Jane Njoku

Joao Felix was pleased with the brace he scored in Chelsea’s 4-1 Europa Conference League victory at Panathinaikos last night.

He scored twice, with Mykhaylo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku also joining the scoresheet. 

“We’re really pleased,” said Felix afterwards.

“This was a difficult game, in a tough stadium, but I thought we did a good job. We did what the manager asked of us going into the game, so we’re really happy with this win.

“That’s two wins from two in the Conference League and it helps us build confidence. Whether it’s the Conference League, the Premier League or the Carabao Cup, we go to win and we’re pleased with how we are progressing as a team.

“Now we have to keep working and doing the right things for the team.”

On his form, Felix continued: “I’m here to fight for a place in the starting XI.

“Obviously, it’s up to the manager to decide who should play each game but when I have the chance, I want to show what I can do.

“I’m doing my job, I’m working hard and doing everything I can when I’m in the side. I was pleased to score my two goals but it’s most important to get the win for the team.

“Now we must rest up because we have two big games against Newcastle coming up. Everyone has to be ready, because the games come around quickly.

“First it’s the Premier League, and then it’s the Carabao Cup, and for sure we will need fresh players because there isn’t much of a gap between games so everyone needs to be ready.”

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has rained praises on Mikey Moore.

Moore delivered a terrific performance as Tottenham defeated AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

When asked about Moore, as James Maddison has also praised the youngster after the game, Postecoglou said:

“It’s pretty hard for me to keep a lid on it now ain’t it?! He was exciting to watch. You cannot deny it. There is no point denying it. I love the way Mikey is taking all in his stride, he works hard every day. He wants to develop, he understands that this is a journey.

“It’s very easy for a young guy like him, who has just turned 17, to feel like he has somehow made it, but you never get that sense. It’s exciting, it is. You have got such a young player, who wants that responsibility to make an impact, rather than just sometimes with young players they are a bit worried about making mistakes. He is developing well.

“We have to be really careful about how we use him, and when we use him, that is the key for us, particularly in these early stages. I have no fear throwing him in, absolutely not. I know and I see it every day, he’s a great young player and definitely more to come.”

Postecoglou added: “He handles it all very well, I still think he has got a bit of growing to do. When I look at him, he certainly has in the last 6-12 months, but with all these things, rightly so, you are worried about putting too much pressure on players. Particularly in today’s world. But the thing that gives me the most confidence is how he is handling everything.

“I don’t think if he does hear what Maddison said about him it will affect him tomorrow. That’s the key thing for us. It’s exciting. I was excited. I wanted us to pass him the ball. Keep giving him the ball. Great to see.”