Chelsea’s preseason woes continued as they suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in their friendly match in Notre Dame, leaving Enzo Maresca still searching for his first win as Blues boss.
The Scottish champions dominated the game, exposing the scale of the challenge facing Maresca.
Regardless of it being just a preseason match, Chelsea’s defense was a major concern, conceding four goals in a single outing.
Here’s a breakdown of who impressed and who didn’t from the United States.
Chelsea were crushed by Brendan Rodgers ’ Celtic in their friendly in Notre Dame on Saturday
Robert Sanchez – 5
Sanchez made one exceptional save to deny Kyogo, but otherwise, he was left exposed by his defense. Question marks remain over his ability to pass the ball as his manager desires.
Reece James – 5.5
James is still adapting to his new inverted role, and Celtic targeted the space he left behind whenever he ventured into midfield, a tactic that will likely be repeated in the upcoming season.
Reece James is still getting used to his new inverted role and Celtic targeted the space he left
Wesley Fofana – 5
Fofana provided a threat from set-pieces, but his fitness levels are still a concern, as evident in this game. This was his first start in over a year.
Benoit Badiashile – 4
Badiashile made a costly mistake for Celtic’s third goal, gifting the ball to Luis Palma. Even in a friendly, he would have wanted the ground to swallow him up.
Benoit Badiashile committed a howler for Celtic’s third goal, sending a pass straight to a rival
Levi Colwill – 5
Colwill had a relatively quiet game, but he needs to be more alert to the constant threats coming from Celtic’s attack.
Romeo Lavia – 6
Lavia had a solid game in midfield, showcasing his ability to turn on the ball and pick a pass. Hopefully, he can put last season’s injuries behind him.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 5
Chukwuemeka was one of three players substituted at halftime, having played the full 90 minutes against Wrexham. He failed to make an impact in this game.
Noni Madueke – 5.5
Madueke fluffed a golden opportunity to score, set up by Raheem Sterling. He showed promise down the right flank but was heavily reliant on his left foot.
Noni Madueke fluffed an excellent chance to score after being set up by Raheem Sterling.
Christopher Nkunku – 7
Nkunku has now scored in two consecutive preseason games, including a penalty in this match. It’s great to see him looking sharp after a injury-ravaged last campaign.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 5
Mudryk showed flashes of brilliance down the left flank, including a promising run and cross, but was ultimately replaced at halftime.
Mykhailo Mudryk showed the odd flash on the ball down the left but was otherwise limited
Marc Guiu – 7
Guiu’s finishing could use some work, but the 18-year-old is already showing the physicality required for the Premier League.
SUBS
Raheem Sterling (for Mudryk, 45 mins) – 7
Sterling injected life into the Chelsea attack down the left, hitting the post shortly after coming on and winning the penalty.
Lesley Ugochukwu (for Chukwuemeka, 45 mins) – 6
Ugochukwu was willing to push forward as Chelsea improved in the second half, but ultimately, they continued to concede.
Tosin Adarabioyo (for Fofana, 45 mins) – 5
Adarabioyo’s adventurous runs led to some promising moments, but he was also guilty of allowing Michael Johnston to escape him for Celtic’s fourth goal.
Tosin Adarabioyo allowed Michael Johnston to escape him easily for Celtic’s fourth goal
Malo Gusto (for James, 67 mins) – 5
Gusto, like Reece James, is still struggling to adapt to the inverted role, and it remains to be seen if it suits his skillset.
Andrey Santos (for Lavia, 67 mins) – 6
Santos had some bright moments, but by the time he came on, Chelsea were already on their way to a heavy defeat.
Angelo (for Madueke, 79 mins)– N/A
Lucas Bergstrom (for Sanchez, 80 mins) – N/A
Renato Veiga (for Colwill, 80 mins) – N/A
Tyrique George (for Guiu, 84 mins) – N/A
