PREMIER LEAGUE

Felix brace against Panathinaikos promotes Chelsea at the top

The Blues emerged victorious in a 4-1 score line against Panathinaikos in the matchday 2 of the UEFA Conference League. And now they are at the top of newly formatted league table. Coming into the fixture, Maresca was in pressure after the loss against Liverpool at the Anfield.

But they will regain their confidence after Thursday’s clash at Athens. Up next the Blues will host Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend. They will be definitely looking forward to go back to winning momentum after two disappointing league games in a row.

The Blues have some very difficult games coming up next month, which also includes the North-West London derby against the Gunners. So, to mentally prepare for those big games, they will need to perform like they did in Greece.

Chelsea-Panathinaikos Match Overview

After beating Gent in the matchday 1 at home earlier this month, this was their second win out of the two games in the European competitions. And they only made 2 changes from the Gent game coming into the fixture. Fullback Marc Cucurella and midfielder Enzo Fernandez came into the side replacing Tosin Adarabioyo and Cesare Casadei.

Felix goal gives the Blues lead at the 1st half

However, the match started in a positive note for the hosts. As they got a huge chance from a set piece in the 2nd minute of the game from the header of Panathinaikos defender Jedvaj. But Blues goalkeeper Jogensen made an flying save to deny an early trail.

But Chelsea was the one who got the first laugh at the Athens Olympic stadium. As Felix opened his account in the competition from a easy tap-in set up by Mudryk. Dewsbury-Hall won the possession in the middle and played a lofted ball for Felix. The Portuguese headed down the ball for Mudryk who was in the flanks. Mudryk then glided into the box to play a low cross for Felix, who just had to touch the ball to put it into the net.

Chelsea dominates the 2nd half

At end of the first half, when Felix’s goal was the difference between the two sides. However, Chelsea continued to create opportunities right after the start of the second half. As the Blues scored the second goal of the game at the 48th minute from an open header by Mudryk. Though the full credit of that will go to Neto, who puts a wonderful cross into the box after linking up with Dewsbury-Hall.

And Chelsea attackers didn’t just stop there as Felix scored the third goal and his second goal of the game from a deflection at the 55th minute. Mudryk registered his second assist of the game through that goal. The 25-year-old Portuguese forward was also heavily involved in the 4th goal. As his cross smashed the hands of midfielder Daniel Mancini inside of the box.

Nkunku didn’t fail to convert that spot kick and Chelsea leaded 4-0 before the 60th minute. However, former Man United academy graduate Facundo Pellistri managed to score a consolation goal for the home side at the 69th minute to end the match.

Despite of a great attacking display from the attackers, the defence was still a concern. As in a number of occassions Panathinaikos players broke the Chelsea defence easily but was unlucky to not score in those chances. Maresca must do something asap with Chelsea’s problem in the back.

Player ratings

  1. Filip Jorgensen (GK)- 7.5/10
  2. Axel Disasi (RB)- 6.5/10
  3. Benoit Badiashile (CB)- 6/10
  4. Renato Veiga (CB)- 7/10
  5. Marc Cucurella (LB)- 6/10
  6. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM)- 8/10
  7. Enzo Fernandez (CM)- 7/10
  8. Mykhailo Mudryk (LM)- 9/10
  9. Pedro Neto (RM)- 8.5/10
  10. Joao Felix (ST) – 8.5/10
  11. Christopher Nkunku (ST)- 7.5/10

Substitutes:

  • Carney Chukwuemeka– 6.5/10
  • Cesare Casadei– 6.5/10
  • Tyrique George– 6/10
  • Marc Guiu– 6/10
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