Chelsea thrash Wrexham in pre-season opener

Chelsea got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start with a 5-0 thrashing of Wrexham at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina.

Ian Maatsen scored twice for the Blues, while Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and an own goal completed the rout.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig this summer, scored on his debut for the club, while Gallagher continued his impressive pre-season form with another goal.

Chelsea were in control from the start and took the lead after just 10 minutes when Maatsen converted a cross from Ben Chilwell.

The Blues doubled their lead just before half-time when Gallagher fired home from close range after good work from Nkunku.

Maatsen added his second goal of the game early in the second half, before Nkunku made it 4-0 with a fine finish.

Wrexham pulled a goal back through an own goal from Trevoh Chalobah, but Chelsea restored their five-goal advantage when Gallagher scored his second of the game.

The result was a comfortable victory for Chelsea, who will now face Charlotte FC in their next pre-season match.