In a convincing 4-1 win over Greek side Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea continued to showcase their firepower, with fringe players getting a chance to shine. Manager Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from the team that played against Liverpool, and it was another opportunity for the Blues to improve their defensive solidity, which came under scrutiny in the first hour of the game.
While the victory was never in doubt despite the starting lineup, it was crucial for players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix to get the confidence boost they need to push for more playing time in the Premier League. Mudryk, in particular, needed a big performance to prove himself worthy of a more prominent role. And boy, did he deliver. The Ukrainian winger provided two assists and scored a goal, setting up Chelsea’s first two goals and then netting the third himself. His two direct goal involvements for the season more than doubled his previous tally of three, and it’s safe to say he’s made a strong case for more regular appearances.
Felix, on the other hand, benefited from Mudryk’s creativity, scoring two goals that showcased his clinical skills. While his first goal was a characteristic striker’s finish, his second was a product of sheer audacity, as he opted to shoot from the edge of the box despite the ball taking a deflection. The Portuguese forward’s two goals trebled his tally for the campaign, and it’s likely he’ll be pushing for more regular starts in the Premier League.
In the end, it was a productive night for Maresca, allowing him to give some of his fringe players a chance to shine and for some, like Mudryk and Felix, to stake their claim for a more prominent role. Chelsea’s defensive issues remain a concern, but for now, it’s another three points in the bag in the UEFA Conference League.
