Delap Shines as Chelsea Edges LAFC in Lackluster Showdown

A crowd of 97 spectators witnessed Chelsea's 2-0 triumph over LAFC in their Club World Cup opener in Atlanta. Well, actually, the attendance was just over 22,000...

The match itself wasn't particularly thrilling, but Chelsea fans found reason for optimism in the display of one of their recent acquisitions.

Liam Delap, who joined the Blues in a £30 million ($40.7 million) transfer from Ipswich Town earlier this summer, was included in Enzo Maresca's tournament squad but had to be content with a substitute appearance against the Major League Soccer side.

Nicolas Jackson retained his position as Maresca's preferred striker, and the Senegalese forward delivered an impressive performance on Monday evening as Chelsea controlled the game without ever reaching top gear. Jackson's runs into the channels and physical strength frequently troubled an LAFC defense unaccustomed to facing opponents of this quality, and it was Chelsea's number 15 who created their first goal of the tournament with some excellent center-forward play. Pedro Neto was the recipient.

Jackson is expected to compete with newcomer Delap for the starting position next season, and despite his own strong showing, the former Villarreal forward will recognize he faces serious competition after Delap's brief but impactful appearance.

The Chelsea supporters in attendance erupted when their new signing entered the field for the final 25 minutes. Almost immediately, Delap showcased a remarkable sequence highlighting his willingness to run behind defenders after a clever counter-movement—confirming Maresca's assertion that the 22-year-old already "understands" the team's playing style.

Spotted by former Manchester City academy teammate Cole Palmer, Delap then powerfully maneuvered past the LAFC defender, reached the byline and nearly set up Enzo Fernández for Chelsea's second goal.

Delap eventually did connect with the box-crashing Argentine, who couldn't miss from close range when found by a precise cross from the English striker.

Fernández's goal secured a relatively comfortable yet ultimately uninspiring victory for the Blues against mild opposition. LAFC struggled to challenge Maresca's team in the first half but forced Robert Sánchez into action several times after halftime. Steve Cherundolo can find encouragement ahead of what were always going to be more crucial fixtures against ES Tunis and Flamengo.

Delap, meanwhile, will be hoping to earn a starting position against Filipe Luís's Flamengo on Matchday 2, which will undoubtedly be Chelsea's most challenging group stage encounter.

"It's a really happy feeling for me," he told DAZN after the match. "I'm so excited to be here. To play and contribute in my first game is a good feeling.

"It's really important to help the team, but I want to score some as well!"