Nkunku: ’I want to say thank you to the fans’

An early strike from Mykhailo Mudryk was cancelled out before half time by Michael Olise’s leveller, but Chelsea left it late to seal victory as Noni Madueke’s deciding spot-kick gave supporters inside Stamford Bridge the three points they craved.

Nkunku played an integral role in the opener and was a constant thorn in the side of the Eagles throughout the evening. The 26-year-old was delighted to play his part during his Premier League bow at the Bridge.

‘It was a big fight and we played a good game,’ said Nkunku.

‘I think we could have scored more goals, but the most important thing is the three points.

‘Personally, it meant a lot to me [to make my first start]. I’m very happy because it has been six months since I started a game.

‘I feel good and the most important thing is I don’t feel any issues after the game, so we are concentrating on improving.

‘I think we need to be focused in every game and every training session to improve. We have a young team but with big quality, and we need to work together to improve and enjoy success together.’

Going into further detail about the knee injury that had sidelined him since August, Nkunku admitted it had been a challenge to regain his fitness.

‘It was very hard, to be honest, to have that injury at the start of the season,’ he explained. ’You need to be focused and work hard to come back. That’s what I did and today I’m happy. I think the future will be good.’

Christo also explained he was grateful to hear the supporters cheer his name when he made his first appearance in blue against Newcastle during the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

’It meant a lot,’ he said. ’It was the first time the stadium had heard my name as I came onto the pitch, so I want to say thank you to the fans and, of course, it gave me more motivation to continue to improve and get to my level.

‘We need the fans like this every game. They give us something different and special, and we have big a stadium and big support, and we will do great things.’