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Chelsea secured their first away win of 2025 in dramatic fashion with a thrilling late comeback against west London rivals Fulham — and it was 19-year-old Tyrique George who stole the show, Footynaija.com reports.
The Blues appeared destined for yet another disappointing result on the road before two late strikes turned the tide and breathed new life into their push for Champions League qualification.
George, who had only just opened his senior account for Chelsea ten days earlier in Europe, followed it up with his first-ever Premier League goal — and it was a moment that drew rave reviews from Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
There’s so much to like about Tyrique George here:
— The Other Side Of The Coin (@TOSOTC_CFC) April 20, 2025
– Doesn’t waste time celebrating
– Mentality to keep going to find the winner
– Great positioning
– Super shooting technique
– Taking the shot first time
There’s something special about him!!pic.twitter.com/udTFK1qf1v
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 as per Chelsea Chronicle, Shearer singled out George’s introduction as the decisive moment in the game.
“He (Maresca) brings young Tyrique George on. 19 years old, and all of a sudden, that change changes the game,” Shearer said.
“Because this finish is so instinctive, and it wasn’t going to happen with those two (Jackson and Palmer). All of a sudden, Tyrique George changed the game.”
George entered the fray in the 78th minute, replacing Nicolas Jackson, and needed just five minutes to make an impact.
The Chelsea academy graduate met a loose ball on the edge of the box with a first-time drilled finish into the bottom corner to level the scores.
Pedro Neto then struck in stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround and seal all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side.
George’s goal also rewrote Chelsea history. At just 19 years and 75 days old, he surpassed Carney Chukwuemeka as the youngest Nigeria-eligible player to score for the club in the Premier League. Chukwuemeka had set the previous record at 19 years and 304 days in August 2023.
The only other Nigerian teenager to find the net for Chelsea in the Premier League is Celestine Babayaro, who did so in 1998 at 19 years and 358 days.
Promoted permanently to the first team by Maresca in December 2024, George has since registered six goal involvements (two goals, four assists) in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
With performances like this, the London-born winger — who continues to catch the eye of Nigeria’s scouting network — is fast emerging as one of Chelsea’s most exciting young talents.
