Jamie Gittens properly announced himself at Chelsea with a stunning display against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.
It has been a timid start to life at Stamford Bridge since Jamie Gittens, 21, joined the Blues in the summer from Borussia Dortmund. However, the English winger just delivered a statement performance.
On Wednesday night, Enzo Maresca’s side recorded a dramatic 4-3 away win against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, and their reward is a trip to League One side Cardiff City in the quarter-finals.
Gittens was the star of the show for Chelsea, scoring once and assisting twice.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea supporters certainly enjoyed Gittens’ performance on the left wing, where he tormented the Wolves backline. It was his memorable goal with a half-volley from outside the box that was the icing on the cake, though.
Jamie Gittens celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Jamie Gittens confesses he only shot because he was tired
After the win against Wolves, Chelsea attacker Gittens admitted he only took the shot to score in the 89th minute because he was tired. We’re just glad that he did because it stands out as a goal of the season so far.
Gittens said via Chelsea’s official website: “I just thought I would try and shoot because I was tired, and it went in off the post.
“There were lots of emotions in the celebrations. Of course, I would’ve wanted to score earlier [in my Chelsea career], but it’s happened now and I thank God that I have scored today, and I hope there are many more to come.”
Last week, Gittens had his best Chelsea performance against Ajax during a 5-1 win in the Champions League. Well, he’s certainly outdone that with his masterclass away to Wolves.
Even though it’s taken a couple of months for him to properly integrate into the side, he’s now starting to offer a major attacking threat on the wing with his speed and directness.
Chelsea star Jamie Gittens dribbling against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho must watch out
Although Alejandro Garnacho has started the previous three Premier League matches for Chelsea on the left wing, he must be aware that teammate Gittens is beginning to apply some real pressure for the starting spot.
In fairness, Garnacho, 21, scored his first Chelsea goal during the weekend’s league defeat to Sunderland, firing in a clever low finish. Will it be enough to keep him in the XI for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham, though?
Like Gittens, Garnacho can be a bit of a streaky player when it comes to his level of performances and output.
Chelsea head coach Maresca claims he’s pleased with Garnacho’s work since he joined from Manchester United in the summer, so an intriguing battle is unfolding for the left wing spot.