Chelsea’s first team weren’t the only ones celebrating on Friday night because the academy recorded a big win, too.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues side produced an emphatic 5-1 away win against West Ham in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s Under-21s team beat Newcastle’s Under-21s 5-0 away from home in a Premier League 2 fixture.
The Chelsea academy is such a crucial cog at Stamford Bridge, which is proven when you look at how many homegrown talents are in the current first-team group.
Filipe Coelho left his role as the Blues U21s manager this summer and was replaced by Calum McFarlane. So far this season in the Premier League 2, Chelsea have started with a 3-1 win against Manchester City, followed by the 5-0 success yesterday at Newcastle.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is a huge advocate of the academy, so plenty of focus must go on their future and development.
Jesse Derry playing for the Chelsea U21s against Manchester City U21s in the Premier League 2.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea fans amazed by Jesse Derry performance
There were five different goalscorers as Chelsea beat Newcastle in the U21s league clash, including Jesse Derry.
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The 18-year-old winger, who joined the Blues this summer after opting against signing a professional contract at Crystal Palace, looks like a real star in the making. He scored his first Chelsea goal in style against Newcastle after cutting infield from the left and firing in a low finish.
Blues supporters on X couldn’t contain their excitement about the teenage attacker after his performance in the academy…
One fan wrote: “Jesse Derry scored in his first start for Chelsea U21. You guys should stay updated about him; he’s the next big thing.”
“Jesse Derry plays with an insane swagger. He keeps scoring like that, we’ve a good one,” another posted.
One supporter claimed: “Jesse Derry and Reggie Walsh have aura when they have the ball.”
“I’m watching the U21 now and this Derry boy plays exactly like Aston Villa’s Grealish. Wow,” another commented.
Jesse Derry…Baller
I see the Grealish comparison… fairs
— 💡 (@_justfooty_) August 22, 2025
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Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to sign Derry this summer, which could be a superb bit of business.
The skilful wide man, who showed a great eye for goal at Crystal Palace, will now be looking to make a real name for himself in West London. If he shines for the Blues U21s, we’ve seen that Maresca isn’t afraid of promoting young stars to his main squad.
Rio Ferdinand congratulated Derry on his Chelsea move, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress in the coming months.
Chelsea U21s players in a huddle before facing Newcastle United U21s in a Premier League 2 fixture.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Jesse Derry match statistics vs Newcastle
As you can see below, Derry excelled during just under an hour on the pitch for Chelsea on Friday evening.
Minutes played Goals Total shots Accurate passes Touches in opposition box Successful dribbles Was fouled Match rating
58 1 2 15/18 (83%) 4 2/2 (100%) 1 8.1
Jesse Derry statistics during Chelsea vs Newcastle in the Premier League 2 via FOTMOB
There’s a lot of talent in the Blues Under-21s group, particularly in the attacking positions, but Derry is going to bring something extra this season with his dribbling and 1v1 ability.
It’s interesting to note that some supporters have compared him to Jack Grealish in his style.