Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to AC Milan sees the Blues with work to do going into the final two matches of the UEFA Youth League group stage. Ed Brand's side sit on two points, six behind Group E leaders Milan, four behind Dinamo Zagreb and three behind Salzburg.
It had been a solid outing from Chelsea's under-19s, buoyed by the return of the likes of Lewis Hall, Charlie Webster and Bashir Humphreys, who, for long stretches of the game, ensured the Blues were firmly in, if not winning the battle. The game's complexion changed when the Rossoneri went ahead in the second period.
Gabriele Alesi scored from close-range, leaving Chelsea with lots of work to do to earn a win they badly needed. Attacking changes were made with the likes of Zain Silcott-Duberry and Frankie Runham entering the fray, and it was the latter who prompted a handball from Jan-Carlo Simic to earn the Blues a penalty.
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Webster dispatched the ball from 12-yards with aplomb and six minutes left on the clock. The home side finished stronger, however, taking advantage of Chelsea's attacking set-up. Milan broke well for Jordan Longi to net before Alesi scored a convincing second to end the game as a content. A big learning experience for a young youth league side.
football.london looks at three of Chelsea's youngsters who nevertheless impressed in Italy.
Travis Akomeah
The 16-year-old defender may have picked up a yellow card for a clumsy tackle in the second period but otherwise put in a very disciplined performance. Akomeah built on his efforts at Cobham against Milan to display an assured outing where his play was always with conviction. The youngster did not look out of place alongside Bashir Humphreys.
The first-year scholar, who signed from Watford in January 2022, also made his presence felt in the opposition. However, he was unable to direct his opportunity on target and even had the ball in the net, but a foul was called as Humphrey's challenged Lapo Nava.
Lewis Hall
Hall was an influential presence in the centre of the park, ensuring, even in moments where Chelsea may have lacked quality, that they battled for every ball to keep a degree of pressure on the Milan side. The 18-year-old was relentless in his pressure during the opening half and made sure he got in the opposition box in a bid to add to his four goals and three assists this term.
Battled with Simic when entering the box as both players displayed strength beyond their years. Simply set the tone for the Blues.
Kiano Dyer
At 15, it would be simple to say it is easy to forget Dyer's age, but his diminutive frame ensures it is not. However, the youngster has improved significantly since his first outing in the competition against Dinamo Zagreb. The academy ace has shown a greater ability to make his presence felt in matches despite being outmatched physically and has an impressive ability to retain the ball close to his body.
Showed more intention to get involved higher up the pitch and laid on a good chance for Webster in the opening half. He was unfortunately substituted as Chelsea looked to come back in the second half.
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