It was all smiles at Stamford Bridge as far as Chelsea were concerned following their 3-0 win over Aston Villa yesterday.
The Blues were dominant from start to finish, with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer keeping all three points in West London.
The only concern Enzo Maresca will have had was about the fitness of Wesley Fofana, after he limped off in the second half.
Despite an apparent hamstring injury, Fofana hinted the problem may not be as bad as first feared.
A unique line-up named by the manager saw plenty of attacking talent on display, with a return to starting action in the Premier League for Jadon Sancho.
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December 01,...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jadon Sancho proves why Enzo Maresca loves him in Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
The England international picked up a couple of assists in his first start in a month a few days earlier in the Conference League, after time on the sidelines due to injury and illness.
Sancho was a constant threat down the left wing, with Jason Cundy praising Sancho’s link-up play with Fernandez throughout the game.
Maresca has described Sancho as ‘special’ since he joined Chelsea, and has frequently sung the praises of a player who is actually only on loan at the moment.
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His performance proved why he is such a big fan, and why he got the not over a number of talented attacking players.
Sancho vs Mykhailo Mudryk 24/25
Mykhailo Mudryk has starred in the Conference League when starting regularly, however as of now this has not resulted in a Premier League start.
Sancho vs Mudryk 24/25 Jadon Sancho Mykhailo Mudryk
Starts 6 6
Goals 0 3
Assists 4 0
Chances Created 10 13
Both Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were brought on off the bench in the second half, although neither started after impressing in recent performances.
The Portugal international did not start in the Conference League on Thursday, with some believing this was a sign he was now in the Premier League plans.
However, Maresca kept his faith in Sancho, and was rewarded with a top performance that complimented the side greatly.
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