- Delap was afforded a start after Nicolas Jackson’s red card in Flamengo defeat
- He scored his first goal for the club against ES Tunis in Blues’ final group game
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Liam Delap scored a fine solo goal to net for Chelsea for the first time since his £30millon move from Ipswich.
Chelsea took on Tunisian side ES Tunis on Wednesday night in Philadelphia, knowing a draw or win would see them through to the last-16 of the competition after three games played.
In a slow start to the game, Enzo Maresca’s side found it hard to break down their opponents, despite dominating possession throughout the first period.
In injury time, however, they found the breakthrough, with Tosin Adarabioyo heading in from Enzo Fernandez’s free kick to finally put the Premier League side ahead.
And, just minutes later, Delap had his first goal for his new side with an impressive solo effort that saw him double his side’s lead and put them on the verge of the last-16 of the competition.
Delap was fed by Fernandez – who picked up his second assist in a couple of minutes – fending off a defender as he showed good strength and hold-up play.
The 22-year-old then faked to shoot with his left, cutting inside his man before producing a cool finish to slot into the back of the net.
It was Delap’s first goal for Chelsea, with the star awarded a start in the game after Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the defeat by Flamengo, with the forward later seeing his ban extended to two games.
Rules say the standard punishment for a red at this tournament in the United States is a one-match suspension. However, FIFA reserve the right to increase it if they see fit.
FIFA gave Rico Lewis three games for his dismissal in Manchester City’s group game with Al Ain, but they believed Jackson’s studs-up challenge was worthy of two by comparison.
The decision is final and cannot be appealed, say competition organisers. Jackson apologised publicly and privately afterwards, having been dismissed only four minutes after coming on as a substitute. It was Ayrton Lucas who he fouled.
Delap himself spoke with reporters on Jackson’s red, saying: ‘You have to be aggressive, on the front foot all the time.
‘I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky. He has obviously not meant to do it; these things happen in football.’
