Chelsea Under-21s faced Valencia in the final group game of the Premier League International Cup, settling for a 1-1 draw. The result puts Chelsea in third place in their group, with qualification for the knockout rounds dependent on other results. Despite a strong first-half performance and taking the lead with a penalty from Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Valencia equalized after the break, highlighting some defensive lapses from the Chelsea side.
The game saw a youthful Chelsea lineup, with five Under-18s players starting, and head coach Mark Robinson was pleased with the team’s control in the first half against more experienced opponents. However, he expressed disappointment in the manner in which Chelsea allowed Valencia back into the game with their equalizing goal early in the second half. Robinson emphasized the importance of improving decision-making and game management, especially when playing under pressure.
Robinson acknowledged the positive aspects of the performance, with Chelsea troubling Valencia out wide and showcasing quick transitions. Despite being a young group, Robinson expects the players to learn from their mistakes and develop the ability to secure wins by avoiding cheap goals.
The head coach highlighted the impact of Valencia’s early second-half goal, stating that it changed the dynamics of the game as Chelsea found themselves chasing the result. The players recognized their naivety and immaturity in the early stages of the second half, showing positive self-reflection.
In terms of the lineup, Chelsea featured players like Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Zain Silcott-Duberry, and Jimi Tauriainen. Jimmy-Jay Morgan converted a penalty to give Chelsea the lead, but Rodrigo Farofa equalized for Valencia. Despite chances to regain the lead, Chelsea couldn’t secure the win.
The draw leaves Chelsea waiting for results in other matches to determine their fate in the Premier League International Cup. Robinson remains optimistic about the team’s development and expects them to focus on improving decision-making and securing positive results in future games.
Chelsea’s lineup:
- Max Merrick
- Richard Olise
- Billy Gee (c)
- Ishe Samuels-Smith
- Zak Sturge
- Kiano Dyer
- Samuel Rak-Sakyi
- Zain Silcott-Duberry
- Jimi Tauriainen
- Tyrique George
- Jimmy-Jay Morgan
Unused subs: Luke Campbell, Ollie Harrison
Valencia’s lineup:
- David Vassilev
- Ismael Santana
- David Martinez
- Hugo De Mateo
- Mark Chust
- Ivan Munoz
- Martin Tejon
- Javi Navarro
- Joselu
- Declan Frith
- Rodrigo Farofa
Unused subs: Nil Ruiz, Diego Moreno
Scorers:
- Jimmy-Jay Morgan (Chelsea) – Penalty (43′)
- Rodrigo Farofa (Valencia) (47′)
Bookings:
- Ismael Santana (Valencia) – Yellow card (73′)
- Carlos Aleman (Valencia) – Yellow card (87′)
- Cesar Moreno (Valencia) – Yellow card (90+3′)
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By- Sahiba Suri