Chelsea stumble through Servette to make into the UECL league phase as Cole Palmer embarasses his teammate in half time.
Chelsea get past Servette 2-3 on aggregate to go through to the newly formed league phase of UEFA Europa Conference League. The Blues succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Swiss Super League side Servette despite going ahead through an early goal from Christopher Nkunku. A dissapointing display from Chelsea as per their standards even though they had lined up with a second choice defensive line up.
There was no much hype as Chelsea were favorites to go through but Servette’s home stadium Stade de Geneve was buzzing with optimism. This was because Servette had put out an impressive performance in the first leg at Stamford Bridge beaten only to the quality of Chelsea in the final third.
AS THE MATCH HAPPENED
Chelsea were favorites heading to Geneva for the second leg tie leading 2-0 on aggregate. They lined up with a much changed defensive line with Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and youngster Renato Veiga. The Blues had also given starts to Mykhailo Mudryk and Marc Giui. It is always special when a European giant like Chelsea visit your tiny club from Switzerland. It was that sort of fesitvity around Stade de Geneve along with some optimism that as a football fan we all have. These European playoffs were not alien to big upsets. There was a moment during the match when the game was paused for a few minutes after some over enthusiastic fans light up flares in the stands behind Felipe Jorgensen in Chelsea goal.
The visitors had a strong start when Christopher Nkuku opened the scoring in the 15 minute mark from the penalty spot after Keigo Tsunemoto had taken down Mudryk inside the box. But desite having possesion but let the hosts score in the 32nd minute after a deffensive blunder from Benoit Badiashile. Jeremy Guillemento fired past Jorgensen after connecting to a pass from Dereck Kutesa.
Despite creating chances we only saw them missed. Noni Madueke was through with a pass from Marc Guiu but missed on his chance to make five goals from three matches after scoring a hat-trick in the Premier League on Sunday. A small fear was sparked in Chelsea hearts when Enzo Crivelli put the hosts in front with less than 20 minutes to go. Servette also had a last minute chance which they in the shape of Timothe Cognat who’s shot went past the gaping goal.
WHAT MARESCA SAID?
Despite a late scare Chelsea advanced to the league phase of the competition for the first time in their history. It was not only Benoit Badiashille and Axel Disasi in the defence that tumbled. The whole team had a hiccup in the second half. Enzo Fernandes, Moises Caicedo and Cole palmer were all struggling to make an impact in front of the packed Servette supporters.
Enzo Maresca had this to say after his team stumbled across the line.
“It is a competition where we are going to try and do our best in. I think tonight, once again, the team shows in the way we started that the team was there. Then the game, we concede; they had some chances and we lost a little bit of confidence.“
Taken from Sky Sports
Lost a bit of confidence? Seriously against team of this stature. Chelsea are one of the giants of this very game and to lose a confidence against Servette after conceding a goal. This is something they have to encounter when you decide to banish the experienced players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell out. Chelsea even though they have one of the most valuable squads in the world right now. The team is way too inexperienced. It is during these times we need to have experience in the team.
WHAT COLE PALMER DID?
During the break between the two halves when the Chelsea subs were training. every player had a drill to dribble one on one against the goal keeper Marcus Bettinelli. Palmer during his attempt was essentially furstrating Bettinelli by keeping the ball away from him. And at one point when Bettinelli decided to lunge in an attempt to steal the ball away Palmer decides to pass the ball to the back of the net cheekyly with a back heel flick necessarily between the legs of Bettinelli. Making the goalkeeper embarrassed and standing with hands on head.
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