
Chelsea have extended their winning run to four matches after the Blues cruised past Ajax by five goals to one at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca made 10 changes to the side that beat Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with Romeo Lavia the only player keeping his place in the side. Despite some early moments of promise from the visitors, their task was made much harder early on when Kenneth Taylor was shown a straight red card for a foul on Facundo Buonanotte.
And from the resulting free-kick, Marc Guiu put the Blues ahead. Wesley Fofana's header towards the Spaniard ensured a fairly straightforward task for the striker, who capped his first start of the campaign with a goal.
It was soon two for the hosts. Moises Caicedo scored his fourth goal of the season via a big deflection. Chelsea were in complete control and had not even got out of first gear at Stamford Bridge.
Ajax, though, reduced the deficit not too long after with Wout Weghorst scoring from the penalty spot. Tosin Adarabioyo left his boot in on Raul Moro inside the box.
Enzo Fernandez restored Chelsea's two-goal advantage just before half-time. Fernandez was taken down inside the box by Weghorst and the Argentine then stepped up from 12 yards and tucked it into the corner.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Estevao Willian scored the home side's fourth goal of the game. The Blues were awarded their second penalty of the game - and the third of the match - and Fernandez gave the ball to Estevao, who made no mistake with an emphatic strike into the corner.
The second-half, predictably, was a much calmer affair given the scoreline, but there was still time for Tyrique George to get himself on the score sheet, with the Blues ending up as 5-1 winners. Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players out of 10 based on their performance this evening:
Filip Jorgensen - 5
Just his second start of the season. Goes the right way for the penalty and will perhaps be frustrated with himself for not keeping it out.
Moises Caicedo - 8
Asked to fill in at right-back. Caicedo was inverting into the centre of the pitch when Chelsea had possession. Scores the second goal of the game, with a well hit strike, albeit via a big deflection.
Wesley Fofana - 6
His fourth start of the season, and his first appearance in the Champions League. Does well to set up Guiu's goal with a fine header towards the Spaniard.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 4
Back into the XI, and made an important block around six or seven minutes in. But Tosin gave away a really silly penalty in the first-half and allowed Ajax back into the match.
Jorrel Hato - 6
The Dutchman made his first European appearance for his new employers against his former ones. Playing at left-back, Hato looked comfortable in possession.
Romeo Lavia - 6
Second successive start. Did well in there. Kept play ticking nicely and won the ball on numerous occasions
Enzo Fernandez - 8
Great to see him return after a minor knee problem. A top penalty in the first-half and he had a chance to double his tally with another spot kick but like a proper captain, he gave it to the young Estevao to get his first Champions League goal.
Estevao Willian - 9
A first Champions League start for the Brazilian. Took a while to get going but he eventually dazzled at the Bridge. Did really well to win the third penalty of the game and then convert the spot kick himself.
Facundo Buonanotte - 7
A second consecutive start in Europe. Looked bright. He's good at finding space in quite congested areas and always wants to receive possession.
Jamie Gittens - 7
A first European start for the Blues. Looked bright. Always wants to beat his man and when he does that, it gets people off their seat. Puts a really dangerous cross in on 37 minutes towards Buonanotte. A direct run with a teasing cross to match - that pretty much summed up his performance.
Marc Guiu - 9
The first time in over 10 months that Guiu has started a game. And he more than repaid Maresca's faith with an early goal. A quite simple finish but one where he had to stay calm and composed from close range. Overall, his performance was top notch. He links up the attacking play very well and out of possession, he is a proper nuisance.
Trevoh Chalobah (on for Tosin 46') - 6
On at the break. Wore the captain's armband. Passed it well but did not have any defending to do, really.
Andrey Santos (on for Fernandez 46') - 7
Santos played a big part in George's goal. Positive run and it sets up George to make it five for the Blues.
Tyrique George (on for Guiu 46') - 7
Was it his first touch? It may well have been. A fantastic way to make your introduction known.
Josh Acheampong (on for Caicedo 48') - 7
Did well. Used at right-back to replace Caicedo. Calm and composed as usual.
Reggie Walsh (on for Lavia 65') - 7
Great moment for the 17-year-old. Two days after his 17th birthday, Walsh made his Champions League debut. Very good in possession - you can see why Maresca loves him.
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