Chelsea showed incredible resilience to come from a goal down to beat West Ham 2-1, and in doing so, got back on track in the league as they aim to return Champions League football to Stamford Bridge.
On a cold winter night, with the pre-match talk focused on the lack of signings and depth in the squad, those who were lucky enough to be at Stamford Bridge witnessed Enzo Maresca, ranked at no.44 in FourFourTwo's list of the best managers in the world right now, strengthen his claim as one of the best tacticians in the league. His calm demeanour and belief in the squad that has been assembled were evident throughout the game.
The Italian's second-half changes were key to his side's victory particularly the introductions of Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu. Neto, once again, proved that when fit, he's one of the most devastating widemen in the league. It wasnt just his goal, but also his power and relentless running that made a difference.
Nicolas Jackson doesn't look like scoring
After a weekend where Manchester City went up in smoke at the Emirates, losing 5-1 to Arsenal, and Newcastle stumbled at home to Fulham. Maresca's Chelsea showed they were more than just making up the numbers and took full advantage. Some observations you might have missed from watching the game on television:
This game highlighted the need for some support for striker Nicolas Jackson, who has now gone eight games without a goal. For large parts of the match, he was his usual pressing self, few strikers in the Premier League work harder than the Senegalese forward. However, he's had to carry the burden on his own for the last 18 months. He desperately needs rest, and it might be in the clubs best interest to now give him a break.
Jackson was also fortunate not to suffer a hamstring injury. He landed awkwardly in the first half and immediately grabbed the back of his leg, with Marc Guiu hurriedly preparing to come on.
Fortunately, Jackson managed to get back on his feet and run it off. Hes willing, and the effort is clear for everyone to see, but its in his own interest, and the clubs if they can find a way to get him some rest before his luck runs out.
It was also telling in the first half that Chelsea created very little, and when the manager chose to make a change up top, he preferred Guiu over Christopher Nkunku. The French striker has scored 13 goals in all competitions, only Cole Palmer has more for the club yet he wasnt the first choice to come on when Jackson needed replacing.
That would have been a surprise to Nkunku who desperately wants minutes. Nkunku eventually came on and helped secure the win, but if theres one criticism of Maresca, its the way hes used the French forward. A section of the fans certainly feel that Nkunku deserves more than the cameo roles hes been given.
Chelsea could be in business if they can get him playing a more significant role in the remaining games. With the transfer window now closed, itll be interesting to see how Maresca utilizes him going forward.
The good thing is when he was asked to come one he got ready immediately and came on which is a sign of someone wanting to make his mark.
The second half was one of the best Chelsea have produced all season. The bench was busy throughout, and the relay of information a hallmark of Marescas coaching style since he's been here was evident once again. For a team under pressure to win, the teamwork on the bench was admirable.
On the pitch, they had their backs against the wall, and it was visible on everyones face, but they dug deep and secured the points. What was disappointing, however, was the quietness of Stamford Bridge.
The atmosphere had improved slightly earlier in the season, but in the first half of this game, it was alarmingly quiet. For a team still in with a chance of securing a Champions League spot, it got so quiet that West Ham fans started singing, "Is this the Emirates?"
I understand that when results are consistent, the atmosphere will improve, but if Chelsea are to get back to winning big things, they will need Stamford Bridge to be a fortress. Unfortunately, that wasnt the case last night.
One of the highlights of the game came after the final whistle, when Chelsea players, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia, waited for Levi Colwill, who was mainly responsible for the West Ham goal, to first pull his shirt over his head before attempting to hug him as he made his way down the tunnel.
Colwill was one of the stars of the seasons early games, so it was heartwarming to see his teammates sharing a light moment with him after the incident, showing support before hugging him into the tunnel. Winning quietens the noise, and this victory will likely shift the focus away from the recently concluded transfer window and back to the push for a top-four finish.
You can only imagine what the narrative would be on Colwill had Chelsea lost the game 1-0. In the end not many will remember his error and would have been delighted with the way his teammates backed him in the end.
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