Footage of Liam Delap reacting to Joao Pedro’s goal in Chelsea’s friendly victory over Bayer Leverkusen has caused quite the stir on social media.
Enzo Maresca’s side cruised to a dominant 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday after wonderkid Estevao scored on his electric debut and Pedro added the second.
All eyes were on Estevao after he tapped home when Cole Palmer’s effort cracked against the woodwork, but attention shifted to fellow new boy Pedro late in the second half, the substitute having doubled the Blues’ lead on 90 minutes.
Pedro was introduced in place of Delap, who was unable to find the back of the net.
The frontman, signed from Ipswich this summer, was given his first home start and recorded two efforts on target. Just his second touch of the game saw him test goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who later spread himself to deny Delap in style.
Pedro then showed the £30million man how it was done, composing himself inside the penalty area before coolly picking out the bottom left corner.
Chelsea fans spotted Liam Delap’s reaction to Joao Pedro’s goal against Bayer Leverkusen
Delap was given his first start at Stamford Bridge but couldn’t convert his two big chances
Delap’s subsequent reaction on the bench was caught on camera, and social media users were quick to have their say, insisting he was already regretting the move.
‘Yeah, he’s like, “Damn, it will take a little while,’ said one user.
Another added: ‘He’s starting to regret his decision already.’
A third said: ‘Guy knows he’s second choice already.’
However, other supporters believe Delap was right to remain stony-faced.
‘Rather that than him cheesing,’ added another. ‘Knows he needs to step it up.’
A fifth user agreed, saying: ‘This is what we want, healthy competition in positions.’
Delap elected to move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from both Manchester United and Newcastle, and signed a lucrative six-year contract.
Delap was replaced in the second half by Pedro, who went on to show him how it was done
Pedro wheeled away to celebrate and will target being the Blues’ No 1 striker this season
After scoring 12 goals in his 37 top-flight appearances last season, he was recruited to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson.
However, it has since emerged that Jackson will look to leave this summer.
As exclusively reported by Daily Mail Sport, Jackson was left out of the squad at Stamford Bridge and the club are now helping him secure a move away.
We can also reveal Jackson trained solo at Cobham on Friday while everyone else’s focus was on their 7pm clash with Bundesliga giants Leverkusen.
It comes with the Senegal international having officially told the club’s hierarchy that he is keen to explore a transfer elsewhere this month.
Chelsea are currently in talks with clubs from the Premier League and in Europe and will sanction a sale if they deem it to be in the club’s best interests.
