Chelsea dud must not start again after 4/10 display

Chelsea claimed a vital 2-1 win in the first leg of the Europa Conference League clash against FC Copenhagen tonight, holding the advantage ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernández and Reece James both managed to get themselves on the scoresheet, with their goals allowing Enzo Maresca’s side to take one step into the next stage.

Gabriel Pereira’s header in the closing stages provided a nervy finish for the Blues, but they managed to hold firm despite not operating at their very best.

The manager made multiple key calls for the clash in Denmark, handing 17-year-old Shumaira Mheuka his first start – making him the club’s youngest-ever player to start a European outing.

However, some of Maresca’s decisions ultimately didn’t work on the night, with his changes lucky not to cost them the victory after handing chances to various fringe players.

Chelsea’s poor performers against Copenhagen

Benoit Badiashile was brought back into the side for the clash against Copenhagen but was unable to make the positive impact he would’ve envisaged after his start.

The Frenchman was replaced at the break by Levi Colwill, understandably so after his lack of impact – losing 100% of the ground duels that he entered, along with no tackles made.

He also lost possession five times, committing one foul before his withdrawal, backing up Maresca’s reasoning for only handing him two Premier League starts to date.

Mheuka must be a proud teenager after his start tonight, but as previously mentioned, the lack of service made it difficult for him to perform – with his showing only being disappointing due to the lack of action he was involved in.

Before his substitution at the break, the teenager only registered a total of eight touches, completing just four passes and losing the ball the same number of times – with the occasion potentially getting to the youngster.

However, he still has a huge future at Stamford Bridge, but the same can’t be said for one player after his dismal showing during the defeat earlier this evening.

The 4/10 Chelsea dud who should never play again

After what has been a disappointing start to life at Chelsea after his £30m move in the summer, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was handed a rare start to stake his claim in the first-team.

After making just nine starts all season, you would expect the 26-year-old to be chomping at the bit to impress, but unfortunately for him, it was yet another evening to forget for the Blues.

Dewsbury-Hall featured for the entirety of the contest despite his lack of positive impact, looking ineffective throughout, and failing to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

The Englishman lost possession 11 times within his 41 touches, completing 74% of his attempted passes, highlighting his lack of quality in the final third.

He also failed to register a single effort on goal, whilst being dribbled past twice and only winning 50% of the ground duels he entered – offering very little threat at either end of the pitch – leading to creator Alex Goldberg dubbing him as “shocking”.

Further to Goldberg’s comment, Dewsbury-Hall was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by The Evening Standard’s Malik Ouzia, the joint-lowest of any Blues player who started the contest.

After such a disappointing showing, Maresca must surely see that the 26-year-old isn’t at the level required if they are to succeed, potentially looking to offload him this summer and never play for the West London side again.

It’s a shame he’s failed to deliver after such hype around his move in the summer, but it’s evident that both parties need a fresh start to achieve their respective goals in the future.

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