Chelsea’s development side draw first game

A bizarre own goal gave Chelsea’s development side a point as they began their Premier League 2 season with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

The home side went ahead just after the hour mark, when Joel Asoro capitalised on Blues keeper Nathan Baxter’s under-hit pass.

But Chelsea themselves benefited from a defensive mishap when Daniel Wright’s attempted pass back to Jordan Pickford ended up in the net.

England Under-21 keeper Pickford had earlier saved from Ike Ugbo and he also produced a late stop to prevent him putting Chelsea 2-1 up when the striker was found by Jay Dasilva.

Joseph Colley also went close for Chelsea when he headed wide from Mason Mount’s corner.