Chelsea advanced to the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League after a 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen in the second leg of their last 16 clash.
The Blues held a slender 2-1 lead coming into this game, so they weren’t out of the woods yet.
There was always a feeling that a complacent performance could undo their first-leg result, and they seemed to be heading in that direction after a dismal first-half showing.
However, they ultimately got the job done with unlikely hero Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall grabbing the only goal ten minutes into the second half.
Player Ratings
Filip Jorgensen (6/10) – Wasn’t his usual nervy self. Looked more comfortable and secure on the ball and imposed his presence in the box with a couple of high claims.
Josh Acheampong (4/10) – Not the best audition from the teenager. Failed to win any of his six duels and was spared any further ignominy by being taken off at half time.
Benoit Badiashile – (6/10) – The standout performer from Chelsea’s backline. Was comfortable on the ball, assured in his tackles, and strong in the air.
Tosin Adarabioyo – (6/10) – His passing was the highlight of his night. An assured display.
Trevoh Chalobah – (5/10) – Not his best performance in a Chelsea shirt. Could hardly win a tackle and should have done better with his chance on the other end.
Moises Caicedo (7/10) – Did well to cover for Fernandez. Broke opposition play with a minimum of fuss and was dominant in his tackles. Deserved his standing ovation after being taken off in the 78th minute.
Enzo Fernandez (4/10) – An off night for the World Cup winner. Was nowhere near his usual standards. Barely completed a pass and was rightly taken off at half-time.
Jadon Sancho (4/10) – Hardly effective in the final third per usual. The only positive to his underwhelming performance was his defensive contributions and energy in the press.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (6/10) – Huffed and puffed around the pitch but ultimately popped up as the unlikely hero for the Blues. Slight improvement from his performance in Denmark.
Tyrique George (5/10) – An average display from the Cobham graduate. Showed flashes of brilliance but not enough to make a real difference.
Pedro Neto (6/10) – His energy was Chelsea’s biggest weapon in the press, but barely got any services to really influence the game in the final third.
Substitutions
Cole Palmer (6/10)
Marc Cucurella (6/10)
Christopher Nkunku (5/10)
Reece James (5/10)
