Batshuayi scores late winner for Chelsea against Ajax

Ajax 0 Chelsea 1

Michy Batshuayi’s late goal gave Chelsea a priceless Champions League victory in Amsterdam.

The striker was guilty of an appalling miss before emphatically making amends after being set up by fellow substitute Christian Pulisic.

After Pulisic worked his way to the byline and sent in a low cross from the left, Marcos Alonso cleverly stepped over the ball and Batshuayi fired in off the underside of the bar.

Earlier, Pulisic cut in from the left and tried his luck with a shot which was deflected into the path of the unmarked Batshuayi, who inexplicably sliced over the bar.

But Chelsea continued to probe and were eventually rewarded with a goal which took them top of Group H.

Ajax, who had won both their opening two group games, hit the post and had a goal disallowed.

Ten minutes before the interval, Hakim Ziyech’s cross from the right was deflected into the path of Quincy Promes, who tapped in at the far post. However, VAR found that Promes was marginally offside.

There was another let-off for Chelsea in the second half, when Edson Alavarez headed against the woodwork from Donny Van de Beek’s corner.

Lively after coming on against Newcastle on Saturday, Pulisic again impressed following his introduction.

The American went close when he shot wide after exchanging passes with Batshuayi.

And with four minutes remaining, Pulisic showed great skill and persistence to set up the all-important goal.