CHELSEA smashed Ajax 5-1 in a chaotic Champions League affair in West London.
Youth was the order of the day as teenage Marc Guiu opened the scoring inside twenty minutes, shortly after Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a high challenge on Facundo Buonanotte.
Moises Caicedo doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through a fortunate deflection, and the Blues seemed in danger of running away with things inside the first half.
Tosin Adarabioyo‘s clumsy penalty was put away by former Manchester United star Wout Weghorst, who was at the centre of a series of strange moments in the match.
After being caught by Tosin’s boot and having to have a cut stapled, he dived in to give Chelsea the chance to further their lead through Enzo Fernandez on the penalty spot who made no mistake.
Another penalty would provide Estevao with his first Champions League goal before the break, and academy graduate Tyrique George would cap things off with a fifth Chelsea goal immediately after play restarted.
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Here is how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated Chelsea’s Champions League stars at Stamford Bridge…
Filip Jorgensen: 6
Given his first chance in the Champions League for Chelsea, with Robert Sanchez having started the previous two games.
The second-choice keeper will have been disappointed not to have saved Wout Weghorst’s penalty, given he managed to get down to the low effort but allowed it to sneak under.
Moises Caicedo: 8
Started at right-back as Reece James was rested and Malo Gusto absent with an illness and put in another superb performance.
Not only was there another now trademark long-range goal, but the former Brighton man put in an incredible shift moving from right-back to midfield often and working tirelessly.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 5
Solid enough but after defending Chelsea’s discipline record, he will be disappointed to have conceded a penalty.
The defender stood on the boot of Ajax winger Raul Moro, a sloppy challenge, once he was almost past him anyway.
Wesley Fofana: 6
Barely tested by a desperate Ajax side but some concern towards the end as the French defender, so often plagued by injury, started to look rather uncomfortable when Chelsea had made all of their substitutions.
Jorrel Hato: 6
Handed a rather sentimental start against his former club, the left-back was rarely tested but did not do anything wrong.
Looks composed and confident in possession.
Enzo Fernandes: 7
Continues to put in reliable performances, even having come back from the international break with a knee problem.
Given 45 minutes on his return to the squad and made a fine impact, winning and converting a first half penalty.
Romeo Lavia: 6
Another calm and composed performance as he continues to ramp up his game time following injury.
The Belgian makes such a difference when able to start for Chelsea and, crucially, takes the pressure away from Caicedo and Fernandez to perform and be available week in, week out.
Willian Estevao: 7
Another landmark for the Brazilian teenager with his first ever Champions League goal.
It was a very confident penalty, into the top left corner, after winning the spot kick himself and seeing skipper Fernandez hand him the ball.
Quickly establishing himself as the answer to Chelsea’ six-year Eden Hazard conundrum…
Facundo Buonanotte: 6
A surprise inclusion in the team but did well, bouncing back from a horror challenge by Kenneth Taylor, for which the Ajax man was sent off, by whipping in the cross which led to Chelsea’s opening goal.
Jamie Gittens: 6
A lot of huffing and puffing and running at his man for little reward.
Teed up the Caicedo goal with a long square ball to the midfielder, but hardly a goal he can take much credit for.
Marc Guiu: 7
A great moment for the Spanish striker after making a good impression from the bench in recent games, converting an easy but important chance to get Chelsea going in this rout.
After his recall from Sunderland on deadline day, Guiu is taking any chance he gets at the moment and making his mark too.
SUBS:
Andrey Santos (for Fernandez 46): 6
Occupied the defenders in the build up to George’s goal soon after the break, though there was some fortune about his role with the loose ball falling to George.
Trevoh Chalobah (for Tosin 46): 6
Took the captain’s armband after Caicedo left the pitch very early in the second half, like those central defenders he replaced had very little to do in terms of stopping Ajax, but led a very young back line well.
Tyrique George (for Guiu 46): 7
Made an instant impact from the bench. Like Guiu, another player Chelsea planned to move out in the summer who is now looking to take every chance he gets.
After a quiet performance leading the line against Benfica, George got a touch of fortune with his deflected finish but did well here.
Josh Acheampong (for Caicedo 50): 6
The teenage defender has made huge strides in recent weeks and showed his versatility here, stepping in at right-back just minutes into the second half.
Was not troubled at all by the Ajax left-wing.
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Reggie Walsh (for Lavia 66): 6
Played it very cool when the whole Matthew Harding Stand was chanting for him to give them a wave, keeping his focus on the game.
Always showed for the ball and looked to make things happen.
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