Chelsea 3-0 ES Tunis, Club World Cup: Post-Match Reaction & Ratings.

Chelsea 3-0 ES Tunis, Club World Cup: Post-Match Reaction & Ratings.

ES Tunis 0-3 Chelsea, Club World Cup: Post-Match Reaction and Player Ratings.
Chelsea secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over ES Tunis on June 25, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

                    After a sluggish start, the Blues erupted with two quickfire goals in first-half stoppage time from Tosin Adarabioyo and Liam Delap, followed by a late strike from Tyrique George, sealing a comprehensive win. Despite a heavily rotated squad following their 3-1 loss to Flamengo, Chelsea’s individual quality shone through, ensuring progression to face Benfica in the knockout stage. Below is a detailed breakdown of the match, post-match reactions, and player ratings, alongside context from Chelsea’s ongoing transfer pursuits.

Match Recap

Chelsea’s Group D campaign had been a mixed bag, with a 2-0 win over LAFC overshadowed by a 3-1 upset against Flamengo, where Nicolas Jackson’s red card and a six-minute collapse cost them dearly. Facing ES Tunis, manager Enzo Maresca made significant changes to the lineup, resting key players like Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella while giving debuts to youngsters like Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr. The starting XI (4-2-3-1) was: Sánchez; Acheampong, Tosin, Colwill, Gusto; Lavia, Essugo; Madueke, Fernández, Nkunku; Delap.

The first half was tepid, with Chelsea struggling to find rhythm against a well-organized ES Tunis side. The Tunisian champions, buoyed by their passionate fans, pressed high and disrupted Chelsea’s build-up play. However, the game’s turning point came in stoppage time. Enzo Fernández, orchestrating from midfield, delivered a pinpoint free kick for Tosin Adarabioyo to head home, breaking the deadlock. Moments later, Fernández found Liam Delap, who showcased his clinical finishing with a powerful strike to make it 2-0.

The second half saw Chelsea maintain control, though they missed opportunities to extend their lead. A potential penalty for Christopher Nkunku was overturned by VAR after a handball call was deemed incorrect. Late in the game, substitute Tyrique George capitalized on a goalkeeper error, with his shot slipping through the ES Tunis keeper’s hands to seal the 3-0 scoreline. The victory ensured Chelsea’s advancement, setting up a Round of 16 clash with Benfica, who topped Group C after defeating Bayern Munich 1-0.

Post-Match Reaction
Enzo Maresca: “A Step Forward Despite Challenges”

Manager Enzo Maresca praised the team’s resilience, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the rotated lineup and the “strange environment” of the Club World Cup, echoing his comments after the LAFC match about low attendance. “We took time to find our rhythm, but the quality of our players made the difference,” Maresca said. “Enzo [Fernández] was exceptional, and the young players showed they can step up. We’re building something, but we need to be sharper against Benfica.” He also addressed the overturned penalty, noting, “It was a harsh call, but we didn’t let it derail us.”

Maresca’s decision to rotate heavily was a response to the Flamengo defeat, where he admitted a “failed experiment” led to a six-minute collapse. Against ES Tunis, the changes paid off, with debutants like Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr showing promise. However, Maresca emphasized the need for consistency, particularly with a tough knockout match looming.

Player Reactions

· Enzo Fernández: The midfielder, who provided two assists, expressed satisfaction on social media: “Proud of the team’s fight. Onto the next round! 💙” His performance was pivotal, earning praise for his vision and set-piece delivery.

· Liam Delap: The debutant striker, who opened his Chelsea account, told reporters, “It’s a dream to score in a competition like this. The team showed character, and I’m buzzing to contribute.”

· Tosin Adarabioyo: Named Superior Player of the Match, Tosin highlighted the team’s defensive solidity: “We kept a clean sheet, which is massive. The fans from ES Tunis were incredible, but we stayed focused.”

Fan Sentiment

Chelsea fans on X were ecstatic but critical of certain performances. @Carefree_Jam posted, “Loved their fans 🔊 Delap moved me, Tosin & George ⚽️⚽️… Nkunku & KDH 🥱 Gusto 💩,” reflecting mixed feelings about the squad’s output. @CFCnews celebrated the win, noting, “A header from Tosin, a first Chelsea goal from Delap, and a late Tyrique George strike ensured we overcame ES Tunis.” However, some fans expressed frustration with the slow start, with @ConnorHolden00 pointing out tactical adjustments that improved in the second half, such as Josh Acheampong’s carries and Fernández’s deeper role.

