Top News

Chelsea wasted no time finding their groove after three weeks off. In fact, Enzo Maresca could hardly have asked for a better return as his side piled on 24 shots against Bayer Leverkusen, who are much further along with their preparations.

In a 2-0 win that really should have been more, Chelsea used 21 players, only giving second-choice goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen the full game, as they experimented with a new look defensive setup and different combinations. Over the course of 90 minutes, four players made their unofficial debuts whilst another five appeared at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Each and every one of them made an impact. Be it Estevao Willian's goalor Dario Essugo's N'Golo Kante/Moises Caicedo-like tackle, there was something for all to take away and smile about. In front of an excitable home crowd, Chelsea certainly delivered on being the new world champions.

Here, football.london goes through some of the parts of the games that might have been missed on first viewing.

Maresca rollercoaster

With very little margin for error in the next week as he tries to fast-track Chelsea's squad into a position of relative readiness for competitive matches again, Maresca was in no mood to take this game lightly. As opposed to the usual soft edges which greet first pre-season games, the fact that this one was being played nine days before the league starts added a sense of urgency.

Chelsea had the momentum from the Club World Cup but nobody was sure just how much that would translate into a tangible performance. As it turns out, very well indeed.

Maresca drove that from the sidelines. He hardly sat down during the match, patrolling his technical area in the club's new green tracksuit. Barking instructions, he was quick to let players and officials know how he was feeling.

The referee was the first to really get on Maresca's wrong side. After Leverkusen were awarded a free kick ton the edge of the Chelsea box, Maresca threw his hands in the air, turned around in disgust, leant his head backwards, and shouted into the evening sky.

"F*** off, f*** off!" he bellowed loudly enough for his Italian accent but clear anger to be heard from behind the dugout. Before long, Maresca's attitude had changed.

WhenCole Palmer, Estevao, and Andrey Santos kept the ball on the edge of the Leverkusen box for an extended period, popping passes between them with one and two touch play, it drew a big clap from Maresca, who this time raised his hands above his head in applause. He loved the spontaneity and energy of his team, watching them drag their opponents around.

Maresca was also alert to use a stoppage in play to deliver a set of instructions to Tyrique George. The teenage winger had seen less of the ball than Estevao on the opposite side and was urged to keep running behind Nathan Tella.

The pair were engaged in a good battle and George, at times, had been left one-on-one with an ocean of space ahead to exploit if he was released. At one point, Maresca even went as far as telling Jorgensen to go direct to George in a bid to spring the high Leverkusen line.

It mirrored Chelsea's attempts to play over Paris Saint-Germain in America, demonstrating a willingness to try new methods when the moment is right. On this occasion it didn't work out as the ball went over George. However, when it was hoofed into the crowd, a supporter stood up and headed it from the stands, which is always worth a mention and drew a good laugh.

Shooting boots

The two new members of Chelsea's attack had contrasting days in front of goal. Whilst Liam Delap was denied by Mark Flekken's unknowing head, Estevao directed his first shot into the ground and then side netting to score.

His was an easier chance at the back post, where he had positioned himself nicely following Palmer's effort off the bar. Estevao could and probably should have had more, though.

George sent him through for a good chance only for the shot to be straight at Flekken, whilst Jamie Gittens' first act was to burst down the line and feed Estevao for a free effort inside the area that was skewed wide. As for Delap, he stretched to get a cutback from Marc Cucurella on target when a gap in the Leverkusen defence opened up.

It wasn't to be for the Englishman despite a good fight with Edmond Tapsoba throughout. Delap had started poorly with one particular shot in the warmup ending up closer to club museum behind the Matthew Harding Stand rather than the goal.

As the ball flew into the upper tier of the stadium, Delap let off a grin. Estevao showed him how it was done a few seconds later, striding onto a ball with his left foot, appropriately cutting in front the left, and curling it into the far top corner.

Later on, when resting on the bench, Estevao and Delap also gave off differing responses to Joao Pedro last-minute strike. Whereas Estevao stood up with a big smile on his face, raising his arms in celebration for his fellow countryman, Delap barely acknowledged it, just sitting there content with his lot.

Delap would go on to sign a set of autographs and the like outside the ground. He was seen in his car talking to fans, leaning out of the door and having a chat with his new supporters.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca drops Chelsea transfer bombshell as summer plans set to change

READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen as Estevao dazzles and Palmer bright in great display

READ MORE: What Enzo Maresca did to Estevao Willian as Chelsea unleash the next Cole Palmer

Transfer talk?

It is normal to see Chelsea's senior figures at matches across the world. Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, even during their colder days, attended together and have attended multiple games over the past few years.

It is just as common, now, to witness the sporting directors and recruitment team. Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will often watch on from a box at Stamford Bridge before walking across the pitch, often towards the changing room, afterwards.

On Friday there was no sign of Stewart but instead, Joe Shields and Sam Jewell were in place. The trio mingled with the players and coaching staff during the comedic VisitMalta trophy presentation.

Winstanley had a lengthy conversation with Delap, who showed more emotion this time. It was then over to Maresca, who was involved in an on-pitch meeting with those who will have a key role in defining how the upcoming three weeks of the transfer window are to play out.

What they spoke about will probably never be known, and it is likely not whether or not Chelsea will be buying a new centre-back, but in the immediate aftermath of the match and that being one of the main talking points, it was definitely one to take note of.

---