Chelsea extended their recent successful run earlier this week by winning convincingly away at Southampton.
Chelsea secured a 5-1 away victory at Southampton on Wednesday night in the Premier League. Therefore, the Blues have won their last four consecutive matches across all competitions, including three games in the league.
Enzo Maresca continues to go from strength to strength during his first season as the Blues manager.
It’s now 14 wins, four draws and four defeats from 22 fixtures for the Blues so far this season. Chelsea fans were chanting for Maresca versus Southampton, which is well deserved after the impact he’s made in his first few months in West London.
Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 04, 2024 ...
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Paul Merson was worried by Enzo Maresca tactic vs Southampton
Paul Merson has admitted that Chelsea boss Maresca worried him with his team selection versus Southampton. It was a surprise starting XI, which included seven changes for the 3-0 league win at home to Aston Villa a few days before.
Merson has shared that he felt it was a “dangerous” tactic from Maresca, but the head coach proved he was totally right in his decision-making.
“It roughly picks itself now (the team). I know there were a lot of changes midweek, and fair play. When I first saw the team, I thought this is dangerous. A lot of changes. Southampton fighting for their life, and they took Liverpool to their edge in their last home game. I thought it was a dangerous game,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“To be fair, it’s worked a treat. Now all their players that got rested for this game will be ready and fresh for the big game at Tottenham on Sunday.”
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Next, Chelsea travel to Tottenham on Sunday for a huge league showdown. It definitely helps that several first-team stars got some valuable rest in midweek.
It’s already been confirmed by Maresca that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will start against Spurs after getting the night off at Southampton.
Enzo Maresca vs Mauricio Pochettino
It definitely feels like Maresca has taken Chelsea to a new level in the space of a few months from where they were during one season under Mauricio Pochettino last year. The results on the pitch certainly suggest that.
Mauricio Pochettino record at Chelsea – 53% win ratio
Enzo Maresca recrod at Chelsea – 64% win ratio
Pochettino deserves a small amount of sympathy because the group was a year younger under him. There was so much turmoil both on and off the pitch, too.
However, Maresca settled everything down at the club, making big decisions and finding his best starting XI.
Levi Colwill claims Maresca has installed confidence in Chelsea’s players, which is showing every single time they step on the pitch.
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