Mykhailo Mudryk scores for Chelsea

Jorgensen impresses as Nkunku stakes further claim for more game time: Five things we learned from Chelsea’s win over Heidenheim

(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images via ONE FOOTBALL)

Chelsea made it five wins from five in the Conference League with a 2-0 win over German side Heidenheim despite some nervy moments.

Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Mykhailo Mudryk confirmed the victory with a fine finish late on, meaning Chelsea have guaranteed their spot in the Conference League knockout stages.

Here’s five things we learned, from Hayters TV’s Dan Ludlam at the game in Heidenheim…

Referee goes AGAINST VAR!

A referee choosing to stick with his original decision despite the intervention of VAR? It’s almost non-existent in the modern game but so refreshing when it does occasionally occur.

When Mudryk hit the deck inside the penalty area on 32 minutes the referee immediately waved away any protests, before VAR advised him to consult the screen for second viewing.

There was very minimal contact and the referee agreed and stuck with his original decision. Not often the referee provides one of the standout moments in a game, especially in a positive fashion.

The Paul Wanner hype is justified

The 18-year-old, on loan from Bayern Munich looks a real talent, consistently picking up clever pockets of space and always threatening while in possession.

Wanner has been tipped for big things and is one of German football’s brightest young sparks. He has a clear route into the first-team picture at Bayern, or potentially elsewhere.

What next for Nkunku?

The forward is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated at being restricted to mainly Conference League and Carabao Cup action this season.

This impressive performance will give Enzo Maresca a conundrum going into Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa. Surely he cannot continue to be overlooked for regular Premier League appearances?

The 27-year-old capped a fine individual display by opening the scoring, calmly slotting into the far corner when put through on goal.

Constant chop and change causing Chelsea problems defensively?

The biggest concern for Maresca after this will be how vulnerable Chelsea looked defensively. Constant chop and change from one competition to the next can be unsettling and this was evident tonight.

There were a few occasions both Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo looked a little susceptible and out of position. It’s a problem for Maresca who is having to manage a difficult situation with so many games.

Jorgensen makes his point to Maresca

A few fine interventions from the shot stopper, including a terrific second-half double stop preserved Chelsea’s lead.  With Robert Sanchez unconvincing at times this season, Jorgensen has done his chances of breaking into the Premier League team no harm at all with this performance.

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