2. Improved second-half showing from Sancho
The on-loan Manchester United player started for the third consecutive match on Thursday. In the first half, it felt like a continuation of disappointing outings from the Englishman. He struggled to get the ball into the box and opted to play it safe instead of attempting to create chances.
However, the second half saw Sancho shift to the left. Taking inspiration from second-half substitute Noni Madueke, who was making aggressive runs on the right, Sancho began doing the same. The second goal Chelsea scored came from one of these moves, Sancho drove toward the box before finding Madueke in space.
Then, moments after Christopher Nkunku’s penalty was saved, Sancho showed great composure by carrying the ball forward and delivering a brilliant ball across goal, which Madueke finished once again. The performance from Sancho was one of, if not his best, in Chelsea colors.
There is a lot of talk about Chelsea not moving forward with the obligation to sign Sancho at the end of the season. At present, the club is not expected to sign him permanently. But if Sancho can maintain this level of form, Chelsea might reconsider and include him in their long-term plans.
3. Dewsbury-Hall steps up
The former Leicester midfielder has not had the smoothest of starts since joining Chelsea. However, on Thursday, he was the team’s most promising player across the full 90 minutes. He registered five shots, most of which came very close to finding the net.
Dewsbury-Hall was also the difference-maker in Chelsea’s previous Conference League match. Against FC Copenhagen in the second leg, it was his goal that secured the 1-0 win. For a player who’s struggled to settle, his recent performances have been encouraging.
His strong showing also allowed Enzo Maresca to rest both Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, giving them a full week of recovery. His form adds another reliable option in midfield, one who offers a bit more than the others currently available.