Chelsea recorded their first win of the season in the Champions League as they beat Benfica 1-0, and The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings for the victory.
Enzo Maresca got the better of Jose Mourinho in his own Stamford Bridge return, despite a number of his big names not starting the game.
As well as the injured Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, the likes of Reece James, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro all started the game on the bench.
It was the two starting wingers who helped unlock the door for Chelsea, with Pedro Neto’s cross and Alejandro Garnacho’s cutback forcing a Richard Rios own goal.
Chelsea will feel as if they haven’t put their strongest performance in to get the three points, but The Chelsea Chronicle have picked out a number of positive displays that are worth highlighting.
Chelsea player ratings vs Benfica
Robert Sanchez: 7/10
The opening moments were certainly not quiet for Robert Sanchez, and he made a good save at his near post to stop his side from going behind early on.
Malo Gusto: 6/10
Starting in favour of Reece James, Malo Gusto had a relatively quiet game as far as attacking output goes, with him rightfully acknowledging how impressive the winger in front of him was playing.
Trevoh Chalobah: 6/10
Already in the knowledge he is suspended for the game against Liverpool, Trevoh Chalobah enjoyed a relatively routine outing this time around for the Blues.
Benoit Badiashile: 6/10
A first start since the Club World Cup for Benoit Badiashile saw him very comfortable in possession as Chelsea had the lion’s Share of the ball, whilst also alert to any danger in the left channel.
Marc Cucurella: 8/10
Marc Cucurella was at his intense best on the left, frequently cropping up in good areas in attack to support on the wing too.
Moises Caicedo: 7/10
A quiet game in terms of big incidents normally indicates a strong outing for Moises Caicedo, and his first Champions League game at Stamford Bridge proved no different, as he commanded the middle of the park as usual.
Enzo Fernandez: 8/10
Showed why he had the armband in Reece James’ absence. Enzo Fernandez brought composure, determination and individual brilliance to a very inexperienced Chelsea side.
Faced with adversity and a hostile reception from his supporters, the World Cup winner showed his class on the big stage.
Pedro Neto: 9/10
Player of the match for Chelsea for sure. Pedro Neto completely won the battle up against Samuel Dahl, allowing him plenty of freedom in the attacking areas.
Facundo Buonanotte: 6/10
Facundo Buonanotte enjoyed a neat outing before being replaced early in the second half.
The Argentine may not be the most exciting name for Chelsea fans on the teamsheet, but he looks as if he is going to be a capable deputy this season.
Alejandro Garnacho: 7/10
A really bright outing for Alejandro Garnacho in his first Champions League start for Chelsea, with his cutback forcing the first-half own goal.
In a time where Maresca is desperately looking for someone to nail down a place on the left of attack, the former Manchester United man delivered at Stamford Bridge.
Tyrique George: 4/10
Struggled to influence the game in the first half especially in the unfamiliar striker position, Tyrique George continued to show he is not the ideal answer to their attacking woes.
Estevao Willian: 6/10
A few nice touches from Estevao Willian in his second half cameo lit up a deflated Chelsea crowd, with him being given the creative role in the number 10.
Joao Pedro: 4/10
Gave Chelsea a focal point up front that had been missing in the first half, however an unnecessary red card Joao Pedro tonight will see him suspended against Ajax.
Jamie Gittens: 5/10
Chelsea fans are still very much waiting to see the best out of Jamie Gittens, who looks as if he is now behind Garnacho in the pecking order on the left.
Josh Acheampong: N/A
Reece James: N/A
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