Enzo Fernández (foreground) and Nicolas Jackson both got their names on the scoresheet in Chelsea's win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge
Enzo Fernández (foreground) and Nicolas Jackson both got their names on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge
Enzo Fernández will never escape his price tag, and the truth is that he might never come close to living up to it. The £107 million transfer fee is a burden that could forever hang round his neck, prompting sneers from rival fans and groans from his own.
But just because Fernández is probably not the world-beater that his fee suggests, it does not mean he cannot become a useful and valuable member of the Chelsea team over the remaining eight years of his contract. There are now signs that, at last, this process may be starting.
About time? Probably. Fernández has been in London since the winter of 2023, after all. Still, this is a case of better late than never for Chelsea, for whom the midfielder impressed again in this commanding victory over struggling Aston Villa.
Having not scored all season before last weekend, the Argentina international has now struck two goals in his last two appearances. His finish here was masterfully steered into the corner of Villa’s net, from just inside the penalty area, as he appeared to enjoy a more advanced attacking role in Enzo Maresca’s team
Enzo Fernández doubles Chelsea's lead against Aston Villa! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dDphFoEDuu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024
That strike means that Fernández has now been involved in four goals (two goals, two assists) in his last three league appearances. Having been dropped from the league side for four consecutive matches – he even fell into the Thursday night ‘B’ team for a few games – he is suddenly moving like a key player again. He wore the captain’s armband here.
The racism storm of the summer, in which Fernández issued a grovelling apology to his offended team-mates, must now feel like a long time ago for the Chelsea players.
Villa, eight matches without a victory in all competitions, simply could not find a decisive moment comparable to Fernández’s goal, Nicolas Jackson’s early opener or Cole Palmer’s gorgeous third. Unai Emery’s side are in a footballing quagmire, squelching around in increasing desperation, and they looked vulnerable throughout this trip to Stamford Bridge.
Perhaps most concerning of all for Emery is that his team appeared so visibly anxious. Their build-up play was jittery, punctuated by mistakes, and they fluffed the chances they did create. Ollie Watkins was particularly wasteful against a Chelsea defence that presented him with opportunities.
There is no doubt that Chelsea were deserving winners here. With Moises Caicedo playing as a full-back/midfielder hybrid, and Fernández and Palmer pushing forward from midfield, there was a lovely balance to their play. There is a growing sense that Maresca’s system is bedding into the minds of his players, with each man knowing where to be and when.
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