Jadon Sancho made an impressive Chelsea debut with a Man of the Match performance against Bournemouth, despite only entering the game at halftime.
The England winger made a surprise move to Chelsea on loan from Manchester United on deadline day, following a difficult three-year stint at Old Trafford.
Aside from a brief loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season, Sancho has rarely shown the form that once made him one of the most promising young talents in the world, leading to his £73 million transfer to United.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca chose not to start him at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday night. However, after a lackluster first half in which Chelsea was lucky not to be trailing, Sancho replaced Pedro Neto at the break.
His impact was immediate. Sancho caused all sorts of problems for Bournemouth down the left flank and assisted Christopher Nkunku’s winning goal in the 86th minute.
For his contributions, Sancho was named Player of the Match. After the game, he expressed his happiness at playing and feeling “comfortable” at Chelsea—remarks that could be seen as a subtle dig at Manchester United and former manager Erik ten Hag.
‘It’s amazing to make my debut for Chelsea, just being back playing, I’m very grateful,’ the 24-year-old told Sky Sports.
‘The team played very well, we dug into the end and got the three points. I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m happy I got my chance.
‘I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League season. Going into this season, I wanted to have a good start and I’m happy.
‘I have to say thank you to the staff and team-mates. The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I’m so happy to feel this comfortable.’
Sancho scored only 12 goals and make six assists in 83 matches for Man United and was banished from the first-team by Ten Hag after a public spat with the manager a year ago.
‘I don’t see problems around Jadon Sancho. I don’t see anything,’ Maresca added.
‘Jadon is a very good player. I knew that he is a good player and he can help us.
‘All the noise around, I don’t care. He’s very polite, training well on and off the ball. And he’s a good player.’
