Celtic icon delivers verdict on Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka coming close to his first senior goal

Manchester City recorded their fourth successive win against Chelsea for the first time in their history on Thursday night, beating Graham Potter's side 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. 

Former African Footballer of the Year, Riyad Mahrez tapped in the winner after he was set up by fellow substitute Jack Grealish in the 63rd minute. 

Chelsea were forced into a change midway through the first half when England U20 international of Nigerian descent Carney Chukwuemeka came off the bench to replace the injured Christian Pulisic.

In a cagey first half, the Super Eagles-eligible midfielder came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot rattled the woodwork from 22 yards out in the 44th minute. 

Had he found the net, it would have been his first goal since turning professional.

Celtic legend and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, who was on commentary duties for BBC Radio 5, immediately praised Chukwuemeka after he came close to giving his side the lead. 

Sutton said on Chukwuemeka's effort that hit the post : "Chukwuemeka does brilliantly and Cucurella does well, marauding on the left and allowing Chukwuemeka to come inside on that right foot.

"You can see what Chukwuemeka is thinking, he went for power. And Graham Potter must be thinking, blimey, is it ever going to happen?"

The 19-year-old Chukwuemeka, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa last August, has yet to make his full debut for the Londoners.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : premierleague.com

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