Chelsea recorded their first competitive win under new manager Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 victory over Swiss side Servette in the first leg of their Conference League play-off tie.
The Blues were booed by a section of the fans after a frustrating first half at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring in the second half when he rose to score from the penalty spot after being brought down by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick.
The Blues could have gone further but summer signing Marc Guiu missed a clear chance before substitute Noni Madueke wrapped up the win after a fine team move.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt provides his player ratings from the play-off first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for Chelsea after they were frustrated in the first half.
Nkunku scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the Servette goalkeeper.
Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Chelsea’s second goal in the play-off first leg.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – 6
He may have been busier than he expected, but they were all routine saves and he was glad not to concede any goals.
Axel Disasi – 6.5
He played as a right-back and greatly limited Servette’s threat, which largely came from the opposite flank. A solid performance.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
The Chelsea centre-back is the more composed, but it is clear that he is still adapting to his new surroundings. He is a player in the process of development, but you can see him becoming a regular starter once Maresca reduces the first-team squad.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
He got away with a bad back pass in the first half and looked shaky after a bright start. He needs to show a lot more composure when playing out from the back to get them to trust him in this new system.
Renato Veiga – 6.5
He helped give Chelsea an extra man in midfield by moving forward from left-back when in possession. He needs to take more risks with his passing, particularly at home against “lesser” opponents.
Tosin Adarabioyo appeared composed but is still adjusting to his new surroundings at Chelsea.
Moisés Caicedo was named Chelsea captain for the first time in his 50th appearance
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressed and played a key role in Chelsea’s penalty win.
Moses Caicedo – 5
The game has completely left him behind. For a British player who earned £115m and wore the captain’s armband, much more is expected and demanded. It is imperative that he starts making his mark on games if Chelsea are to make any real noise this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7.5
He always tried to make something happen and his energy allowed him to win the ball back and pass to Nkunku, who won a penalty to put Chelsea ahead. He seems more comfortable in an advanced role than playing further back alongside Caicedo. Man of the match.
Peter Neto – 6
His change of pace proved explosive on the right. He showed glimpses of his talent, but his final pass needs some refinement. He was one of the first to be replaced when Maresca made the changes.
Christopher Nkunku – 6.5
The second survivor from the defeat to Manchester City. He put a nightmare first half behind him to win and score the penalty that put Chelsea ahead. Chelsea fans will be hoping that goal will serve as a boost for the weekend against Wolves.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 4.5
Very wasteful, so much so that Enzo Maresca lost patience with him in the first half as he shouted instructions. He has blistering speed, but his decision-making leaves you scratching your head constantly. You wonder if he can ever put it all back together in England.
Marc Guiu-3.5
He almost scored after two minutes, when he eluded the goalkeeper but ran out of ground. He later missed an open-net goal after smart pressure on a nervous goalkeeper. He doesn’t seem ready. He would benefit greatly from a loan move.
Mykhailo Mudryk wasted so much of the ball that Marseille lost patience with him in the second half
Nkunku kept his composure from the penalty spot to give Chelsea the lead early in the second half.
Marc Guiu failed to score when the young striker missed a free kick in front of an open goal
COACH: Enzo Maresca – 6
He made nine changes, but the players were booed at half-time. His substitutions worked after a sluggish start. He is trying to reduce the number of players in this bloated squad (and is kicking players out of the main group to do so), but judging by what he saw here, he still has a lot of work to do.
Subs
Enzo Fernández (substitute for Marc Guiu, 58) – 7
Cole Palmer (by Christopher Nkunku, 58) – 6.5
Noni Madueke (by Pedro Neto, 57) – 7
Bad Taste (by Axel Disasi, 78) – 6
Romeo Lavia (by Moisés Caicedo, 84) – 6
Servette XI: Frick 4.5; Tsunemoto 6, Rouiller 5.5, Severin 5, Mazikou 5.5; Douline 6 (Magnin 69), Ondoua 6, Cognat 5.5 (Ouattara 85); Stevanovic 7 (Antunes 61), Kutesa 7 (Von Moos 69); Crivelli 6 (Guillemenot 61)
Referee: Mr. Jeremie Pignard – 7.5
