Denis Zakaria scored on his Chelsea debut as the Blues came from behind to end their Champions League Group E campaign with victory over Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts already had a game in hand at the top but were looking to respond after being stunned 4-1 by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
They got off to the worst possible start as they fell behind in the sixth minute when the Blues’ defense reacted poorly to a cross and Bruno Petkovic managed to head in from close range.
Chelsea struggled to create much in response early on but a well-worked move equalized as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played the ball to Raheem Sterling inside the box and he kept his cool.
On-loan Juventus midfielder Zachary then got off to a dream start when he drove in a low shot midway through the first half that was squeezed over the line despite a defender trying to clear it.
Dinamo needed a win to move up to third and go into the Europa League and Edouard Mendy made a fine save to deny Bosco Sotalo’s point-blank header early in the second half.
Aubameyang came close to adding a third for Chelsea when he hit a shot against the crossbar and Conor Gallagher was denied late on, but Zacharias’ goal was ultimately enough to seal victory for the Blues.
Chelwell is a concern for Chelsea and England.
With the World Cup in Qatar around the corner, it is a time of panic for many players hoping to make it to the tournament as they look to avoid late injuries.
It came close to being Chelsea’s best night but there was a late concern as, in stoppage time, full-back Ben Chilwell fell to the floor after clutching his hamstring.
Chelwell looked understandably frustrated once he was able to get to his feet, but continued to hold the back of his leg before requiring help from Chelsea medical staff to get off the pitch. .
England’s World Cup opener is against Iran on November 21 and both Chelsea and England will be hoping the matter is not as serious as it looks after all.
Patience Pays Zachariah.
Zakaria’s performance brought more positive news for Chelsea, who have had a strange start to their career at Stamford Bridge.
The defensive midfielder was signed by previous boss Thomas Tuchel on a season-long loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, but was overlooked for game time by the German and then his replacement Graham Potter.
However, the Switzerland international was a surprise addition to the starting line-up on Wednesday and he made the most of his opportunity.
On top of his goal, Zakaria was clearly determined to impress. He put in a busy performance and in the second half he made a great tackle to stop Dynamo’s attack and quickly send Aubameyang away.
His display should ensure he doesn’t have to wait another long time to pull on a Chelsea shirt again.
