Evening Standard
·28 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·28 November 2024
Enzo Maresca’s side continue to look a class above opposition in Conference League
Chelsea made it four wins from four in the Conference League as they beat Heidenheim 2-0 in Germany.
It was not as comfortable as previous matches in Europe have been for the Blues, who had to wait until the closing stages to wrap up victory.
Mykhailo Mudryk effectively put the match to bed with five minutes remaining, after Christopher Nkunku had opened the scoring early in the second-half.
Cesare Casadei picked up a second yellow card deep into stoppage-time, but it came too late for Heidenheim to set up a nervy finish.
Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated in Germany...
Made a superb one-handed save to deny Wanner before the break, then another in the second-half. Booked for time-wasting.
Never convinces. Skinned by Wanner for home side’s best first-half chance.
Tosin Adarabioyo 6
Some nice passing, including deep ball for Nkunku chance. Might have done better with effort of his own from Dewsbury-Hall free-kick.
Benoit Badiashile 6
Dealt well with crosses but Chelsea could have used a more authoritative figure as Heidenheim surged late on.
Renato Veiga 7
Such a useful footballer. Versatile, stepped into midfield and played with composure in face of Heidenheim press. Booked.
Cesare Casadei 5
Youngster still yet to kick on under Maresca despite a decent number of opportunities now. Too often settles for the safe pass. Sent off for second booking in sixth minute of added time and will miss chance to impress at Astana.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6
More of a threat and more comfortable playing advanced role in the left pocket. Should have clinched the points, though when steering straight at ‘keeper.
Jadon Sancho 7
Back in the side for the first time in more than a month and played a hand in Nkunku’s opener, before creating great chance for Dewsbury-Hall. Grew into the game and set-up Mudryk’s second.
Christopher Nkunku 8
Played in what Maresca says is his best position and was heavily involved with smart link up play. Tried to be too clever when lifting decent chance over in first-half, but took next opportunity smartly.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring with a smart finish
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mykhailo Mudryk 7
Awarded a strange first-half penalty but rightly overturned by VAR. Took his goal brilliantly to avert a nervy finish.
Marc Guiu 6
Had five shots inside the opening 20 minutes and should have scored at least one of them. But a lively threat, nonetheless.
Substitutes
Joao Felix (Guiu 62’) 6
Should have had an assist when sending Nkunku clear.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Nkunku 76’) N/A
Tyrique George (Sancho 90’) N/A
Samuel Rak-Sakyi (Dewsbury-Hall 90’) N/A
Unused: Sanchez, Bergstrom, Colwill, Dyer, Madueke, Mheuka