Night of premieres at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. For the reception of Crystal Palace, coach Mauricio Pochettino started for the first time this season Christopher Nkunku, in the number 10 position, and Ian Maatsen, as right winger. And during the meeting, he launched Romeo Lavia, recruited for €62 million from Southampton last summer, who had still not appeared with the Blues this season.
But the one who interests us the most is obviously the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku. Three days earlier, he was entitled to his first appearance, enhanced by a goal at the end of added time against Wolverhampton. Yesterday, proof of the importance he has in the eyes of Chelsea, he started the meeting, and immediately provided the link that Pochettino’s team was missing so much until then. A good technical connection with Mudryk, with whom he often combined, a simple and forward game, and that’s how Nkunku immediately seems indispensable to this sick team.
The English press is convinced
He was also involved in Mudryk’s first goal, perfectly shifting Gusto to the left side of the area. Obviously, after so many months without playing, the French international, recruited for €60 million from RB Leipzig, gradually faded away before being replaced in the 71st minute by Madueke, scorer of the winning goal. The English press was generally convinced by Nkunku’s contribution. “Impressive in his first Premier League start for the club, but at times operating on a different wavelength to the rest of the team. Showed flashes of genius, notably with his involvement in Mudryk’s goal”writes for example the Daily Mail.
“The French international brought quality and composure on his debut, helping to score the opening goal. However, he missed a good opportunity and subsequently died.”judge him London Evening Standard. And the main one concerned? Questioned after the meeting, he expressed his pleasure at being back on the pitch. “It was tough to suffer this injury at the start of the season. I worked hard to come back. Today, I am happy, and I have confidence in the future”. Stuck in a sad 10th place in the Premier League, Chelsea are counting heavily on their Frenchman to make their future less moribund…
