Chelsea secured their first league victory under new manager Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 win over Swiss side Servette in the first leg of the Conference League play-offs.
The Blues were booed by a section of fans after a frustrating first half at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku made the breakthrough in the second half after he recovered to score from the penalty spot, but was taken down by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick.
The Blues could have gone further but saw summer signing Marc Guiu miss a big chance before substitute Noni Madueke secured victory with a good team effort.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt gives his player ratings from the first play-off match at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for Chelsea after they were frustrated in the first half
Nkunku scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the Servette keeper
Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Chelsea’s second goal in the first leg of the play-offs
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Busier than he might have expected. But they were all largely routine saves and he would have been happy with a clean sheet.
Axel Disasi – 6.5
Filled in at right back and largely limited Servette’s threat, much of which came down the other wing. A solid showing.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
The more composed of Chelsea’s centre-backs, but it’s clear he’s still getting used to the new surroundings. A work in progress, but you can see him becoming a regular starter once Maresca trims the fat from this first team.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Got away with a bad back pass in the first half and looked shaky after a good start. Needs to show much more composure playing from the back to be trusted in this new system.
Renato Veiga – 6.5
Helped give Chelsea an extra man in midfield by stepping forward from left back when in possession. Needs to take more risks with his passing, especially at home against ‘lesser’ opponents.
Tosin Adarabioyo was calm but is still getting used to his new surroundings at Chelsea
Moises Caicedo was named Chelsea captain for the first time on his 50th appearance
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressed and played a key role in Chelsea winning the penalty
Moses Caicedo – 5
Game completely passed him by. For a British record fee of £115m, wearing the captain’s armband, you expect and desire so much more. He is imperative to start making his influence felt in games if Chelsea are to make a big noise this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7.5
Always trying to make something happen and his energy saw him win the ball high back to beat Nkunku, who won a penalty to put Chelsea ahead. Seems more comfortable in an advanced role than a deeper role alongside Caicedo. MOTM.
Pedro Neto-6
His changes of pace were so explosive on the right. Gave a glimpse of his talent but his final ball needed some refinement. Was one of the first to be removed when Maresca announced the changes.
Christopher Nkunku – 6.5
The second survivor of the loss to Man City. He put a nightmare first half behind him to win and score the penalty that put Chelsea ahead. Chelsea fans will be hoping this goal can give him a boost heading into the weekend against Wolves.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 4.5
Very wasteful, so much so that Enzo Maresca lost patience with him in the first half when he was shouting instructions. Has lightning pace, but his decision-making leaves you scratching your head. You wonder if he will ever be able to piece it all together in England.
Marc Guiu – 3.5
Nearly scored after two minutes when he rounded the keeper but ran out of grass. Later missed an open goal after a clever squeeze on a nervous keeper. Doesn’t look finished. Would benefit greatly from a loan spell.
Mykhailo Mudryk was so wasteful that Marseca lost patience with him in the second half
Nkunku kept his composure from the penalty spot to put Chelsea ahead early in the second half
Marc Guiu failed to find his target when the young attacker was presented and missed an open goal
ADMIN: Enzo Maresca – 6
Made nine changes, but players were booed at half-time. His substitutions worked after a poor start. He is trying to reduce this bloated squad – and is sending players out of the main group to do so – but based on what he saw here, he still has so much work to do.
PARTS
Enzo Fernandez (for Marc Guiu, 58) – 7
Cole Palmer (for Christopher Nkunku, 58) – 6.5
Noni Madueke (for Pedro Neto, 57) – 7
Malo Gusto (for Axel Disasi, 78) – 6
Romeo Lavia (for Moises Caicedo, 84) – 6
Servet XI: Frick 4.5; Tsunemoto 6, Rouiller 5.5, Severin 5, Mazikou 5.5; Douline 6 (Magnin 69), Ondoua 6, Cognat 5.5 (Ouattara 85); Stevanovic 7 (Antunes 61), Kutesa 7 (Von Moos 69); Crivelli 6 (Guillemenot 61)
Referee: Mr. Jeremie Pignard – 7.5