2023-12-24 19:16:13
It took him 38 minutes to put his name on the scoreboard at a Premier League pitch for the very first time. Sunday against Wolverhampton (18th day), Christopher Nkunku opened his goal counter in the Chelsea jersey. Alone in the opponent’s area, he headed a cross from Raheem Sterling and placed the ball in José Sá’s small net.
But for his first appearance in the championship, the Frenchman was unable to avoid the rout of his team (2-1). He reduced the gap in the 90th + 6 minute, while a Chelsea without ideas suffered the wrath of Wolves. The Blues retained possession of the ball (69%) but showed complacency, as too often this season.
Put in difficulty by Wolverhampton, Mauricio Pochettino’s team could still have scored the first goal of the match in the 32nd minute. But Raheem Sterling wasted a huge opportunity, missing a face-off while Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson were completely unmarked alongside him.
Shortly after half-time, former Marseille player Mario Lemina rewarded Wolves for their efforts (1-0, 53rd). The break goal came from Matt Doherty, in the 90th + 3, three minutes before Christopher Nkunku reduced the score.
Having undergone knee surgery in August, the Frenchman had not yet played a single minute in the championship this season. But he appeared for the first time with the Blues last Tuesday, in the League Cup against Newcastle. He had already been decisive by converting his shot on goal during the Londoners’ qualification (1-1, 4-2 on the tabs).
The most prolific scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 16 goals, best player in the German championship in 2021-2022, the former Leipzig striker is used to physical setbacks. A sprain deprived him of the 2022 World Cup with the France team. For 2024, the former PSG player will undoubtedly want to continue his momentum, and above all stay in good health.
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