Chelsea vs Wrexham LIVE! Pre-season friendly result, match stream, latest updates and reaction today
Mauricio Pochettino began life as Chelsea manager with a huge win against Wrexham as the Blues kicked off their pre-season tour and a brand new era with a bang in the United States. The former Tottenham boss is overseeing a huge rebuild of the club following such a disappointing season last time out and handed a slew of debuts in his first match in charge in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Ian Maatsen was the unlikely hero of a youthful starting XI with an average age of just 19 as he netted a stylish first-half brace with assists from Nicolas Jackson and Carney Chukwuemeka, with dominant Chelsea then turning up the heat late on to add real gloss to the scoreline.
First Conor Gallagher fired home, then new £53million signing Christopher Nkunku rounded the goalkeeper before finishing in expert fashion. The rout was finished off by a lovely lob from Ben Chilwell, teed up by another fresh arrival in Angelo Gabriel. Follow Chelsea vs Wrexham reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at Kenan Memorial Stadium!
Live updates
Ian Maatsen issues update on Chelsea future
Ian Maatsen says he wants to stay at Chelsea next season with his future in limbo amid Burnley’s attempts to sign him on a permanent basis.
The 21-year-old scored the opening two goals in a 5-0 win over Wrexham in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge of the club.
Maatsen was one of a number of young players who have uncertain futures despite being on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Speaking after his star display, Maatsen revealed that he would ideally like to remain at Chelsea: “I hope to come back here and show the fans and the manager what I am capable of.
“Of course, sometimes it is difficult [not knowing your future] but you try to do your best all the time, stay calm and not stress.”
Chelsea 5-0 Wrexham: Video recap
Mauricio Pochettino confirms Reece James return
Mauricio Pochettino says Reece James will join the Chelsea squad “soon” and praised Christopher Nkunku for his goalscoring debut.
The new Blues boss oversaw Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Wrexham in their opening pre-season match in the United States.
Pochettino gave an update on the defender’s availability after the game on Wednesday night, saying: “He is flying soon and he is going to join the team.”
Just waking up? Here’s what you missed
Recap the action with our three takeaways from Chelsea’s win over Wrexham, including a fine performance from Ian Maatsen and the battle to be Mauricio Pochettino’s No9.
Chelsea ratings
Jamie Cumming – 6
Untested by Wrexham.
Malo Gusto – 7
A perfect Pochettino display, attacking while also recovering to defend.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Looked after his younger team-mates in a vocal display as an unlikely captain.
Bashir Humphreys – 6
Looked comfortable in possession but rarely tested.
Marc Cucurella – 5
Outshone by Gusto in an unremarkable first 45 minutes. He somehow came on again late despite already being substituted.
Click here to read Nizaar Kinsella’s Chelsea ratings in full
Nkunku vs Jackson battle
Jackson came off for Nkunku in the second half. Amid a radical first year under new ownership, Chelsea have spent well over £600million but the former RB Leipzig forward is arguably the most exciting arrival.
It was a shame, however, that Chelsea couldn’t dominate the second half as much as the first, leaving him to be a passenger in the match.
The 25-year-old sparked into life after Cesare Casadei’s through ball, rounding the goalkeeper to score. He might start up front against Liverpool on the opening day.
Jackson passes first striker audition
The 22-year-old set up Maatsen’s first goal with a brilliant dribble around Ben Tozer. He was a constant threat whenever Chelsea got an opportunity to break.
He didn’t, however, get a shot on goal as he almost emulated what Harry Kane does at Tottenham, dropping deep and allowing the wingers to get on the end of his flick-ons and passes.
Maatsen shines but what is the plan?
Maatsen showed his quality in front of goal in an impressive 45-minute display, playing out of position on the left wing.
Having added goals and assists from left wing-back last season at Burnley, his attacking ability should come as no surprise.
However, having signed Marc Cucurella last summer, you have to wonder what is the plan for Maatsen?
Pochettino is a fan, but can Chelsea find space for this young talent when Ben Chilwell and Lewis Hall are also in the squad?
Pochettino on Nkunku debut
“The most important thing now is to get feelings, starting to play again after the holidays. All the players came at different levels and now it is about putting them all at similar levels.
“I think for the possibility today and the different players we have available and I think it’s a position we decide today… we only have Jackson and him with the possibility to play as a striker.”
Pochettino explains Cucurella return
Pochettino explains that decision to bring Cucurella back on in the second half…
No comments
Post a Comment