Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4: Joao Felix gives Enzo Maresca selection headache with double as Blues go top of table
ON this evidence Enzo Maresca should win his first Chelsea trophy at a canter this season.
His Blues strolled past Panathinaikos without much need to engage their brains, let alone work up a sweat.
RexChelsea run riot in Athens[/caption]
The biggest resistance offered in Athens was a crafty supporter armed with a green laser pen – trying but failing to put off the Chelsea players.
Given how much of a stroll some of these games should be, they offer a chance for those in need of a confidence boost.
Two of those did just that, Joao Felix scoring twice having struggled for minutes since his before and Mykhailo Mudryk netting one and setting up two.
Mudryk, desperately needing a statement performance, skied an early chance and looked to be heading for another frustrating night.
But soon he started to make things happen.
The Ukrainian, whose potential is undoubted but rarely looks like being fulfilled, was causing constant trouble down the left and teed up the opener.
After Felix flicked on a header into his path, Mudryk raced forward and picked his moment to slide the ball back to his Portuguese teammate, allowing him a first time finish past Bartlomiej Drągowski.
He could have had another assist minutes later too, squaring well for Enzo Fernandez to strike – though it was just tipped over.
ReutersJoao Felix opened the scoring[/caption]
GettyFelix started the rout in Greece[/caption]
APMykhailo Mudryk got himself a much needed goal[/caption]
APMudryk has another positive performance in Europe[/caption]
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
After a couple of early scares – including Filip Jorgensen needing to save from Tin Jedvaj’s second minute header – Chelsea were in full control.
They may have had a rough couple of years but they are clearly too good for Europe’s third tier competition.
That was made more than clear inside ten second half minutes as Chelsea bagged another three.
First Mudryk added to his first assist with a maiden goal of the season, heading in at the far post from Pedro Neto’s cross.
He then set Felix up for his second of the night, taking advantage of the hosts’ failure to clear a Neto cross, laying the ball back before the shot deflected in off Serbian Nemanja Maksimovic.
Within moments of putting the game beyond doubt, Felix won a penalty – his cross striking the hand of Daniel Mancini.
Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender struggles
CHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.
Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.
Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.
However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…
Filip Jorgensen – 7
Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.
Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.
Axel Disasi – 5
Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.
Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.
Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.
Renato Veiga – 6
Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.
Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.
Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.
Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.
Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.
Pedro Neto – 7
A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.
May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.
Christopher Nkunku – 7
Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.
Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 9
Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.
Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.
Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.
Joao Felix – 8
Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.
Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.
SUBS
Tyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7
Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.
Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5
Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.
Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5
Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5
Got the final stages but game all over by then.
The winger was denied the chance to wrap up his hat-trick as Christopher Nkunku converted from the spot, despite having to deal with a laser pen constantly in his eye.
From there Chelsea slowed, a number of changes and chances for youngsters: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Cesare Casadei.
With Chelsea’s guard down a touch, the hosts grabbed a consolation.
Sub Georgios Vagiannidis found space down the right and crossed for former Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri to tap in at the far post.
GettyChristopher Nkunku scored from the spot[/caption]
GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebration[/caption]
