Chelsea wrapped up their 2024 pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge, where the heat was a significant factor throughout the match. The sweltering conditions created a challenging environment for both teams, adding to the intensity of the encounter.
Inter Milan initially took control of the game with a stunning goal from Marcus Thuram in the 26th minute. His strike seemed poised to secure a victory for the Italian side, as Chelsea struggled to break down their opponents’ defense for the majority of the match. Thuram’s goal, celebrated with enthusiasm, appeared to be the decisive moment of the game. However, in a dramatic twist during the dying moments of the match, Chelsea managed to level the score. Lesley Ugochukwu, with remarkable composure, netted a crucial goal in the 90th minute, ensuring Chelsea’s resilience was rewarded with a well-earned equalizer.
Turning to the individual performances in the second half, here’s a detailed breakdown as assessed by Bobby Vincent:
**Robert Sanchez** had a relatively quiet second half, performing at a modest level. Despite not being heavily tested, his efforts were steady throughout the period. His performance was rated at a 6.
**Malo Gusto** made a notable impact with his energetic overlapping runs down the flank. His continuous pressure on Federico Di Marco was a key feature of Chelsea’s second-half performance. He earned a rating of 6 for his contributions.
**Wesley Fofana** showed a marked improvement from his first-half display. He demonstrated better composure and ball control, though he is still in the process of regaining his peak form. Fofana’s efforts were recognized with a rating of 6.
**Levi Colwill** improved from his earlier performance, although he wasn’t at his absolute best. His partnership with Fofana has potential, even if the game’s performance did not fully reflect it. Colwill received a rating of 6.
**Renato Veiga** stood out with a decisive tackle in the 65th minute, which earned him applause from the crowd. His involvement on the field was a positive highlight. He was rated at 6.
**Enzo Fernandez** had a commendable performance, looking dangerous whenever he had possession. His contributions were solid throughout, earning him a rating of 6.5.
**Moises Caicedo** was active and aggressive, though occasionally his ball control was a bit erratic. Despite these moments of sloppiness, his overall performance was strong, and he received a rating of 6.
**Cole Palmer** brought excitement with his touches and displayed glimpses of his class. However, he struggled to make the significant impact he aimed for. Palmer’s performance was rated at 6.
**Mykhailo Mudryk** tried to get involved in the game but faced challenges with his positioning and the service he received. His efforts were noted but fell short of a higher rating, resulting in a score of 5.5.
**Christopher Nkunku** was a bright spot in Chelsea’s pre-season, coming close to scoring a spectacular goal and showing promise for the upcoming season. His performance was one of the highlights, earning him a rating of 7.
**Marc Guiu** had a brief appearance in the second half and performed reasonably well, though he appeared fatigued by the end. His performance was rated at 6.
Regarding the substitutes:
**Nicolas Jackson** made his first appearance of the pre-season but appeared somewhat rusty in his short time on the field. He received a rating of 5.5.
**Benoit Badiashile** had some positive moments in duels, though his overall contribution wasn’t extensively assessed. His rating was not provided.
**Tosin Adarabioyo** performed adequately during his limited time on the pitch. His rating was not provided.
**Raheem Sterling** had a brief stint towards the end of the game, with no rating assigned for his performance.
**Lesley Ugochukwu**, who scored the crucial late equalizer, had an outstanding pre-season overall. His impactful goal and strong showing were reflected in a high rating of 7.5.