Chelsea Player Ratings: Malo Gusto Shines in Debut, While Barco Faces Boo Birds at Every Touch

CHELSEA are into to the third round of the Carabao Cup with minimal fuss thanks to a Danny Welbeck header in a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

A goalless first half saw test ‘s resolve with their very exciting trio of Estevao, and playing behind .

All of them had chances, but none could find the back of the net, Rogers coming closest with a volley onto the crossbar.

And with young, tricky superstars stealing the show, it was only right that veteran goalscorer Danny Welbeck stood up and was counted when the Blues needed a goal.

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He headed home a cross to give the Blues the lead just five minutes into the second half.

Chelsea were in the driving seat from then on, with Palmer almost scoring a wondergoal and minutes in the tank for the likes of Pedro Neto, and Joao Pedro from the bench.

Estevao capitalised on the Blues’ dominance with a late finish to make it 2-0 and see ‘s side sail into the next round, where they will face at home.

This is how SunSport Chelsea reporter Lloyd Canfield rated the players…

MIKE PENDERS – 7

There was a fair bit of pressure on young Mike Penders today, given the fact that is about to join Chelsea to replace the man already in front of him, Robert Sanchez.

Nonetheless, he was great.

He looked commanding, and particularly good with his feet, communicating well with those in front of him. Nothing outstanding, but more than good enough.

MALO GUSTO – 8

He tried and tried and tried to get down the right side and deliver the ball into the box in the first half, without much luck.

In the second half he got his golden touch, a perfectly delivered cross onto the forehead of Danny Welbeck to find the back of the net.

Defended well throughout too with some great tackles, and several other good crosses that unfortunately didn’t come to anything.

The right-wingback spot in Xabi Alonso’s side is one that is far from locked down, and Gusto might still be in with a chance of nailing it with more performances like today.

JOSH ACHEAMPONG – 8

Was really impressive against , and really impressive again today, particularly with a crucial sliding tackle in the first half.

He sweeps things up brilliantly, steps into challenges well when required, and is good from passing out of the back too.

MAXENCE LACROIX – 7

Made more defensive contributions than any other Chelsea player, with several clearances, blocks and interceptions.

Looks like a really strong signing already.

PEP CHAVARRIA – 6

Was noticeably good on the recovery, and really solid at left-back for Chelsea.

It’s hard not to see him as a great, understated, signing so far – similar in a lot of ways to when the Blues signed the legendary .

VALENTIN BARCO – 6

Was booed every time he touched the ball by the bitter English fans for his World Cup wind-up antics with Argentina.

Nonetheless, put in a solid midfield performance drifting out to the left side, and created some decent chances while being solid defensively.

REECE JAMES – 6

Came close after 19 minutes with a beautifully executed free-kick routine, but for a great save by Josh Keeley in the net.

Was otherwise solid, keeping things ticking in midfield for the Blues with some good passing and defensive moments too.

ESTEVAO – 8

Combined really nicely with his teammates, and if you thought the front three vs Fulham was good, it could be even more frightening with this kid added to it.

He was a little hasty at times in the box, and perhaps should have lifted his head up a bit more, but his persistence paid off when a low shot was deflected home to give the Blues a 2-0 lead.

A great showing from one of the most exciting young players on the planet, and one who will be looking for more and more minutes off of the Blues’ ‘CPR’ front three.

COLE PALMER – 8

After his electric start in the Premier League against Fulham, Palmer really does look like the Palmer of old again – he looks so sharp and was at the heart of almost everything good Chelsea did going forward.

Almost scored a sensational effort from range with half an hour to go, but his curling effort licked the paint off the top of the crossbar.

MORGAN ROGERS – 7

Rattled the crossbar with a volley just before half-time having caused several problems for Luton throughout the first half.

DANNY WELBECK – 7

Linked up really nicely at times with Rogers and Palmer, but struggled to get into the game up top in the same ways that Joao Pedro often does in the first half.

In the second half though, he showed exactly why Chelsea signed him, he knows where the back of the net is.

Rose like a salmon to head home Malo Gusto’s perfect cross and give Chelsea the goal they needed.

SUBS:

JORREL HATO (MALO GUSTO, 67) – 6

Solid at the back, in Alonso’s back three system which probably suits him nicely, but didn’t have much to do.

PEDRO NETO (MORGAN ROGERS, 67) – 6

Settled nicely into the right wing back role once more and looked comfortable going in both directions.

ROMEO LAVIA (REECE JAMES, 67) – 6

Put in a heavy mistimed tackle, but was good overall at keeping things ticking, very similar to James before him.

JOAO PEDRO (DANNY WELBECK, 75) – 6

Came close with a half chance late on, but it was saved by Keeley in the Luton goal.

JAMIE GITTENS (ESTEVAO, 80) – 7

Didn’t have much time to make an impact, but came close to scoring a beautiful goal from the left side with a left-footed effort coming off of the right post.