Chelsea came through a tricky trip to Germany in midweek to end up on the right end of a 2-0 scoreline against Heidenheim.
Chelsea remain perfect in this season’s Conference League group stages after a 2-0 away victory over Heidenheim, which now means they have four wins from four in the competition.
There were plenty of goalscoring chances for both sides in an entertaining European fixture, but the Blues showed their class with two second-half goals to earn three points. Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk were both on the scoresheet to seal a deserved result.
Chris Sutton thinks Chelsea must win this year’s Conference League with the strength and depth at their disposal. So far, they’re making wholesale changes each game and still winning at a canter.
Here is a look at five things we learned from Chelsea’s impressive win versus Heidenheim…
Paul Wanner of 1.FC Heidenheim and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen of Chelsea FC battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Ph...
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Filip Jorgensen is ready for the Premier League
Filip Jorgensen, 22, was Chelsea’s player of the match on Thursday against Heidenheim. It was the type of eye-catching display from the goalkeeper that should push him closer to the best XI.
While Robert Sanchez continues to deliver inconsistent performances as the Blues first-choice keeper, Jorgensen is delivering masterclasses in the various cup competitions.
Peter Crouch argues Jorgensen should replace Sanchez in Chelsea’s net for the Premier League after watching his contribution in the Conference League this evening.
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Enzo Maresca, the Blues manager, has stayed loyal to Sanchez by starting him in every single league match this season. However, Jorgensen is good enough to replace him and should be given his shot.
Jadon Sancho picked up where he left off
It was a big night for Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho against Heidenheim because he was making his first start since October. He’s missed a string of games recently due to injury and illness, but he was back in the starting XI for the European away day.
Sancho proved he’s a great addition to the Blues squad this season with a very strong display in the Conference League.
The 24-year-old winger, who operated from the right today, caused the opposition defence plenty of problems with his quick feet and directness.
He was heavily involved in Christopher Nkunku’s opener after bursting into the box. Similarly, he assisted Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal with a clever pull back.
Sancho put together a great argument as to why he should be back in the starting team for the league, so perhaps Noni Madueke should be nervously looking over his shoulder.
Axel Disasi is bottom of the defensive pecking order
It must’ve been a proud night for Axel Disasi, 26, as he wore the captain’s armband for Chelsea versus Heidenheim. Unfortunately, he really struggled at right-back to make a good impression.
Chelsea fans ripped into Disasi’s performance at Heidenheim, where he made individual errors and couldn’t stamp his authority at the back.
Even though the centre-half was playing slightly out of position at right-back, Disasi delivered a really underwhelming display yet again in Europe.
As it stands, it feels like there’s so many centre-backs in the squad that are above him in the pecking order.
Christopher Nkunku is lethal in front of goal
In 19 games across all competitions this season, Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku has now scored 11 goals. He underlined against Heidenheim why he’s the most clinical finisher in the entire squad.
The 27-year-old star scored a brilliant goal in midweek by firing a close-range effort into the top corner. When he’s in the penalty box, everyone has so much faith that he’ll find the back of the net.
Player Goals
Christopher Nkunku 11
Cole Palmer 7
Nicolas Jackson 7
Noni Madueke 5
Joao Felix 5
Chelsea’s top scorers in the 2024/25 season across all competitions
Chelsea fans want Nkunku starting in the Premier League, which is fair enough when you see how lethal he is as a goalscorer. However, he’s still only started one league match so far this season.
Maresca managed to get Joao Felix into this Chelsea XI during the weekend’s victory against Leicester City, so could Nkunku soon get his shot?
Marc Guiu needs a loan
Chelsea striker Marc Guiu, who’s just 18, started the Heidenheim tie. He lasted just over an hour before he was substituted off, too.
Remarkably, Guiu managed attempted six shots (FOTMOB) in Thursday’s game. Despite the Spanish teenager’s endeavour and enthusiasm, he’s still lacking end product.
It feels like a no-brainer for Chelsea to look into sending him out on loan in the second half of the season because he needs regular first-team football for his development.
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