Chelsea put themselves in pole position to progress to the Europa Conference League with a first leg victory over Servette. Goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke put the Swiss outfit to the sword at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Chelsea suffered defeat in their Premier League opener to Manchester City but got back in track in Europe. They didn’t have it all their way, however, being level at the break, but Enzo Maresca’s men found another gear.
Chelsea had chances in the first half
Chelsea came close to opening the scoring through Marc Guiu. He was put through on goal by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and rounded the ‘keeper, but the ball overran. The Blues had another opportunity when a cross was deflected across the six-yard box, but no player was there.
Servette did have a chance of their own when Dereck Kutesa tried from a narrow angle, forcing a corner. At the other end, Chelsea threatened once more with Mykhailo Mudryk firing wide with a low effort. A quick break with Nkunko and Mudryk saw Pedro Neto try his hand at goal after cutting inside, but his effort was tame.
Servette did threaten on occasion and whipped the ball across Chelsea’s six-yard box, but no player was there. That would be the best of the action until the break.
Inspired substitutions
Chelsea took the lead in the second half through an Nkunku penalty after he was felled by Jeremy Frick. Nkunku confidently whipped the ball into the side-netting, giving Frick no chance.
Maresca then made substitutions minutes later and the decision would eventually pay dividends. He brought on Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, and the latter would link up for Chelsea’s second goal.
Guiu had another massive opportunity to score for Chelsea, but completely flubbed his lines with the goal gaping. He snatched the ball from Frick but passed the ball into the net too weakly and Frick saved it.
Chelsea did double their advantage midway through the second half through Madueke. Fernandez brilliantly put him through on goal and Madueke fired an effort into the roof of the net from close range.
Chelsea would win the game 2-0, putting them in a great position to qualify ahead of the second leg.
