In our round-up of the action involving the Chelsea players on loan over the last week, Billy Gilmour made his debut for Norwich City and there were plenty of Blues in action in the Football League and the early stages of the Carabao Cup...
Henry Lawrence enjoyed a memorable debut for AFC Wimbledon, setting up the decisive goal just 25 minutes into his first-ever match at senior level. Lawrence’s cross was turned in during the first half to give the Dons a 1-0 win at Charlton Athletic and book their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
He then came off the bench shortly before Wimbledon came back from two goals behind to draw 3-3 with Bolton Wanderers in League One, in their first game in front of fans at Plough Lane for 30 years.
In the Premier League, Billy Gilmour had a tough debut for Norwich City, as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Liverpool on the Canaries’ return to the top flight.
Nathan Baxter suffered the pain of a penalty shoot-out defeat with Hull City. The goalkeeper started their Carabao Cup first-round tie against Wigan Athletic, and was unlucky to concede in normal time after saving a header only to see the rebound swept in. After a 1-1 draw, the first 15 penalties were all scored before Wigan won the shoot-out 8-7.
Juan Castillo faired better in the opening round of League Cup matches, as he featured throughout for Birmingham City as they defeated Colchester United 1-0 at home.
Ian Maatsen came off the bench for Coventry City in midweek, but couldn’t prevent them surrendering their lead to be eliminated from the Carabao Cup, 2-1 by Northampton Town.
Maatsen was in the starting line-up for the Sky Blues at the weekend, in a game that saw Jake Clarke-Salter make his debut for the club as a substitute, but they lost 1-0 away at Barnsley in the Championship after hitting the post, having an effort cleared off the line and missing a late penalty.
Levi Colwill was on the receiving end of a 5-1 defeat with Huddersfield Town at home against Fulham, despite the Cottagers going down to 10 men when Harry Wilson was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Colwill.
Jamie Cumming produced a series of impressive saves for Gillingham to withstand a lengthy barrage away at Plymouth Argyle, but was finally beaten in the 88th minute in a 1-0 defeat.