Moises Caicedo was named captain of Chelsea in their UEFA Europa Conference League match against Swiss side Servette.
The Ecuadorian lead the team in the absence of Captain Reece James who was out with injury and Enzo Fernandez who was on the bench for this match. This was the first time Caicedo was given the armband since arrive from Brighton last summer. Chelsea went on to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cristopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke. They lead the tie now with a second leg match in Switzerland scheduled on thursday.
AS THE MATCH HAPPENED
Chelsea headed to the match lookig to bounce back from the opening day defeat at home to champions Manchester City in the Premier League. And well they did against a moderate side from the Swiss pro league. The Swiss side had actuially qualified for the Europa League play offs but lost out to Braga landing them in the Conference league play offs.
Chelsea came up with a nine changes leaving players like captain Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavio on the bench. Thus giving new signings Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall their first starts for their new club. Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jorgensen made their debuts.
As expected Chelsea were off to a quick start when Dewsbury Hall sent Guiu through but the Spaniard was fraction offside. Chelsea kept on pushing making chances. Dewsbury Hall and Nkunku were the stand out player in the first half. They had to wait till minute 27 to get clear cut chance which was driven wide by Mykhailo Mudryk. The first half came to closure with both sides level at 0-0.
At the 50′ mark Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Nkunku was bought down by the Servette keeper. The Frenchman took the responsibility and slotted the ball in scoring the first goal of the new era. Soon after that Marc Guiu missed a sitter, firing past an open goal before Noni Madueke doubled the lead for the home side. The Blues were not at the best of their game. Felt like Maresca is still finding the best combination among his players.
CAPTAIN CAICEDO
According to BBC Sport journalist Niel Jhonstone Caicedo had mentioned in the pre-season that, the 115 million pounds price tag had put him on pressure. He had a difficult start to life at Chjelsea bearing his huge price tag. But turned it around towards the end of the last season with some brilliant perfromances. He scored one goal and gave three assists in the 48 matches he played in his debut season. The notable permances coming against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Coach Enzo Maresca had this to say
Chelsea captain Caicedo was vocal about the feeling of leading the team last Thursday.
‘It was really good wearing the captain’s armband for the first time with this amazing club. I’m so proud.’
‘I found out before the warm-up. The kit man told me that I was going to wear it and I was surprised, but after it was a really good moment for me and my family.’
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND CAICEDO?
Chelsea face Wolverhamton Wanderes in the Premier League. After a home lose on the opeing day they would be hoping to pickup their first win of the season. Chelsea have been winless at the Molineux since 2019. So the Blues have something to prove when they face Wolves on Sunday. On the other hand wolves are also on the back of an opening day lose to Arsenal.
Moises Caicedo will be one of the first names on the starting eleven. He might start with either Romeo Lavia or Enzo Fernandez in the holding midfield.
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