HEIDENHEIM 0-2 CHELSEA: Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk scored the goals either side of some stunning saves from Filip Jorgensen as Enzo Maresca’s team kept up their 100% Conference League record
Christopher Nkunku maintained his perfect scoring streak to keep Chelsea top of the Conference League table.
But Enzo Maresca’s team owed a debt of gratitude to fill-in goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen after he produced a string of top saves against their lively German hosts.
France forward Nkunku is barely getting a look-in in the Premier League, stuck behind star man Cole Palmer, but he has found the net in all six of Chelsea’s European encounters so far.
And his composed finish six minutes into the second half last night, having controlled a low cross from Jadon Sancho, has taken him to 11 goals in all competitions.
Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the result with a powerful right-footed strike late on following a smooth passing move – but between the goals it was Jorgensen who shone brightest.
The goalkeeper, 22, is making a convincing case to replace shaky Robert Sanchez as first choice in the league.
And while Heidenheim also had two goals ruled out for offside, Jorgensen produced a series of stops to deny Leo Scienza, Paul Wanner and Mikkel Kaufmann at 1-0.
“Filip did a very good game,” Maresca said. “Christo the same. We have nine or 10 games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready.”
Nkunku hobbled off 15 minutes from time after appearing to strain a muscle when having a shot saved, while midfielder Cesare Casadei was shown a second yellow card six minutes into added time for a foul on Scienza.
Heidenheim, who had won their opening three games, registered 11 shots on target but Maresca insisted he was pleased with the overall performance.
And he is promising the second string more opportunities between now and Christmas.
He added: “They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastic. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it’s the normal thing to do.”
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