Chelsea prevailed over Brighton in the Premier League Summer Series and earned Mauricio Pochettino’s second win as Blues boss thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku, Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson

Christopher Nkunku during the game against Brighton (Image: Tim Nwachukwu)

 

Leaders are forming

Chelsea lost their captain in Cesar Azpilicueta and a number of other players who have worn the armband this summer. Mauricio Pochettino will not name his next dressing room chief until Chelsea’s first Premier League match of the season against Liverpool but already there are elements of leadership shining through from the new-look Chelsea side.

Thiago Silva and Kepa Arrizabalaga wore the armband against Brighton following Trevoh Chalobah taking ownership against Wrexham, however, other players are stepping up too. Enzo Fernandez took control of the organisation of midfield after he was introduced and directed traffic, while Andrey Santos ensured he was combatitive in challenges and ensured he was in place to defend his teammates when he believed they were being wronged.

Likewise, Christopher Nkunku showed a protective instinct. Having received a rash challenge of his own, the Frenchman was fiercely defensive when youngster Cesare Casadei was wiped out along the sideline by Jan Paul van Hecke, who ultimately received a second yellow card for his challenge. It was understandable Nkunku was annoyed, but to see someone new to the club defending a teammate is a positive sign in the team showing ownership for each other moving forwards.

Mykhailo Mudryk looks sharp

It had been said that the Ukraine international had looked sharp in training depsite his lesser involvments in the first days in the United States. He managed a solid strike on the training pitches of North Carolina but it paled in comparison to what he was able to offer up in front of supporters in Philadelphia.

Mudryk’s pace always stands out but he had additional intensity in pressing opponents and looked to make opportunities against Brighton. His exchange with Nicolas Jackson, accompanied by a brilliant touch resulted in a roaring goal that could provide the spark the former Shahktar Donetsk star requires to truly kick on.

He made sure that he took the moment in and was the last Blues player to depart from the pitch. Pochettino plans to make him feel important.

The Blues boss said: “He’s a great, young talent. We need to make him feel important in our platform. That is a big challenge for us to put him in a place that he feels comfortable to show his amazing talent.”

Pochettino’s transfer desire

Moises Caicedo is never far from the Chelsea agenda this summer, but was not present in Brighton’s squad for the Prmeier League Summer Series clash. Reinforcement is required for Chelsea’s midfield but it is not the only area the Blues are lacking.

While Pochettino has been enthustiastic about the young talent receiving an opportunity this summer, he has been realistic in acknowledging that not all will make the final cut for his Premier League squad. The Blues boss has been open about hoping for more transfers to come, ideally the sooner the better but on Saturday night was open in wanting some experience too.

He said: “We need to be careful because people expect to win, when you play for Chelsea it’s about winning, it’s not about playing good football only. Yes we have many young but we need some experienced players also. We are working really hard to add some players that can help this year also but help today and try to get what we want.”

Centre midfield must be addressed

Again, Chelsea’s ambition to land Caicedo is no secret but Chelsea’s starting lineup reinforced that it is a requirement for the club. The Blues have had some positive performances from Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka and Conor Gallagher but only Santos has been entirely comfortable at the base of midfield and building play with the alternatives looking better in more advanced positions.

Pochettino can rely on Enzo Fernandez to sit deeper, but he is still building his fitness after a cameo against Brighton. That Gallagher had to be used in the role in the first period signals that Chelsea need to do work in the market. Playing the former Crystal Palace star at the base of midfield does not do him or Chelsea justice given his qualities.

Soucre: football.london