Top News

Chelsea started the Club World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over LAFC in a largely drab game . Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez scored either side of half-time for a Blues side who seem set to take FIFA's new competition seriously.

named a strong line-up and later introduced new signings and Dario Essugo for debuts. After Neto's driving run and finish gave the Premier League side the lead in the 34th minute, Delap was pivotal in second goal 10 minutes from full time. The £30million former Ipswich star crossed for Fernandez to score.

FIFA might have been concerned when only a smattering of fans occupied the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium, welcoming out the players in a bizarre one-by-one emergence from the tunnel. More supporters appeared as the game progressed, although the venue did not seem anywhere close to full late on.

Here are Express Sport's player ratings, including strong performances from Cole Palmer and Co.

Robert Sanchez - 6

Sanchez made a couple of good saves in what might have been a confidence-boosting display. Only last week, Chelsea were desperately scrambling to sign Mike Maignan as his replacement.

Reece James - 5

James was booked for a rash tackle before being taken off at half-time, although not before he was involved in a feisty moment as the players headed down the tunnel.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 6

Chelsea's defenders had very little to do in Georgia. LAFC improved in the second half, but not enough to trouble Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill too much.

Levi Colwill - 6

Colwill was secure in possession and linked up particularly well with Marc Cucurella. The England international seems to be the first-choice central defender.

Marc Cucurella - 6

Left-back Cucurella pushed into midfield as Chelsea circulated possession. Booked in the second half for a late challenge, the Spaniard will otherwise be pleased with his performance.

Moises Caicedo - 7

Caicedo was a level above every other player in the middle of the pitch. His influence in possession helped Chelsea progress the ball forwards.

Romeo Lavia - 5

Lavia was one of several stars who appeared shattered after a 57-game campaign. He was taken off at half-time.

Cole Palmer - 8

Palmer was able to look like the best player on the pitch while playing in first gear. A couple of superb crosses should have been converted. Looking comfortable in his new No. 10 shirt, LAFC struggled to remove the ball from his grasp.

Pedro Neto - 7

If Palmer was Chelsea's best player, then Neto was a close second. Several opportunities created by the Portugal winger had already gone to waste before he decided to take a chance on himself, weaving inside from the right before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Nicolas Jackson - 5

Liam Delap looked the much better forward after his introduction on the hour mark. Jackson struggled to get into a tepid game, while Delap thrived when attempting to become a major presence in Chelsea's forward line.

Noni Madueke - 6

Madueke missed a big opportunity with the score goalless but was Chelsea's brightest player in the opening 20 minutes.

Substitutes

Malo Gusto (for James, '46) - 6

Gusto defended well in the second half as Chelsea fell under slightly more pressure.

Enzo Fernandes (for Lavia, '46) - 7

Chelsea's second goal eradicated any threat of a surprise LAFC comeback, with Fernandez latching on to Delap's cross before tapping home.

Liam Delap (for Jackson, '64) - 7

A very positive first outing for Chelsea saw Delap cause issues for LAFC. His physical presence was coupled with excellent technical ability, which was evidenced by his burst down the right wing and cross for Fernandez to score.

Tyrique George (for Madueke, '64) - 6

George looks set to play a more prominent role next season and linked up well with his fellow forwards in the final half an hour.

Dario Essugo (for Caicedo, '83) - N/A

Christopher Nkunku (for Palmer, '84) - N/A

---