After Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring with a well-placed header in first-half stoppage time, Delap opened his account with a sumptuous turn and ball role, which gave him space to slot home. Tyrique George then wrapped up the win in the final moments the Lincoln Financial Field.

Delap knew how crucial the game was to the Blues, with victory securing safe passage to the Round of 16 where we will face Benfica. And our new No.9 was pleased to get the result the team and the supporters wanted in Philadelphia.

‘We knew we had to win tonight to get through, and we’re pleased to get the job done,’ Delap said. ‘It’s a really happy feeling [to score] and hopefully it’s the first of many. I love playing football and to play for such a good team is a great feeling.’

The 22-year-old was also quick to thank Enzo Fernandez for his assist in the build-up to his maiden Chelsea goal.

Liam continued: ‘I spoke to Enzo and he told me that when he gets the ball that I should run, and it was a great pass, and luckily it went in.’

The Blues have three days to recover and then prepare for the clash with Benfica, which will be place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday. And Delap is ready to himself against the Portuguese giants.

He added: ‘We’ve just got to prepare over the next few days. Everyone will come out fighting, and hopefully we’ll progress.’