Liam Delap finally found the back of the net for Chelsea, scoring his very first goal since joining the club in a £30 million move from Ipswich.
The young striker made a strong statement during Chelsea’s match against ES Tunis in Philadelphia, helping his team edge closer to the last-16 of the Club World Cup.
A Tough Match That Broke Open Late
The game got off to a slow start, with Chelsea struggling to convert their dominance into clear chances.
S Tunis, coached by Enzo Maresca, soaked up pressure well despite being outplayed in possession for much of the first half.
But in injury time, Chelsea broke the deadlock.
Tosin Adarabioyo rose to meet a free kick from Enzo Fernandez and headed the ball home, giving the Premier League side the lead they desperately needed.
Delap’s Impressive Solo Goal Doubles the Lead
Just minutes after that breakthrough, Delap showed off his skill and composure with a stunning solo effort to double Chelsea’s advantage.
After receiving a clever pass from Fernandez, who was proving influential with his assists, Delap battled off a defender, used some neat footwork to cut inside, and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
At 22 years old, this goal is a huge confidence boost for Delap, who was handed a rare start following a suspension for fellow forward Nicolas Jackson.
The Context Behind Delap’s Starting Opportunity
Delap’s chance came after Nicolas Jackson received a red card in Chelsea’s previous game against Flamengo. Jackson’s studs-up challenge earned him a two-match ban — harsher than the usual one-game suspension — because FIFA deemed the tackle dangerous.
This ruling means Jackson will miss additional games, with no option for appeal.
Jackson apologized publicly and privately for the foul, which occurred just minutes after he came on as a substitute and involved a foul on Ayrton Lucas.
Delap’s Take on Jackson’s Red Card Incident
Speaking to reporters after the match, Delap sympathized with Jackson’s situation.
“You have to be aggressive, on the front foot all the time,” he said.
“I was right there when it happened.
It was really unlucky. He obviously didn’t mean to do it — these things happen in football.”
Delap’s attitude shows a mature understanding of the game’s physical nature, while he continues to seize his moment in Chelsea’s lineup.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Delap?
Chelsea’s win puts them on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament.
With Delap hitting form and Fernandez pulling the strings, the Blues look set to build momentum heading into the next round.
For Delap, this goal is just the beginning as he aims to cement his place in a competitive Chelsea squad.