Chelsea inched into the Europa League group phase despite a stuttering 2-1 defeat at Servette in Geneva.
The Blues surrendered an early lead on the night that came through Christopher Nkunku’s penalty. Servette turned the tide through Jeremy Guillemenot’s neat strike and Enzo Crivelli’s smart header. The Swiss outfit pushed and probed for a goal that would have taken the tie into extra time, but Chelsea held out to prevail 3-2 on aggregate.
Nick Purewal rates the Chelsea players after a nervy night...
Filip Jorgensen 6
A mixed bag of several solid saves followed up by losing his bearings entirely for the hosts’ second goal. Axel Disasi 5
Whatever the positives, the defender continues to struggle in the pivotal moments. Found himself stranded for Servette’s first goal.
Tosin Adarabioyo 6
Solid for much of the contest, then absolutely nowhere for the second Servette goal.
Benoit Badiashile 5
Also left flat-footed for the second Servette goal, and again left too much space around himself too often.
Renato Veiga 5
Always looks powerful on the ball but was nowhere for the cross for the goal.
Enzo Fernandez 6
A regular creative force but still too loose off the ball, especially positionally. Chelsea would prefer to deploy him further upfield, but until Romeo Lavia returns the captain must sharpen up tactically.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6
That the Leicester recruit boasts plenty of quality is not in doubt, but the midfielder still needs to find his Stamford Bridge feet.
Noni Madueke 6
Unable to recreate his hat-trick heroics from Wolves, but still looks sharp and hungry. Has everything in place for an influential campaign now.
Christopher Nkunku 6 His pinpoint, bullet penalty proved entirely crucial in the circumstances of Chelsea’s labors that followed.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring from the spot.
Mykhailo Mudryk 5
Won the crucial penalty but struggled again to find his way. Under pressure to deliver given the scrutiny applied by new manager Maresca demanding more from the Ukraine wing.
Marc Guiu 5
Struggled to lead the line, albeit pressed hard off the ball. Lost possession cheaply for Servette’s first goal.
Substitutes:
Tyrique George (for Madueke, 62) 7
A fine debut for the homegrown youngster, who was bright and intelligent on the ball, bringing teammates into play astutely.
Moises Caicedo (for Fernandez, 62) 6
Took the armband from Fernandez but could not inspire Chelsea to finish off the job in the style they would have expected.
Nicolas Jackson (for Guiu, 62) 6
Spurned two glorious chances to kill the game late on in a busy cameo. Did have the ball in the back of the net but was offside.
Cole Palmer (for Mudryk, 73) 7
Sparked Chelsea into life when stepping off the bench, immediately creating time, space, and chances for his teammates.
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