In a thrilling encounter between Premier League giants Chelsea and newly-promoted League Two club Wrexham, Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge of the Blues got off to a winning start. The match, held at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, saw a sell-out crowd eagerly anticipating the clash between the two teams after more than 40 years since they last faced each other.
Although Wrexham’s celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were notably absent from the match, their team’s presence in the United States attracted significant attention. Wrexham initially kept Chelsea waiting, causing an awkward delay before finally emerging in their new white away kit. Despite their enthusiasm, Wrexham suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Pochettino’s new-look Chelsea side.
The game saw Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s £32 million signing from Villarreal, making an impressive start by setting up Ian Maatsen for an early goal. Pochettino’s tactical approach showcased a 4-2-3-1 formation with exciting young players like Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos in midfield.
America’s fascination with Wrexham was evident, with thousands of fans turning up to witness the Welsh side in action. The popularity of Wrexham, thanks to the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series and the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney, has reached unexpected heights across the Atlantic.
However, the absence of the celebrity owners from the match was a notable talking point, with Ryan Reynolds busy filming and Rob McElhenney planning to join the team for the remaining matches of their US tour.
For Wrexham, the game ended in defeat, with Chelsea’s dominant performance securing a 5-0 victory. Despite the loss, the experience was invaluable for Wrexham as they prepare for the upcoming season in League Two. Phil Parkinson’s men showed determination and had some promising moments, with last season’s hero, Paul Mullin, looking lively in attack.
Overall, the game served as a perfect start for Mauricio Pochettino and his new-look Chelsea side, while providing Wrexham with valuable exposure and experience during their pre-season tour in the United States. As they look ahead to more matches against LA Galaxy, Manchester United, and Philadelphia Union, Wrexham’s popularity in America continues to grow, capturing the hearts of fans far beyond their hometown.