Player Ratings

· Robert Sánchez (7/10): Made crucial saves, including a reflex stop to deny ES Tunis early in the match. Commanded his box well, contributing to the clean sheet.

· Josh Acheampong (7.5/10): The young right-back impressed with his ball-carrying and won the free kick leading to Tosin’s goal. Showed versatility at left-back late in the game.

· Tosin Adarabioyo (8.5/10): Superior Player of the Match. Scored the opener with a powerful header and was a rock defensively, winning all his duels.

· Levi Colwill (7/10): Solid alongside Tosin, though occasionally caught out by ES Tunis’ high press. Grew into the game as Chelsea gained control.

· Malo Gusto (6/10): A disappointing display, struggling with positioning and losing possession in dangerous areas. Fans on X were critical of his performance.

· Romeo Lavia (7/10): Provided stability in midfield, linking play effectively with Fernández. His composure helped Chelsea weather early pressure.

· Dario Essugo (6.5/10): The debutant midfielder showed promise but was conservative in possession. Grew more confident in the second half.

· Noni Madueke (6/10): Frustrated fans with inconsistent decision-making, echoing criticism from the LAFC match. Failed to capitalize on attacking opportunities.

· Enzo Fernández (9/10): Man of the match. Two assists, including a sublime free kick for Tosin’s goal and a precise pass for Delap. Orchestrated the turnaround.

· Christopher Nkunku (6.5/10): Lively but unlucky not to score, with the overturned penalty denying him a chance. Needs to be more clinical.

· Liam Delap (8/10): A dream debut, scoring a clinical goal and showing strength as a No. 9. His movement stretched ES Tunis’ defense.

· Substitutes:

o Andrey Santos (7/10): Provided an assist for George’s goal on his debut, showing energy and composure.

o Tyrique George (7.5/10): Scored the third goal, albeit with help from a goalkeeper error. A bright cameo.

o Mamadou Sarr (6.5/10): Solid in his brief appearance, indicating potential for the future. 

Tactical Analysis

Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 shifted to a 3-2-5 in possession, with Fernández and Essugo dropping deeper to facilitate build-up play. Josh Acheampong’s carries from right-back were a highlight, exploiting space through third-man combinations (e.g., Tosin to Lavia to Acheampong). However, the first half exposed issues with cohesion, as the rotated squad struggled against ES Tunis’ high press. The stoppage-time goals shifted momentum, allowing Chelsea to control the second half with 62% possession and 15 shots (6 on target).

Maresca’s decision to rotate was a gamble that paid off, but the slow start raised questions about squad depth. The reliance on Fernández’s individual brilliance to unlock the game suggests Chelsea need more consistent performers, especially with Benfica looming.

Context: Chelsea’s Transfer Pursuit of Jamie Gittens

Amid the Club World Cup campaign, Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, a 20-year-old winger. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, talks have progressed, with personal terms agreed on a seven-year deal, and a transfer could be imminent. Gittens’ potential arrival could bolster Chelsea’s attacking options, especially after lackluster performances from players like Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto. His pace and directness could complement Delap and Nkunku, adding depth for the knockout stages and beyond.

The Bigger Picture: Club World Cup Challenges

The FIFA Club World Cup has faced criticism for low attendance, with Chelsea’s matches against LAFC (22,137 in a 71,000-seat stadium) and ES Tunis drawing sparse crowds. The ES Tunis game, while not detailed for attendance, followed a similar trend, with fans on X noting the vibrant ES Tunis supporters but a lack of overall turnout. Maresca’s comments about the “strange environment” reflect broader concerns about the tournament’s appeal, with high ticket prices and weekday scheduling cited as issues.

Chelsea’s progression to face Benfica, who stunned Bayern Munich 1-0, sets up a challenging Round of 16 clash in Charlotte, NC. The Blues’ ability to integrate young talents like Delap, Santos, and Sarr while pursuing signings like Gittens signals a bright future, but consistency will be key against stronger opposition.

Chelsea’s 3-0 win over ES Tunis was a tale of perseverance and individual quality overcoming a lackluster start. Enzo Fernández’s playmaking, Tosin Adarabioyo’s defensive solidity, and Liam Delap’s clinical finishing secured a vital victory, propelling the Blues into the Round of 16. While the rotated squad showed promise, inconsistencies from players like Madueke and Gusto highlight areas for improvement. Off the pitch, Chelsea’s pursuit of Jamie Gittens could provide a boost, but the focus now shifts to Benfica, where Maresca’s men must deliver a complete performance to advance further. The Club World Cup may lack the buzz of other tournaments, but Chelsea’s young squad is proving they can compete on the global stage.

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