Chelsea 2-1 Wimbledon player ratings: Three standout Blues

Diego Moreira: 5/10

He was poor, which doesn’t bode well for him considering the opponent. The youngster completed 1/6 crosses, completed 0/1 take-on, won 1/4 duels, and lost possession 17 times while creating just one chance. He was comfortably one of the worst performers on the night for Chelsea, perhaps unsurprisingly. His corner kicks were abysmal too.

Mason Burstow: 5/10

In 65 minutes on the pitch, Burstow had nothing to show for it. He took one shot – which was blocked – and won 1/3 duels he contested.

Substitutes

Nicolas Jackson: 7.5/10

Jackson easily offered far more than Burstow in his 45 minutes on the pitch, to no one’s surprise. He took one shot on target, won 2/4 ground duels, completed 2/3 dribbles and created a clear-cut chance. He, again, was almost always everywhere but in the center forward position.

Malo Gusto: 6

Gusto didn’t do much in the 25 minutes he was on the pitch. He completed 25 passes and the only long ball he attempted. He also won 1/2 ground duels and the only tackle he went in for. He combined well with the central midfielders and wingers down the right side, but nothing much happened on his flank for the majority of his time on the pitch.

Enzo Fernandez: 8.5/10

Fernandez had a big impact when he came on. He created two chances and completed 2/5 crosses, as well as 3/3 long balls. He won all the duels he contested (2), and took three shots on target, more than anyone else on the pitch. He made three defensive actions and pounced on an error by Wimbledon goalkeeper Alex Bass to ultimately send Chelsea into the third round of the FA Cup.

Moises Caicedo: N/A

Caicedo came on for nine minutes and made sure that he didn’t lose the ball, attempting zero long balls and completing 100% of his 21 attempted passes.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO: 9/10

Pochettino recognized the occasion for what it was and perfectly balanced the need to give out opportunities to young players with the need to win the game. He did well to start Humphreys, Maatsen, Ugochukwu, Morreira and Burstow, handing out four full debuts in one fell swoop.

He managed them well too, hooking off Burstow at half time when he was offering nothing, and leaving on those who were playing well. He brought on Fernandez when he needed impact, knowing the Blues No. 8 was the perfect person to give the game exactly what it needed.