Chelsea’s kids ran riot against a woeful Ajax side on Wednesday, running out 5-1 winners at Stamford Bridge. There were three penalties, a red card and untold drama on a sodden night in west London as the Blues continued their excellent form and became the first team to have three teenagers score in the same match in Champions League history.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca made wholesale changes to the team which swept Nottingham Forest aside at the weekend, but their visitors were truly dreadful, and Ajax's job was made even harder after 17 minutes when Kenneth Taylor was shown a red card for a shocking challenge on Facundo Buonanotte.
The hosts immediately took advantage as Marc Guiu slotted home from close range, and they doubled their lead nine minutes later as Moises Caicedo fired home a deflected shot from outside the box.
There was a brief moment of hope for the visitors after former Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst smashed the ball home from the penalty spot after Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Raul Moro, but that was short-lived as Weghorst's clumsy challenge on Enzo Fernandez saw referee Felix Zwayer point to the spot, and the Argentina international finished with a fierce drive past Ajax keeper Remko Pasveer.
On the stroke of half-time, there was another penalty to Chelsea after Youri Baas fouled Estevao Willian, who was handed the ball by regular spot-kick taker Fernadez and duly dispatched his strike high to the keeper’s right. Maresca rang the changes at half-time, and it was another of the Blues’ youngster’s who extended the lead as Tyrique George made it five with a shot from range which took a massive deflection on the way past the helpless Pasveer.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Filip Jorgensen (6/10):
Knows he will have to wait for his opportunities at Chelsea, and they won't come much easier than this. Was a virtual spectator for the majority of the match, only beaten by Weghorst's penalty
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Showed his versatility by moving in to play at right-back and rounded off a comfortable evening with a goal, which took a sizeable deflection from an Ajax defender. Strangely, he was taken off just a couple of minutes into the second-half; he jogged off in a spritely manner, so didn't look like he'd suffered an injury.
Wesley Fofana (7/10):
Maresca has hinted at managing his minutes carefully following a concussion last month and this was definitely a night where he could ease himself back into action. Cool and composed, he also popped up in the box to provide the assist for Guiu's opener.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
Making his return to the starting line-up following a calf injury and was lucky to stay on the pitch after a very clumsy challenge on Weghorst while already on a yellow card. Was hooked at half-time.
Jorrel Hato (6/10):
Made his Champions League debut for Chelsea against his former club, but had a relatively quiet night. Will be glad for the minutes.
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Enzo Fernandez (8/10):
Chelsea's leading goal-scorer and despite a recent knee injury scare while on international duty, he was back to his very best, winning and then scoring the first penalty. Showed real class in allowing Estevao to take the second spot-kick. Subbed off at half-time.
Romeo Lavia (6/10):
Was hooked at half-time in the victory over Forest and had an easy ride here tonight. Was taken off just after the hour.
Estevao (8/10):
Still early days for the young Brazilian in west London, but showed again why his reputation is growing by the day. Was a constant threat all match and took his penalty will real aplomb. Picked up a yellow card for an awkward lunge in the 56th minute.
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Jamie Gittens(8/10):
A night for Gittens to finally recreate the sparkling form he showed for Borussia Dortmund, but will be pleased with his work. Held a very high position on the left and earned himself an assist for the rangy pass cross-field to Caicedo for the Blues' second.
Facundo Buonanotte (7/10):
Another Blues squad player who has had to remain patient for playing time so far this season, he took a hefty blow on the ankle from Taylor – who was shown red – and was lucky to walk away from the challenge. Showed neat touches
Marc Guiu (8/10):
His first start for the Blues this season after making a positive impact in recent wins over Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. It wasn't the cleanest of connections for his goal, but he won't care about that. Was subbed off at half-time.
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Andrey Santos (6/10):
Recent thigh injury has hampered his progress, but was lively in and around the box, though he failed to create a decisive moment or killer pass.
Tyrique George (8/10):
Brought on at the start of the second half, his deflected shot hit the back of the net just minutes after coming on.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
Was left with very little to do after coming on at half-time.
Josh Acheampong (7/10):
Had acres to roam into as Ajax virtually gave up in the second-half. Saw a shot from outside the box well saved by the keeper.
Reggie Walsh (7/10):
Became Chelsea's youngest ever Champions League player and the second-youngest Englishman ever, behind Arsenal's Jack Wilshere.
Enzo Maresca (8/10):
Knows Chelsea will face much sterner tests than the one posed by Ajax. Everything his side touched turned to goals and will be pleased to see some of his fringe players perform so professionally on the night.