Chelsea defeated in opening game despite overall encouraging performance.

We’re all disappointed but, it’s City, and we’re at the beginning of another new process.

I felt we played okay overall, a performance with a couple of encouraging signs here and there but one that, naturally, leaves us with questions and hopes for the future.

Let me clarify, when it’s me writing the player ratings, a 5 is completely impartial to nor good or bad. That might need to be cleared up ahead of this!

Robert Sanchez – 5

I just don’t rate him, I’ll be completely honest and I don’t think he covered himself in any glory today.

Not once looked comfortable on the ball, questionable for the Kovacic goal. I get the idea of using him but he isn’t good enough.

Malo Gusto – 5

Offered very little going forward and I don’t think he was great defensively either.

Also had a great chance in the first half to put the ball across to Jackson or Palmer, but his pass was really poor.

Wesley Fofana – 6

Reasonably okay, nothing wonderful but certainly not poor. A few decent blocks/moments. I’m content with him being the right-sided partner to Colwill this season.

Levi Colwill – 6

Again, reasonably okay just the same as Fofana. I’m fine with those two being the pairing and think they’ll only get better.

Marc Cucurella – 6

Started the game really brightly up against Doku, who didn’t really get any joy against him. When Savinho came over though it was a different story and I thought he really struggled.

Romeo Lavia – 8

Our best player by a country mile, and I’d even go as far as saying one of the best players on the pitch in general.

Looked so comfortable on the ball, a few lovely turns to evade City’s press. If any midfielder has to be a constant in our team this season, it is him!

Enzo Fernandez – 4

4 might seem harsh, and it could well be, but I thought today was one of his worst displays in a Chelsea shirt.

Some awful touches, and the way he was ran through for the second goal, just really poor.

Moises Caicedo – 5

Again a 5 may seem harsh, but in my mind that’s a neutral rating which suggests neither ‘good’ or ‘poor’.

He didn’t really have any foothold in the game though won the ball back in a couple of decent areas. The midfield will click though.

Cole Palmer – 6

A little better than average. Couple of nice moments again but didn’t quite do enough – again though I’ll cut him some slack, he obviously isn’t quite sharp yet.

Nicolas Jackson – 5

Frustrating. Offside for his goal, some generally poor bits overshadowed one or two nice passes. I can’t help but feel we need to break the bank for Osimhen now.

Christopher Nkunku – 5

Didn’t get into the game and I certainly wasn’t a fan of him in almost a touchline winger type of role. I’m sure that’ll change though once Neto is fit and in the team.

Substitutes:

Pedro Neto – 5

Didn’t really see much from him but again, in time I believe we will because we all know how good he is.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5

Same again, not good nor poor.

Marc Guiu – 5

Again, same as above.

Renato Veiga – N/A

All in all, positives to take and still a way to go. I’m content with most of what I saw though so let’s keep going.