Chelsea International Watch: Mykhaylo Mudryk stunner helps Ukraine beat Malta

Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk scored his first-ever goal for Ukraine in 3-1 win over Malta

Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk inspired Ukraine to a 3-1 win over minnows Malta as they strengthened their hold on second position in the table, which consists of England and Italy as the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers wind down. It was the Blues ace’s first senior goal for his nation.

Malta opened the scoring in just 12 minutes of the game through Paul Mbone, but Ukraine responded back in the 38^th minute after an own goal from Ryan Camenzuli. Artem Dovbyk then put Ukraine ahead in the 43rd minute from the spot, and Mudryk’s goal in the 85^th minute made sure they solidified their spot in a bid to reach Euro 2024.

Ukraine are currently in the second spot in Group C, three points better off than defending champions Italy who lost 3-1 to England last night. Ukraine have, however, played a game more and could drop down the standings on goal difference should Italy win their game in hand.

Ukraine and Mudryk will next face Italy in November, which will be a crucial game in deciding which side will secure a berth at Euro 2024. It is fair to say that the stakes cannot be higher.

Mudryk was the primary danger to Malta the entire game and he produced a couple of goal-scoring chances. The 22-year-old certainly merited a goal on the night and got his just desserts in the end.

The Chelsea star eventually got his goal, which was his first ever for his national team. Mudryk has struggled for confidence since arriving at Chelsea in the 2023 winter transfer window. However, he has shown an upsurge in good form of late and also broke his Chelsea scoring duck before the international break. It is fair to say that the 22-year-old’s confidence is on the rise.

Mudryk has been steadily improving, and scoring goals will help him build his confidence, which he has lacked for the last few months. Mudryk possesses excellent ball control, and his pace helps him beat defenders. Once he adds that cutting edge, we can hopefully see him reach the 20-goal contribution mark in a season.

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The goal will be a big boost for him if Pochettino starts the match against Arsenal. Cole Palmer is doubtful to face Arsenal after picking up a quad injury, so we can see Raheem Sterling shifted to the right wing and Mudryk operating from the left wing.