SEALED WITH A CHRIS
Chelsea player ratings: Nkunku makes flying start to life under Maresca while Enzo Fernandez outshone by newbie
One Chelsea star was booed when brought on from the bench
ENZO MARESCA bagged his first win as Chelsea manager as they brushed aside Club America.
After a couple of worrying opening pre-season games, Chelsea were ahead within three minutes.
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Christopher Nkunku grabbed his third goal in three games, a second from the penalty spot, after Romeo Lavia was brought down inside the box.
The Blues looked superb on the ball and had a second on 21 minutes with two summer signings combining – Marc Guiu heading in a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cross.
There was a worrying sign after the break when Malo Gusto was forced off after going down off the ball.
But after a comfortable second half, Noni Madueke made sure of things – converting from the spot after Nkunku had won a penalty.
Here are how the Blues rated in Atlanta…
Robert Sanchez – 7
Made a stunning save from Javairo Dilrosun and after some ropey moments against Celtic was brave on the ball before being replaced at the break.
Reece James – 6
Played as a more traditional right-back instead of moving inside. A comfortable evening defensively, though didn’t offer too much going forwards.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Chelsea still look out of sorts off the ball and Badiashile was caught napping on a couple of occasions at the back. Needs to be more aggressive with his defending.
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Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
Composed performance from the summer signing. No real standout moment but kept Club America captain Henry Martin quiet.
Malo Gusto – 6
Still adapting to the inverted role Maresca requires of his full-backs. Looks assured on the ball but struggling to get back into position at times.
Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd's pre-season defeat to Arsenal
Romeo Lavia – 7
Won the penalty for the opening goal and is settling into this Chelsea side superbly. It may prove a challenge for Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo to dislodge him when they are back to full speed.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
A few unfortunate touches in front of goal but an impressive first 45 minutes in a Chelsea shirt. Arrived in the box well and laid on a fine assist for Guiu’s goal.
Christopher Nkunku – 8
The Frenchman has made a flying start to life under Maresca and made it three goals from three games here.
Not just that but, playing just off the striker, he continues to cause plenty of problems for opposing defenders – winning a second half penalty. Arguably the standout player of the tour.
Noni Madueke – 7
Watched by a large group of his family who live in Atlanta, the winger was lively on the ball, often beating his man down the right.
He needs to work on finishing from those situations, but converted from the spot in the second half having tried to take the first penalty – a scene reminiscent of his spat with Cole Palmer against Everton last season.
Raheem Sterling – 6
His first start of this first pre-season tour, a couple of lively moments on the left but nothing too special.
Marc Guiu – 7
Despite being just 18 the Spaniard looks a proper Premier League striker. Good movement but more importantly strength, able to deal with physicality from defenders well.
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Substitutes
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Aggressive flying out of his goal to deal with a ball in behind not long after coming on.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Booed when brought on at half-time and during his early touches of the ball. Did not offer anywhere near the threat Dewsbury-Hall did running in behind, though he has only had two training sessions under Maresca. Took the armband when James departed.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 5
Largely anonymous after coming on for Sterling. Maresca has been working hard with the Ukrainian in training.
Renato Veiga – 6
Forced to play out of position on the right after Gusto limped off, and drifted in and out of midfield well.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Composed and comfortable on the ball, easing his way back into things after such a long time out.
Armando Broja – 6
Some nice touches in attack and battled well when coming on. Forced Cota into a save with a deflected strike, before wasting a good one-on-one chance.
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Lesley Ugochukwu – 6
Kept things ticking over in midfield but did not offer those ahead of him too much in possession.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Did not offer much on the ball but pulled off a superb block from close range before sending the rebound wide with a diving header.
Angelo – N/A
Tyrique George – N/A
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