Chelsea 2
Servette 0
Those hunting for optimism could find it in encouraging displays from some new faces, while goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke during an improved second half should ensure that progress to the Europa Conference League is secured in Switzerland next week, but there were also moments when discontent in the stands bubbled to the surface.
There was a fair bit of unrest after a torpid opening period, during which it was hard to see why Mykhailo Mudryk has been preferred to Raheem Sterling in attack, and later there would even be hints of opposition to Enzo Maresca's style of play. It was certainly odd to hear boos when Moises Caicedo, who was under pressure, turned backwards in possession.
Shouldn't keeping the ball be applauded? Maresca must have been exasperated, especially as Madueke would soon round off a flowing move that began with a ball out of defence a few minutes later. After a year out of Europe, Chelsea had taken a big step towards securing their spot in this season's group stage.
This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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