UEFA Europa Conference League: Chelsea sail into finals with a Drewsbury-Hall lone goal

Chelsea secured a spot in the finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League by recording a 1-0 win over Swedish-based side Djurgarden, totalling a 5-1 aggregate scoreline.

The Blues did the damage in Stockholm in the first leg, earning a 5-1 aggregate win and booking their spot in the showpiece match in Wroclaw on May 28. 

It took until the 28th minute for the game’s first attempt on target, coming from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who forced a smart save from Jacob Rinne. 

Tyrique George then forced another stop from the visiting goalkeeper, but the 19-year-old played a pivotal role in handing Enzo Maresca’s side the lead in the 38th minute. 

After a neat turn in midfield, George sent Dewsbury-Hall on his way, with the midfielder shifting the ball onto his left before stroking the ball off the post and into the net. 

George continued to be a threat for Chelsea and should have put his team further ahead after the break, but somehow missed a header from close range, though the offside flag on the far side spared the teenager’s blushes. 

Dewsbury-Hall then fired over before Filip Jorgensen was forced into his first notable save at the other end, tipping over from Daniel Stensson’s fierce strike from distance. 

But with the tie already won, Maresca chose to make several changes, introducing both Genesis Antwi and Shumaira Mheuka, who impressed during their substitute cameos. 

Malo Gusto almost rounded off the tie with a stunning solo goal, but Rinne’s left-footed strike was tipped over the bar in the first minute of the second-half stoppage time. 

Having been limited to just two Premier League starts this season, Dewsbury-Hall has had to do his talking in the Conference League, and the midfielder put on a display that he hopes will earn him a starting spot in the final. 

Dewsbury-Hall ended the match with team-high totals for chances created (three), shots on target (three), and passes in the final third (22), while only Reece James (three) completed more dribbles than the former Leicester City man (two). 

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to face Newcastle in the battle for the top four.