Marc Guiu made his first competitive start in Chelsea colours during Thursday night’s win over Servette, but he’s likely to remember the game for all the wrong reasons.
Chelsea recorded a 2-0 home victory against Servette yesterday in the first leg of a Conference League play-off tie. Therefore, they’ll travel to Switzerland next week for the second leg with a healthy aggregate advantage.
Christopher Nkunku’s goal broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with his penalty kick. Afterwards, substitute Noni Madueke fired in a great goal to double the advantage and give the Blues one foot in the Conference League group stages.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca made nine changes to his starting line-up versus Servette, which included Marc Guiu coming into the XI. The 18-year-old striker led the line in the European fixture and lasted just under an hour.
Speaking recently via Chelsea’s official website, Guiu admitted he’s not set a goal target this season. He’s going to be left baffled that he didn’t get on the scoresheet this week, though.
Enzo Maresca on Marc Guiu miss
Unfortunately, Guiu’s under the spotlight after he missed an absolute sitter in front of goal.
The teenage centre-forward, who pressed tirelessly throughout, did so well at one stage to steal possession off the goalkeeper and run through at open goal. However, when it seemed inevitable he’d score his first Chelsea goal, his scuffed shot at an empty net allowed the keeper enough time to get back and save it.
The Blues head coach offered some encouraging words for his young striker after the Servette tie.
When asked what he said to Guiu after his miss, Maresca said via Football.London: “I said to him that he probably doesn’t like easy goals, he likes difficult goals! For me, it is very normal. He is [born in] 2006. He is the youngest one in the squad.
“The way he works off the ball, he runs a lot, he presses. It doesn’t matter, he is going to score.”
Marc Guiu stats against Servette
FotMob data has provided the match statistics from Guiu’s individual performance versus Servette, which actually highlights he did a lot of good things on the pitch.
- Match rating – 7.1
- Minutes played – 58
- Shots – 3
- Shots on target – 3/3 (100%)
- Big chances missed – 1
- Chances created – 2
- Total passes – 9/11 (82%)
- Successful dribbles – 0/1
- Touches in opposition box – 1
- Tackles won – 1/1 (100%)
Ultimately, the early signs of Guiu’s Blues career suggest he’s lacking in the finishing department, which is what attackers are judged on. Let’s remember that he’s still only 18, though!
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
