Delap makes his mark as Premier League clubs’ hunt for strikers hots up

DUBAI: It was third time lucky for Chelsea’s new striker Liam Delap — who arrived from Ipswich Town earlier this month — when he opened his account on Wednesday for the Blues in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Following last Friday’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Flamengo, Enzo Maresca’s team required a victory for a place in the knockout stages of a competition they won in 2022.

The result never looked in doubt once defender Tosin Adarabioyo had given them the lead with a well-taken header.

The advantage was doubled moments later as Delap scored his first Chelsea goal, collecting a pass from Enzo Fernandez before holding off one challenge, evading another and dispatching a low drive into the bottom corner.

It was brilliant center-forward play, combining strength, skill and a killer instinct in front of goal. For any striker, their first goal at a new club, regardless of the competition or opposition, is an important milestone.

It settles early nerves, eliminates any negative outside noise and helps to build a positive relationship with the fans, who enjoy nothing more than watching a new forward showcase his goalscoring capabilities.

Delap, who confidently took the Chelsea No. 9 shirt after signing, had shown encouraging signs during his first two performances at the tournament.

In their opening fixture, a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, the 22-year-old came off the bench and made an instant impact, providing a superb cross which was converted by Fernandez to put the game to bed.

He was then handed his first start against Flamengo and proved a handful for opposition defenders prior to his withdrawal shortly after the hour mark with his replacement, Nicolas Jackson, shown a red card for a