Chelsea seized control of their two-legged European semi-final with a big victory in Sweden on Thursday night.
The Blues recorded a 4-1 away win over Djurgarden in the first leg of the Conference League semi-final tie. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson (two) were all on the scoresheet for the Premier League giants.
As a result, Enzo Maresca’s side has one foot in the final, but the second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge in seven days.
Chelsea’s players were concerned about the artificial pitch that they played on against Djurgarden, but aside from a few bobbles, it didn’t appear to have too much impact on the contest.
Jason Cundy raves about Noni Madueke
Even though he only played the first half, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke earned rave reviews from Jason Cundy for his individual performance versus Djurgarden.
The 23-year-old right-winger scored his team’s second goal with a trademark left-footed finish into the bottom corner, which was the highlight in a lively display from him. However, he was one of four players substituted off at half time as Maresca shuffled his pack.
Cundy said via Chelsea’s official app (8:45pm, 1 May): “All of a sudden, Noni Madueke appears from nowhere, left foot, and guides it towards that near post. Just slots it home comfortably. The goalkeeper has got no chance. Lovely finish, nice and composed. That’s the second goal we deserve. He’s played well, Noni. He’s had a big involvement in this game. He’s looked threatening.”
Cundy later added (8:53pm): “He’s threatened on that right-hand side. He’s direct. The one thing I love about Noni is he’s direct, and he’ll take you on. He’s quick. He’s strong. He’s a physical presence. When he goes past you, he stays past you.”
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 36 | 11 | 5 |
Madueke continued a decent season in Chelsea colours with another goal contribution this week, netting for the third time in the Conference League.
The £29m attacker (Sky Sports) is silently enjoying a strong campaign by providing a decent threat in the final third. Like Cundy referenced, he’s so direct and exploits his physical attributes with great accelration.
Chelsea fans enjoyed Noni Madueke on the left wing when he starred in that role last weekend in the Everton victory. However, the England international was back in his preferred position as the right-winger in Europe, where he’s so dangerous cutting infield to his stronger foot.
The statistics from Noni Madueke’s first-half show vs Djurgarden
Madueke showed enough in his Conference League display to suggest he’ll be in the starting XI for Sunday’s important Premier League fixture at home to Liverpool.
The Djurgarden backline certainly had a tough time against the winger before his substitution.
| Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Chances created | Big chances missed | Touches in opposition box | Match rating |
| 45 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7.7 |
It’s been reported that Newcastle United are interested in signing Noni Madueke ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, we think it would be insane to consider selling the Englishman because he’s definitely improving and growing in stature at Chelsea.
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