‘Played very well’: Paul Merson says 21-year-old Chelsea star was ‘outstanding’ in Carabao Cup win

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Paul Merson was really impressed by Noni Madueke’s performance in the Chelsea win against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea secured a 2-1 win last night against League Two side AFC Wimbledon, but they had to come from behind to avoid a cup upset.

Noni Madueke’s penalty on the stroke of half time levelled the tie. The 21-year-old attacker took the spot-kick he won after drawing a foul inside the box with some great dribbling.

Afterwards, Enzo Fernandez came off the bench to score the match-winning goal and his first for the club.

The reward for winning is a Carabao Cup third round tie at home to Brighton next month.

Sky Sports pundit Merson thinks Madueke was a standout for Chelsea on Wednesday evening in the domestic cup fixture. Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher got a special mention, too.

“He (Madueke) played very well and he finishes the penalty… I thought Conor Gallagher and Madueke were outstanding for Chelsea,” Merson told Sky Sports’ Premier League channel (10:08pm, 30 August).

Last night’s game wasn’t televised anywhere for supporters, but the general consensus from those watching is that Madueke stole the show during a dull affair.

Scott Minto praised the “dangerous” Madueke after his midweek contribution against AFC Wimbledon (talkSPORT 2).

So, can the English right-winger take this momentum going forward?

We’ve seen very little from him in the opening weeks of the 2023/24 season, but we would be tempted to give him a starting role in this Saturday’s Premier League match at home to Nottingham Forest.

If Mauricio Pochettino wants to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, something he did last night for the first time this season, Madueke is a great fit out wide.