Christopher Nkunku scores on Chelsea debut as Mauricio Pochettino wins first match in charge
Mauricio Pochettino made a strong start to his Chelsea career as his team secured a convincing 5-0 victory against Wrexham in the Florida Cup. The League Two side had no chance against the dominant Blues at the Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Pochettino chose to field a young team initially, before introducing some of his key players in the second half, including summer signing Christopher Nkunku. The versatile Frenchman marked his Chelsea debut with a goal, giving fans a glimpse of his potential at just 25 years old.
The first goal of the Pochettino era came in the third minute, with Ian Maatsen finding the back of the net past experienced goalkeeper Ben Foster. Maatsen, who played a crucial role in Burnley’s Championship win during his loan spell last season, added a second goal shortly before halftime.
The pace of the game slowed down after several substitutions in the second half, but Chelsea regained momentum in the closing stages. Conor Gallagher scored the team’s third goal in the 80th minute, with Raheem Sterling providing the assist.
The moment all Chelsea fans had been waiting for arrived in the 90th minute when Nkunku scored his debut goal. He skillfully rounded the goalkeeper and fired the ball into the roof of the net, sealing a memorable performance for himself and the team.
To add to the celebration, left-back Ben Chilwell scored the final goal of the game in stoppage time. Angelo Gabriel’s precise pass found Chilwell at the back post, and he calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Pochettino expressed his satisfaction with the team’s attitude and performance in his post-match interview. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and learning during this period, as the team works towards their desired style of play.
Overall, it was a fantastic start for Pochettino and his Chelsea side, leaving the manager delighted with their display on the pitch.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Christopher Nkunku made a statement on his Chelsea debut as Mauricio Pochettino won his first match of his reign as London side come from behind to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Nkunku, who signed for Chelsea earlier this week from PSG, scored a crucial goal as Chelsea overturned an early deficit inflicted by Lucas Moura in the first-half and equalised shortly after the break. Nkunku’s goal gave Pochettino an immediate boost as the Spaniard looked to make his mark at Stamford Bridge and it quickly paid dividends with Brazil’s Willian scoring the winner in stoppage time to send Blues fans into raptures.
Pochettino, who was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor after his sacking last week, watched from high in the stands at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the game was played behind closed doors due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
The win is Pochettino’s first since taking charge and it has already put his new side firmly back into contention for a top four league finish this season. The win also puts them just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and the victory has reignited hope of European football back at the Bridge next season.
This victory came after Chelsea lost 2-0 to Leicester City last week when Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes struck to confirm Lampard’s bleak future and prevented the Blues from moving into fourth place.
Overall, it was a great start to Pochettino’s reign and this win could be the first of many, and with the new signings, perhaps the move to Pochettino at the helm could prove to be a game changer for the London side.