(Getty Images)
Chelsea’s second-string players performed well for the most part in their 4-2 home victory over Gent in the opening game of the conference league.
Renato Veiga scored an early header after making the entire starting lineup from Saturday’s 4-2 win over Brighton, Pedro Neto fired home a goal seconds after half-time and Christopher Nkunku scored. and Keenan Dewsbury-Hall grabbed the loose ball and scored. Match.
It may have been a risky move, but they looked comfortable despite conceding twice. A further significant rotation is expected for Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Nicholas Jackson and Jadon Sancho will no doubt be back on Sunday, but players who have been on the fringes will have more time to make their case against stronger opponents in the league. He insisted.
Nkunku, who scored his seventh goal in nine games this season, has continued to show sharp finishing, having appeared on the bench in each of the past five league games.
Dewsbury-Hall wasn’t even selected for Chelsea on Saturday, but he was one of the better performers here and, along with Veiga, who looks like a bargain at £11.8m, Neto also knocked on the door.
However, Benoît Badiashile once again slumped defensively with some goals, while Mykhailo Mudryk was devastating in attack but sometimes sloppy in possession.
Overall, it was a positive practice for all involved, but Maresca doesn’t feel the need to make any major changes to Sunday’s lineup.
