BBC: “Poor” Garnacho and Gittens hand Tyrique George the chance to play even more | OneFootball

Chelsea put in a pretty dreadful first half performance last night, but an early goal in the second half allowed them to settle their nerves and get back into it.

The goal came from Tyrique George, who had been totally isolated in the first half, and he seemed to take out all his frustration in that moment, spanking a half volley from outside the box when nobody was really expecting him to have a go.

Chelsea’s poor planning puts George back in unfamiliar spot again

Tyrique George slams a volley across goal.

Soon after, he assisted Facundo Buonanotte with some nice hold up play. But George isn’t a striker – much like last year he’s just been called into action there because of injuries and a lack of other options.

What does it say about Chelsea’s squad planning that they’re using the same winger up top two years in a row? Nothing positive. Especially when you consider the plan was to sell him to Fulham on deadline day, a deal which only fell through because of problems on their end.

George steals a march on his wing rivals

For the BBC, Nizaar Kinsella saw the positive side of things:

“Having been handed a second chance and impressed while Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens were below par, more displays like this will provide Maresca with a welcome option in attack.”

Given George is certainly trusted by Marecsa more than the alternatives, he has a head start on them already, and took his chance to enhance that advantage last night. His ability to play as cover up front opens him up for even more minutes, potentially.

Although George would rather play wide, and would likely perform better there.

Perhaps, despite almost having left, this can be the breakthrough season we hope for from George?