Jadon Sancho made an instant impact in his first appearance for new club Chelsea as the Blues picked up a nervy but important 1-0 win on the road at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Chelsea had experienced a stop-start beginning to the 2024/25 Premier League season, but had the former Manchester United star in tow for the first time since he joined on loan with an obligation to buy on Deadline Day.
The 24-year-old England international entered off the bench to start the second half, making his debut for the London club. He looked influential early on, taking Bournemouth players on and linking up with Chelsea teammates on repeated occasions.
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"He's been bright since coming on," said color commentator Andy Townsend on the broadcast feed in the 70th minute.
For a while, it looked as if Sancho would have a positive but ultimately muted Chelsea debut, but with just four minutes remaining in the second half, he created the most important moment of the match.
It was Sancho's entry feed up the Bournemouth gut to Christopher Nkunku which ignited Chelsea's winning goal, as the latter sliced through two timid Cherries defenders to snatch an 86th minute goal.
Instant impact. 🪄#CFC | #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/RSFcYJdqAp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024
It was a crucial moment for Chelsea, who had picked up just four points through their first three games under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The Blues had looked quite vulnerable for much of the game, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez required to save an Evanilson penalty in the first half just to keep the scoreline untouched.
At the full-time whistle, Sancho was issued the official Player of the Match award for his 45 minutes of work.
Bournemouth out-shot Chelsea 17-10 and racked up 1.89 unfulfilled expected goals (xG). Adding fuel to the fire, referee Anthony Taylor dished out an incredible 14 yellow cards to players on both sides, plus one to Maresca just past the hour mark. Sancho was one of those players booked, being cautioned for dissent in the 57th minute. That tally set a new Premier League record for most yellow cards in a single match.
Jadon Sancho stats vs. Bournemouth
Stat | Number |
Minutes | 45 |
Assists | 1 |
Shots / SOG | 0 / 0 |
Chances Created | 2 |
xG / xA | 0.0 / 0.14 |
Successful Dribbles | 2 / 4 |
Won / Tackles | 0 / 0 |
Touches | 37 |