Chelsea have come away from Stamford Bridge with an emphatic win over Ajax.
The 4-1 scoreline in the first half is a testament to the fast-paced nature of this Champions League clash.
Three penalties, five goals and a red card in the first 45 meant little doubt about the result, with Chelsea dominating the Dutch giants.
Goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao Willian — and Tyrique George after the break — showed the depth of attacking talent at Enzo Maresca’s disposal.
It was a fantastic performance all round, but some will be particularly happy with how the night unfolded.
Estevao of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's fourth goal from the penalty-spot
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Winners
Marc Guiu
Despite being hooked at half time, Guiu put on another solid performance, grabbing the opener for Chelsea and showing himself to be capable of leading the line for Maresca’s side.
George was preferred to the Spaniard early in the season, but his last couple of outings have built a strong case for him as Chelsea’s third-choice striker.
Estevao Willian
Another stunning performance from the Brazilian youngster. He’s making the right side his own in recent weeks and continued his hot streak with a well-taken penalty, becoming the youngest to score for Chelsea in the Champions League.
Estevao of Chelsea FC celebrates after scoring his teams fourth goal
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
He could have easily had more, looking like Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker in the second half. Roars of admiration bellowed around the Bridge every time the ball stopped at his feet. A true star in the making.
Filip Jorgensen
Ajax’s only goal came from the penalty spot, and Jorgensen almost got his fingertips to it.
After the Dutch side went down to ten men he was given little to do, but it was a solid performance from the stand-in. He was trusted regularly in the Conference League last season, and Maresca has shown he’s willing to give him a run at Europe’s elite competition.
Faith he has repaid with a mature display.
Reggie Walsh
Just past the hour mark, 17-year-old Reggie Walsh was brought on to become the youngest to appear for the Blues in the Champions League.
He didn’t manage to get in on the action, but it’s a huge moment for the young Englishman and hopefully, the start of a long and successful career at the Bridge.
Loser
Alejandro Garnacho
With Estevao starring and Jamie Gittens also looking sharp, the one person at Chelsea who might be feeling a bit of disappointment is Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentinian was not called upon for this match, despite the result being sealed by half time. Garnacho is still waiting on that performance that announces himself to the Chelsea faithful.
As it stands, he has a few players he needs to get past to get regular minutes from Maresca.