Chelsea Assert Conference League Dominance with 4-2 Victory Over Gent

Chelsea demonstrated their prowess as they justified their tag as favorites to win the Europa Conference League by securing a commanding 4-2 win over Belgian side Gent at Stamford Bridge. This victory marked the fourth time in 10 games across all competitions that the Blues had scored four or more goals, with each goal on the night coming from a different player. The win not only reinforced their status as contenders for the Conference League but also highlighted the depth and versatility of their squad.

From the outset, Gent adopted an aggressive approach, pushing Chelsea back with a high defensive line that disrupted the Blues’ rhythm. For the first 10 minutes, Chelsea found it difficult to get the ball forward and break through Gent’s press. However, their fortunes changed as they began to find gaps in Gent’s setup. The breakthrough came courtesy of Renato Veiga, who headed in his first goal for the club. The goal was a result of a well-executed set piece, with Mykhailo Mudryk providing a pinpoint cross that Veiga attacked with authority, giving Chelsea the lead.

This early goal shifted the momentum in Chelsea’s favor, and Gent, in response, adjusted their strategy. They adopted a more conservative approach, conceding possession to Chelsea and focusing on defending in numbers. Despite this, Chelsea continued to probe for a second goal, dominating possession and creating chances. The Belgian side’s resilience, however, kept them in the game, as they absorbed Chelsea’s pressure and looked to counterattack when possible.

Gent’s best moments in the first half came as they grew in confidence, sensing that Chelsea might be vulnerable if they could exploit the right spaces. England U20 international Archie Brown nearly equalized for Gent when he surged forward and unleashed a low shot that forced a save from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Andri Gudjohnsen, son of Chelsea legend Eidur Gudjohnsen, also came close, flashing a shot just over the crossbar after finding space between two defenders.

As the first half ended with Chelsea holding a 1-0 lead, the game remained finely poised. Gent had shown glimpses of their attacking potential, but Chelsea’s control of the match suggested that they were capable of pulling away if they could maintain their composure and continue creating chances.

The second half began in dramatic fashion. Pedro Neto, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, lashed the ball into the back of the net just 38 seconds after the restart, doubling Chelsea’s lead. However, Gent responded almost immediately. A well-placed cross from Gudjohnsen found Tsuyoshi Watanabe, who headed the ball into the net. Initially, there was uncertainty as the goal went to a VAR check for offside, but the goal was eventually awarded, reducing Gent’s deficit to 2-1.

Despite the setback, Chelsea continued to assert their dominance. Christopher Nkunku, who had been in fine form, added a third goal for Chelsea just past the hour mark. Veiga had initially struggled to get a shot away, but the ball fell kindly to Nkunku, who smashed it into the net. This goal was Nkunku’s fourth in just nine days, following his hat-trick against Barrow in the Carabao Cup. His recent run of form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking success, and his ability to consistently find the back of the net has been a key factor in their recent performances.

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Chelsea’s fourth and final goal came seven minutes later when Joao Felix’s pass was deflected into the path of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder struck a shot that slipped through the hands of Gent goalkeeper Davy Roef, effectively sealing the victory for Chelsea. Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City, was ecstatic after scoring his first goal for the club. His delight was evident as he celebrated with his teammates, and his contribution to the win was a testament to the depth of quality in Chelsea’s squad.

Despite being 4-1 down, Gent refused to give up and continued to push forward. Their persistence was rewarded late in the game when substitute Max Dean pulled the ball back for Omri Gandelman, who slotted the ball home to make it 4-2. While the goal did little to change the outcome of the match, it provided a measure of consolation for the vocal travelling Gent fans, who had continued to support their team throughout the game.

After the match, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca reflected on the performance, acknowledging both the positives and areas for improvement. “It was a good performance,” he told reporters. “It was a tough game, and we approached it well. It’s a shame about the second goal we conceded—we could have avoided that. Every game is complicated, and there are many things we can do better, both in attack and defense.”

Maresca’s comments reflected his desire for continual improvement, even in the face of a comfortable win. The Italian manager has brought a fresh perspective to Chelsea since taking over, and his emphasis on tactical discipline and adaptability has been well-received by the players. Under his guidance, Chelsea have shown a willingness to play attractive, attacking football while also maintaining a solid defensive structure.

One player who stood out for Chelsea was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who not only scored his first goal for the club but also impressed with his work rate and determination. Speaking after the game, Dewsbury-Hall expressed his joy at the milestone. “I’m over the moon,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for that moment since joining the club, to show everyone what my qualities are. Scoring the goal is an amazing feeling, and I won’t forget this night.”

Dewsbury-Hall also spoke highly of Maresca, describing him as “a breath of fresh air.” He praised the manager’s passion and motivation, noting that the players had fully bought into his methods. “You can see the lads are buying into it,” Dewsbury-Hall said. “I’ve loved it here. The standards are so high, and it’s so nice to play with players on your wavelength—top, top players.”

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The win over Gent not only boosted Chelsea’s chances of progressing in the Conference League but also served as a reminder of the squad’s depth and potential. With players like Nkunku, Mudryk, Veiga, and Dewsbury-Hall all contributing, Chelsea have a wealth of options at their disposal. This depth will be crucial as they navigate a busy fixture schedule across multiple competitions.

Chelsea’s performance against Gent also highlighted the importance of squad rotation. Maresca has been careful to rotate his squad and give opportunities to different players, ensuring that everyone remains fresh and motivated. This approach has paid off, as evidenced by the fact that four different players scored in the win over Gent. The ability to share the goal-scoring burden across the team is a valuable asset, particularly as the season progresses and the demands on the squad increase.

Looking ahead, Chelsea will be aiming to build on this victory as they continue their Conference League campaign. With a strong start under their belt, they will be confident of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition. However, as Maresca pointed out, there is still room for improvement, and Chelsea will need to maintain their focus and avoid complacency if they are to achieve their ambitions.

In conclusion, Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Gent was a comprehensive display of attacking football, with goals from Veiga, Neto, Nkunku, and Dewsbury-Hall securing the victory. Despite some defensive lapses that allowed Gent to score twice, Chelsea were largely in control of the match and deservedly took all three points. With Maresca at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, Chelsea are well-positioned to challenge for silverware this season, both domestically and in Europe.