Chelsea had their 5-1 win over Southampton pretty much wrapped up by half time, so there was plenty of time to focus on other things.
The away fans were in quite incredible voice. Maybe it was the fact that the home fans were silent – and also largely absent following the fourth goal. Maybe it was just the way the mics picked up the the sound. Maybe it’s just that the fans haven’t had much to sing about for a while. Either way, it’s been a while since we’ve heard such a raucous Blue away end, and we loved it.
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Enzo Maresca apologises to fans after Liverpool loss. (Photo by Alex Dodd/CameraSport)
Enzo Maresca gesticulates on the touchline. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Along with the usual favourites (and a “Chelsea. Chelsea. Chelsea.” you could hear in Portsmouth), there were some pretty significant additions to the songbook this time out.
Firstly, the fans sang “we’ve got our Chelsea back,” a sure sign that they are finally starting to believe this team are actually the real deal.
Then, in a huge moment for new manager Enzo Maresca, they sang his name, and he responded with applause.
You can hear those chants in the clips embedded here:
Chelsea fans serenade Enzo Maresca at full time 🤩💙
And he comes from Italy 🎶
I’ve missed this#CFC #Chelsea #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/als1qvvrE8
— Charlie Patrick (@charliepatrick0) December 4, 2024
"Ohhhh Enzo Maresca!" 🎶
Chelsea fans are loving the entertainment on show#PLonPrime #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/xdvz9p82x8
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 4, 2024
Enzo Maresca applauds the home fans. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca applauds the home fans. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Maresca has taken huge first step towards universal approval with superb start
For all Maresca’s good work so far, there’s been the sense that he’s tainted by association with an unpopular ownership. But it’s always easy for a player or a coach to separate themselves – win consistently and play like we did tonight and fans don’t mind who you work for, or who you worked for in the past.
Eventually, if we keep winning, the ownership will quickly become popular themselves too. They must be delighted with the gamble taken to dump Mauricio Pochettino after one season and take a risk on a young manager that they thought was worth the disruption.