Chelsea managed to secure a hard-fought victory against Pafos in the UEFA Champions League on October 24, 2023, at Stamford Bridge. The win allowed the Blues to move back into the top eight of the competition standings. Despite the result, the match was characterized by a lack of attacking flair, particularly in the first half, which left many fans frustrated.
The opening 45 minutes of the match was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. A deflected shot from Pafos rattled the post, serving as the only notable moment during a half that felt reminiscent of lower-tier competitions. Chelsea’s attack remained stagnant until the second half, when the introduction of Estevao aimed to energize the team’s performance.
Though the Brazilian forward provided a spark, it was Moises Caicedo who ultimately broke the deadlock with a well-placed header into the bottom corner. His decisive goal secured three crucial points for Chelsea, though the overall performance raised questions about the team’s attacking capabilities moving forward.
Player Ratings Reflect Mixed Performances
Following the match, player ratings highlighted the struggles faced by several key players. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen received a rating of 5, having had little to do apart from one deflected shot that hit the post. His distribution was decent before being replaced by Robert Sanchez at half-time.
Right-back Malo Gusto also earned a rating of 5. He played an offensive role in the first half but faded significantly in the second, failing to make an impact when needed. In contrast, defender Wesley Fofana was rated 6, contributing positively to the team’s defensive solidity while pushing forward effectively at times.
On the left side of the defence, Benoit Badiashile received a rating of 6 as well, with a notable backheel assist attempt that went unrewarded. Jorrel Hato impressed with a rating of 7, nearly scoring just before half-time, while captain Reece James also earned a 7 for his commanding presence in midfield and a near goal early in the match.
The standout performer was undoubtedly Moises Caicedo, who received an 8 for his all-around contribution. His ability to dominate in midfield and score the winning goal showcased why he is a fan favorite. Enzo Fernandez also shone with a rating of 7, providing a significant attacking threat throughout the game, despite a goal being disallowed.
Unfortunately, not all players found success. Alejandro Garnacho struggled, earning a low rating of 3 due to his inability to convert chances and provide quality deliveries. Similarly, Liam Delap received a mere 2, with suggestions that he may be suffering from the infamous number nine curse that has plagued previous Chelsea forwards.
Impact of Substitutions
The substitutes had a mixed impact on the game. Estevao, who came on at half-time, was rated 7 for his immediate influence, including a strong volley that was saved by the Pafos goalkeeper. Other substitutes, such as Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella, received ratings of 5 for their limited contributions, while Jamie Gittens also earned a 5 for his efforts but ultimately lacked the finishing touch.
As Chelsea reflects on this match, the focus will likely shift to improving their attacking output ahead of upcoming fixtures. While the three points are important, the performance may not be sustainable in the long run if the team fails to find their rhythm in front of goal.
