After an unceremonious knockout in the first edition of the ePremier League tournament last month, the Blues have a new representative and a place in the quarter-finals after Emerson’s victory over Watford’s Andre Gray.

Reece James was previously on the end of a heavy defeat by Everton’s Andre Gomes, leading to plenty of stick from his Chelsea team-mates on the players’ group chat, as revealed in an interview with Billy Gilmour last week.

The Scottish teenager was originally pencilled in to replace his fellow Academy graduate behind the video game controller but a late change saw Emerson drafted in and it proved a wise move as the full-back recorded a 4-2 win.

After netting with Olivier Giroud, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Willian, Emerson will now move into the next round where he will take on either Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham or Norwich’s Max Aarons.

‘It’s not easy,’ admitted the Italian international. ‘I started not well but in the second half I think I played better.

‘Kepa in the second half was my best player. I’m happy for the victory.’

Gray was furious with himself for a number of missed chances and claimed afterwards: ‘Their goalkeeper was man of the match!’

The ePremier League tournament prize money is being donated to the #PlayersTogether initiative, a contribution fund set up by Premier League players through which they can channel their own donations into the NHS frontline by partnering with an NHS charity umbrella organisation.

Supporters can follow the tournament on the Premier League’s digital channels. The semi-finals and final will again be shown live on Sky Sports this weekend.