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Palmer mocks Tosin as Nkunku shows true Chelsea colours

Chelsea were in action overnight and the Blues comfortably made it through to the Club World Cup round of 16 with a routine win over Esperance de Tunis.

Needing a result to secure their place in the last 16, Chelsea scored three goals in injury-time at the end of both halves to see off limited African opposition.

It was a good night for Liam Delap, getting on the scoresheet with the second goal of the early morning, holding off his marker well following a ball from Pedro Neto and then sidestepping another challenge before calmly slotting past the static Tunis keeper.

Tosin Adarabioyo had given Chelsea the lead moments earlier in first half stoppage time, heading home Neto's free-kick.

Tyrique George rounded things off in the 97th minute of the match when his speculative effort from range was somehow palmed into the net by the poor Tunis keeper.

Chelsea will face Benfica in the last 16 after the Portuguese side beat a much changed Bayern Munich in their final group game.

Here football.london takes a look at some of the things you might have missed from the contest, or you might not have seen at all given the 2am kick-off time in the UK!

Palmer mocks Tosin

Tosin Adarabioyo was named Superior Player of the Match at the end of the contest, probably for his goal and clean sheet.

He did not have too much to do at the back, however. Tunis were limited in their attacks but the goal will have made the supporters vote for Adarabioyo, although Liam Delap could have an argument for deserving it more.

Adarabioyo had to go through the post-match routine of posing for photographs with hs trophy and an interview, which went down well with Cole Palmer.

Palmer stood, off camera, clapping the big defender in a sarcastic way, making his teammate laugh. Malo Gusto then came over questioning the decision, before nodding his agreement, while Romeo Lavia would not be swayed. He continued to make a face as if to say 'how has he won it'?

Nkunku shows true colours

Christopher Nkunku may not have much time as a Chelsea player left. He has struggled to assert himself under Enzo Maresca and has been linked with a transfer out of the club, but was given the chance to shine on Wednesday.

He did not really take it, with football.london reporter Bobby Vincent giving him a four in the player ratings.

Vincent said that "Nkunku was sloppy in possession and went backwards too often". That said, after Delap scored the second goal of the game, the Frenchman was second on the scene to congratulate his new teammate.

Nkunku gave Delap a double high five and grabbed him in a hug, patting him on the back in a moment that showed he was still part of the team. He could very easily have just wandered back to the halfway line.

VAR common sense

It's not often we say that!

Chelsea were awarded a second half penalty after Andrey Santos' strike from outside the box struck Yassine Meriah's arm, diverting away for a corner.

Meriah's arm was indeed out and a penalty was awarded, but VAR intervened and rightly so it was not given as Meriah was trying to move his arm out of the way.

Common sense prevailed and the PGMOL could well do with taking note!

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