Chelsea made it four wins in a row across all competitions with a comfortable victory over Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Blues’ upturn in form started with the 1-0 win against Benfica in the second fixture of this season’s League Phase and there was never any danger they were going to slip-up on a wet night in west London against a struggling Ajax side.
An extraordinary first-half at Stamford Bridge produced five goals, three penalties and a red card as Enzo Maresca’s decision to make wholesale changes ultimately paid off.
Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez - on his return from injury - and Estevao were all on target in the opening 45 minutes, with Wout Weghort’s effort from the spot proving to be no more than a souvenir on his return to England.
Tyrique George then scored his first Champions League goal within three minutes of being brought on right at the start of the second half to add gloss on an emphatic scoreline for the Blues.
The result ensures Chelsea move into the top half of the table, while Ajax remain rooted to the bottom having suffered their third straight defeat in this season’s competition.
Ajax were up against it from the 17th minute when captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off for serious foul play. The midfielder was initially shown a yellow card, but was given his marching orders following a swift VAR check.
