The spotlight was always going to be shining brightly on Jadon Sancho at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening as he made his Chelsea debut. Signing on loan from Manchester United just prior to the summer transfer deadline, the winger had to make do with a place on the bench to begin with as the Blues travelled to Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca had opted for Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as his wide options from the start but he shuffled his pack at half-time as the Portuguese international made way. The ex-Wolves man did not see a lot of the ball and failed to influence things when in possession down the left.
Sancho made an immediate impact following his introduction as he linked up well with Marc Cucurella in the final third. Playing a one-two with the Spaniard, unfortunately Madueke or Cole Palmer could not apply the finishing touch to left-back’s inviting cross across the 18-yard box.
The two continued to join forces throughout the second half, including on one occasion when Cucurella picked out Nicolas Jackson in the middle of the area. Sancho also did likewise not long after entering the fray but the striker curled his effort wide of the target.
Sancho was to have a huge say on the game in the 86th minute as he slipped the ball in for Christopher Nkunku to turn and coolly find the bottom corner. The 24-year-old made an instant impression on his Chelsea debut and has left fans wanting more.
Already having a connection with Chelsea supporters as the travelling faithful chanted his name during his second-half playing time, Maresca believes that the attacker feeling the love straight away is only good for him.
