Chelsea started their season vs Man City. (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea started the Enzo Maresca era in defeat as Manchester City launched their latest Premier League title defence with a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. But Todd Boehly, watching on from the stands, received optimism that there was some method to his recruitment madness from an encouraging Chelsea performance.
That said, some issues that contributed to the Blues’ struggles under Mauricio Pochettino last season were still rife and contributed to their losing start.
Express Sport rates the Chelsea players on an afternoon that offered Maresca plenty of positives as well as some concerns.
Robert Sanchez – 6
A confident performance up until the 84th minute, when he should’ve done better to deny Mateo Kovacic from range. That goal burst Chelsea’s bubble.
Malo Gusto – 5
Endured a tough afternoon against the debuting Savinho and then Phil Foden. Dribbled past three times and lost six duels – more than any other player on the pitch.
Wesley Fofana – 4
His availability a major boost but not the performance of a £75million centre-back. Gave the ball away for Kovacic’s late strike.
Levi Colwill – 6
A more encouraging display than his partner. Completed three of four attempted long balls and maintained a 98 per cent pass accuracy. Should be a big season for him.
Marc Cucurella – 7
The subject of mockery online after his viral chant – in which he aimed fire at Erling Haaland – backfired as the Norwegian outmuscled him to score the opening goal in the first half.
But continued his electric Euro 2024 form by winning five of seven ground duels, making five ball recoveries, three clearances, drawing three fouls and winning two tackles. Forced off after 80 minutes with an injury – a big worry.
Romeo Lavia impressed against his old club. (Image: Getty)
Moises Caicedo – 5
Energetic but not awe-inspiring. Two of six duels won. Maresca will need more consistency from his £115m man than Mauricio Pochettino received.
Romeo Lavia – 8
Will be like a new signing this season if he stays fit. Already played more minutes than in his maiden Chelsea campaign after a £58m move from Southampton. The hosts’ best player against his former club.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Captain – one of a few bold Maresca calls at the start line. Tried his best to win Chelsea a penalty. Didn’t succeed. Displayed an impressive passing range.
Cole Palmer – 6
Created two chances but a relatively quiet start to his campaign after a stellar 2023/24. Deserved his new, improved contract.
Christopher Nkunku – 6
Like Lavia, it’s taken longer than expected for Chelsea fans to properly see him in action. Maresca’s decision to play him on the left flank raised eyebrows.
Nicolas Jackson – 3
Jackson could always be relied upon to miss chances last season, and that worrying trend continued against City. Had to stay onside for his disallowed goal and should’ve scored another.
Maresca’s going to be under pressure as it is. His striker needs to start consistently scoring goals. Nkunku, in his natural position, could be an attractive solution.
Substitutes
Pedro Neto – 7
Solid debut for the £54m new boy. Completed all 16 attempted passes and created two chances after coming on in the 58th minute. Shouldn’t be too long before he’s starting games.
Marc Guiu – 5
Took six touches in 28 minutes.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5
Didn’t do much more in the same amount of time. Maresca will find a use for one of his Leicester City poster boys this term.
Renato Veiga – 5
A 10-minute debut cameo. Touched the ball nine times. Completed six of seven attempted passes. Committed a foul.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1937601/Chelsea-player-ratings-vs-Man-City-Romeo-Lavia-Premier-League