Jackson’s Red Card Horror: Chelsea Ratings vs Flamengo After 3-1 Defeat

Chelsea Collapse in Club World Cup Opener, Jackson Sees Red

Chelsea’s start to their Club World Cup campaign took a disastrous turn as they suffered a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against Brazilian side Flamengo. Despite initially taking the lead, a dismal second-half performance saw Enzo Maresca’s side concede three goals and have substitute Nicolas Jackson controversially sent off just minutes after entering the fray. The loss puts significant pressure on the Blues’ hopes of progressing in the tournament.

Playing in Philadelphia, Chelsea opened the scoring confidently in the 13th minute through Pedro Neto, who produced a smart finish following a counterattack opportunity. They held this advantage until the halftime break, even surviving a moment where Levi Colwill had to clear the ball off his own line.

However, the match was turned on its head in a chaotic six-minute spell early in the second half. Flamengo quickly found their rhythm, with Bruno Henrique equalizing in the 62nd minute after Robert Sanchez allowed the ball to travel across the face of goal. Just three minutes later, veteran Danilo headed home from the far post to give Flamengo the lead.

The situation went from bad to worse for Chelsea almost immediately. Substitute Nicolas Jackson, introduced in the 64th minute, received a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas just four minutes later. The dismissal was widely condemned, with former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi labelling it an “unbelievable, unbelievable. A stupid, stupid, stupid mistake,” questioning Jackson’s decision-making and highlighting that this was his second red card in less than two months, following a dismissal against Newcastle. Adding to his ‘dire cameo’, Jackson was also noted to have lost his man for Danilo’s go-ahead goal.

Flamengo compounded Chelsea’s misery less than ten minutes from time when Wallace Yan added a third goal, capitalizing on a second attempt after his initial shot was blocked, sealing a dominant second-half performance from the Brazilian side.

Here’s how the Chelsea players fared in the disappointing defeat:

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Flamengo:

Robert Sanchez: 6
Despite commentary suggesting a ‘nightmare’ or ‘nervous’ afternoon allowing the ball across for Flamengo’s equalizer, Sanchez largely wasn’t directly at fault for the goals and made several good saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.
Malo Gusto: 4
Endured a torrid afternoon, struggling defensively. He was notably beaten in the air in the lead-up to Flamengo’s first goal and lacked composure in the second half.
Trevoh Chalobah: 5
Showed flashes in the build-up play but lacked significant defensive impact during key moments of pressure. Came out with slightly more credit than some defensive partners, but still part of a struggling backline.
Levi Colwill: 4
A poor performance from the England international. While he made a crucial clearance off the line in the first half, he was noted as being ‘asleep’ for Flamengo’s second goal and out of position for the third, nearly contributing to an own goal earlier.
Marc Cucurella: 5
Had an OK but not great outing. Was involved in numerous fouls but also made a key interception. He also had a strong penalty claim waved away.
Reece James: 4
Another player who had a difficult afternoon in midfield, often bypassed and behind the play. Involved in a defensive miscommunication early in the second half before being substituted.
Moises Caicedo: 5
Not his usual influential self in midfield. Showed physicality and won some duels early but the midfield structure collapsed in the second half, particularly after the red card. Booked early for shoving a former teammate.
Cole Palmer: 5
Continued his recent struggles, offering very little in terms of attacking output. Despite a brief show of positive work rate early in the second half, he was largely anonymous with few meaningful contributions before being substituted. Needs to do significantly more.
Enzo Fernandez: 6
One of the few Chelsea players who seemed ‘up for the fight’ when many teammates were not. Had a decent first half but wandered forward unsuccessfully in the second in an attempt to turn the tide. Substituted just moments before Flamengo’s third goal.
Pedro Neto: 7
Arguably the brightest spark for Chelsea, particularly in the first half. Showed instant class to score the opening goal confidently and worked the channels effectively, though his impact faded after the break. Received a yellow card for a late challenge.
Liam Delap: 6
Made a decent account of himself on his full debut. Used his power well to trouble defenders and created a good chance in the first half before being substituted prior to the second-half collapse.

Substitutes:

Nicolas Jackson (on for Delap, 64’): 1
Received a straight red card just four minutes after coming on for a needless, reckless tackle. A disastrous cameo that severely hampered Chelsea’s ability to fight back and contributed massively to the defeat. His rating is almost unassessable beyond his catastrophic impact.
Romeo Lavia (on for James, 64’): 5
Came on in midfield to try and add defensive solidity but was largely overshadowed by the red card and the overall disintegration of the team structure.
Marc Guiu (on for Palmer, 83’): N/A
Not on long enough to make a significant impact, though missed a late opportunity.

Noni Madueke (on for Fernandez, 83’): N/A

Provided a brief speed boost in stoppage time but on too late to influence the outcome.

The nature of the defeat, particularly the rapid second-half collapse, defensive vulnerabilities, and the avoidable red card incident, highlights significant issues for Chelsea heading into their next crucial group stage match.