Evening Standard
·11 January 2025
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·11 January 2025
The Blues made light work of their League Two counterparts
Following a frustrating opening 39 minutes in which Christopher Nkunku had a penalty saved, Chelsea’s pressure finally told as Tosin Adarabioyo broke the deadlock with a deflected effort.
That made for a comfortable second half as Nkunku, Tosin and a brace from Joao Felix sealed a comfortable 5-0 win over the spirited League Two outfit.
Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...
Filip Jorgensen 5
Managed to have an oddly erratic game despite keeping a clean sheet in a comprehensive win. Ropey under the high ball and at set-pieces.
Reece James 6
Back after two months out with latest hamstring problem and given 45 minutes. Corners caused plenty of problems, including in lead up to penalty.
Axel Disasi 5
Missed two big chances at 0-0 when heading over from close range. Passing was loose and ruffled by the giant presence of Dackers.
Tosin Adarabioyo 8
Remarkable afternoon on the attacking front. Almost apologetic as long-range strike deflected in to open scoring. Went close with a better hit from even further soon after, before striking a brilliant third.
Two-goal hero: Tosin Adarabioyo enjoyed a fine game for Chelsea.
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Renato Veiga 6
Tasked with inverting to bolster an otherwise light midfield. Did not exactly look comfortable against Ben Tollitt. Nice dummy for Tosin’s second goal.
Romeo Lavia 6
Returned after missing five games over Christmas with hamstring issue. No room to play in crowded middle of the park but was tidy enough. Withdrawn in pre-planned half-time change.
Christopher Nkunku 6
Really poor penalty from the Frenchman in a quiet display. Made some amends with smart finish on the rebound to ultimately kill tie after half-time.
Joao Felix 8
Can frustrate, but was Chelsea’s most likely source of an opening in the first-half. Showed class with two brilliant long-range efforts after the break.
Pedro Neto 6
One terrific burst from inside his own half early on, but then found space to run hard to come by. Replaced at the break, presumably with a view to Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Marc Guiu 5
Teenager’s first non-European start for the club but largely crowded out, bar one shot into the side-netting.
Tyrique George 7
Prospect looks at home in the first-team and delighted home crowd with some of his trickery. Picked up a pair of assists, albeit with plenty of work to be done by the scorer.
Substitutes
Malo Gusto (James 46’) 6
Won’t have had many more comfortable outings.
Marc Cucurella (Lavia 46’) 7
Gave Chelsea a greater air of authority after the break.
Jadon Sancho (Neto 46’) 6
Tough to pick up as he drifted across the pitch.