Reece James superb, 8/10 wows – Chelsea player ratings v AC Milan
Chelsea’s pre-season programme concluded with a dominant 3-1 victory over Serie A side AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
An own goal by Andrei Coubis and a Joao Pedro strike gave Chelsea a two-goal advantage in under ten minutes.
Coubis was then sent off after denying Pedro with a goal scoring opportunity and Chelsea made the player advantage count.
Liam Delap got off the mark in Chelsea colours from the penalty spot before adding another with the final action of the match, although the Blues could not keep a clean sheet as Youssouf Fofana netted for the visitors.
Chelsea captain leads by example
Robert Sanchez – 6
Had little to do against the ten men of AC Milan, but may be disappointed to have conceded at his near post.
Reece James (Off for Malo Gusto 61′) – 8 – Player of the match
A delicate free-kick to force the own goal by Coubis and enjoyed himself down the right flank. Excellent defending to deny AC Milan a certain goal after Rafael Leao had rounded the goalkeeper.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Jorrel Hato 73′) – 6
Made a crucial tackle to deny Leao as the striker looked to shoot from the edge of the penalty area. Will face tougher tests throughout the season.
Trevoh Chalobah (Off for Josh Acheampong 57′) – 6
A concern for Enzo Maresca as Trevoh Chalobah suffered an injury in the second half and was seen limping awkwardly as he made his way round the pitch. Looked composed on the ball and defended well when required.
Marc Cuccurella – 6
Constantly got forward down the left to support the attack and also defended tenaciously. A solid performance by the full-back.
Pedro scores again, but Gittens struggles
Enzo Fernandez (Off for Andrey Santos 60′) – 6
A solid match by Enzo Fernandez. Sat in-front of the back four but had little to do defensively as Chelsea had the player advanatage.
Moises Caicedo (Off for Dario Essugo 73′) – 6
Dictated the play in the middle of the park and kept Chelsea ticking on wave after wave of attack.
Pedro Neto (Off for Reggie Walsh 71′) – 6
Lively down the left flank and set up Pedro’s goal with a delightful cross. Will have cemented himself as a starter in the league on this showing.
Cole Palmer (Off for Estevao 61′) – 5
A quiet match by Cole Palmer’s standards, but he still kept the Chelsea’s slick attack moving. Given a loud applause by the Chelsea support when he was replaced.
Jamie Gittens (Off for Tyrique George 73′) – 4
Underperformed whilst other attacking players shone. Jamie Gittens will have to improve his final ball and decision making skills if he is to keep his place in the team.
Joao Pedro (Off for Liam Delap 60′) – 8
Continued his blistering start to life at Chelsea with another goal, a poachers finish from close-range. Forced Coubis to pull him down as he raced towards goal. Another fine performance to ensure he will start Chelsea’s league opener against Crystal Palace.
Delap off the mark as teenage sensation shines
Substitutes
Josh Acheampong (On for Trevoh Chalobah 57′) – 6
Made one important block and could now prove to be a useful option for Maresca as Chelsea await the verdict on Chalobah’s injury.
Liam Delap (On for Joao Pedro 60′) – 7
Scored his first goal for Chelsea to get off the mark and it was a fine penalty right in the corner of the net with plenty of pace and power. Then netted a second with a sweeping finish.
Andrey Santos (On for Enzo Fernandez 60′) – 7
Excellent awareness to find Dealp for his second goal, an assist that will have impressed Maresca.
Malo Gusto (On for Reece James 61) – 6
Made no impact on the game compared to James who he replaced, and had no defensive duties to fulfil.
Estevao (On for Cole Palmer 61′) – 8
Won the spot kick for Dealp to score his first Chelsea goal. Was dragged down at the back post as he looked to net himself. Tested Mike Maignan with a long-range drive. The 18-year-old impressed.
Reggie Walsh (On for Pedro Neto 71′) – 6
After not being involved against Bayer Leverkusen in the last pre-season friendly Reggie Walsh would have been delighted at making an appearance here.
Tyrique George (On for Jamie Gittens 73′) – 6
Showed flashes of his quality and the 19-year-old is a rising star in the Chelsea ranks.
Jorrel Hato (On for Tosin Adarabioyo 73′) – 6
Chelsea’s new signing from Ajax had little to do, but it was good for Maresca to give the defender his first minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Dairo Essugo (On for Moises Caicedo 73′) – 6
A good run out for 20-year-old, but saw little of him in the final stages of the match.