is a look at three possible losers after yesterday…
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mykhailo Mudryk didn’t make the most of his first start against Servette. He got the full 90 minutes to try impress in his favoured left wing position, but he regularly ran down a dark alley with his lack of end product.
Mudryk wasted his chance to impress in the Conference League, so we’d be surprised if he’s in line to play in Sunday’s league trip to Wolves.
The speedster needs to seize every moment he’s on the pitch due to the competition within the squad, but it feels like he may be heading down the pecking order.
Marc Guiu
There’s so much to admire about Marc Guiu the player because he works his socks off and leads the line with real enthusiasm. However, the young striker let himself down against Servette with a lack of composure in front of goal.
He could’ve scored in the first few minutes when he went round the goalkeeper but couldn’t stay on his feet. Afterwards, he missed a massive opportunity to score when he shot towards an empty net, but his scuffed effort allowed the keeper enough time to get back.
Chelsea fans really like what they’re seeing from Guiu with his all-round application, but how many more chances will get when he’s showing this lack of composure in front of goal?
- READ MORE: Enzo Maresca shares what he told Chelsea striker Marc Guiu after he missed big chance vs Servette
Robert Sanchez
Finally, Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was perhaps the biggest loser last night without playing a minute of football.
The Spanish keeper started in-between the sticks against Man City last weekend, so it looks like he’s the first-choice option under Maresca. However, the performance of teammate Jorgensen in net against Servette should unnerve him.
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