JADON SANCHO marked his Chelsea debut with an impressive Man of the Match display against Bournemouth.
Chelsea had been unable to conjure up a goal in the first half of their clash at the Vitality Stadium, with Robert Sanchez denying the hosts from the penalty spot.
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2Jadon Sancho put in an impressive Chelsea debutCredit: Getty
2He provided the match-winning assist for Christopher NkunkuCredit: Getty
🎙️ “When you can bring on class, that’s what can happen.”Brilliant from Christopher Nkunku 👏🔵 pic.twitter.com/4obtOO7IOb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2024
Having been left unhappy by what he had just seen Enzo Maresca rolled the dice by bringing on Sancho for Pedro Neto at half-time.
And it proved to be an inspired move, as the on-loan Manchester United winger provided the match-winning assist for Christopher Nkunku’s decisive goal after 86 minutes.
Sancho was one of the liveliest players on the pitch as he put in a stunning display from left midfield.
Indeed, for Nkunku’s goal, Sancho beat his marker by cutting back on to his right foot before threading a pass into his team-mate’s path before he slotted home a shot.
Sancho attempted two dribbles and completed 24 of his 26 passes.
He also showed his defensive nous by registering four ball recoveries.
Before the game, Maresca had said he did not consider the Sancho transfer a risk.
And afterwards, he had a glowing review for the 24-year-old.
He said: “I think we start second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him.
“As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us.
“He was very good, I think Joao [Felix] was very good and Christoph scored but was also very good.”
Sancho has often looked a shadow of himself since his return to England from Borussia Dortmund.
The former Manchester City had a high-profile fallout with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag last season that saw him banished from first-team training.
He returned to Germany with Dortmund on loan in January and had a mixed spell as he helped them reach the Champions League final.
However, Maresca said he believes he knows how to get the best out of him.
Maresca said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.
“This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us.
“Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football.
“This is the reason why they play.
“They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”
If his first 45 minutes are anything to go by, Sancho looks set to get his career back on track.
The win puts Chelsea seventh in the Premier League table before Sunday’s fixtures, with two wins, one draw and one defeat.
