Chelsea made it a perfect six wins from six in the Conference League league phase by thrashing Shamrock Rovers 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Guiu continued his fine end to the campaign with a first-half hat-trick to back up his brace in last week’s win in Astana, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also on the scoresheet before the break.
Marc Cucurella then made the most of a rare appearance in this competition to steer home a fine fifth, with Chelsea topping the league phase table outright as the only team to finish with a 100 per cent record.
Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...
Filip Jorgensen 6
One sharp stop to keep Johnny Kenny’s strike out of the top corner.
Josh Acheampong 7
Another opportunity from the start for the young right-back and another game in which he looked instantly at home. No issues shifting to centre-back during the second half.
Axel Disasi 6
Lost Kenny’s run ahead of corner that gave Shamrock their goal but otherwise steady enough. Wore the captain’s armband.
Renato Veiga 6
Another day, another position for the Portuguese. Ultra-composed on the ball.
Marc Cucurella 8
Playing because of red card suspension that rules him out of Everton trip. Perfect pass for Nkunku in lead up to third goal, then took his own brilliantly. Will be a big miss at Goodison Park.
Cesare Casadei 6
Unlucky to see Markus Poom’s strike deflect off him and in. Went close to absolute redemption with long-range strike.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 7
Struggled with a knock early on but recovered in time to steer home a nice finish for only his second Chelsea goal.
Noni Madueke 7
Found it all a bit easy at this level. Cross made Guiu’s hat-trick goal. Some delightful footwork.
Christopher Nkunku 8
Knitted things together in roaming brief and played a part in Dewsbury-Hall’s goal before making Cucurella’s.
Tyrique George 7
Lively stuff from the youngster, always positive and able to deliver dangerous early balls as well as take his man on. Faded a little after switching wings at half-time.
Helped himself to a real striker’s hat-trick, pouncing on some shoddy defending in ruthless fashion. Is really growing.
Substitutes
Harvey Vale (Madueke 46’) 6
Another cameo ahead of likely departure next month.
Harrison Murray-Campbell (Disasi 59’) 6
Made the trip to Kazakhstan without getting on last week but rewarded with a debut here.
Joao Felix (Guiu 59’) 6
Flashed across the face of goal twice, from either side of the box.
Samuel Rak-Sakyi (Dewsbury-Hall 82’) N/A
Unused: Sanchez, Bergstrom, Tosin, Dyer, Sancho, Neto, Mheuka
