Enzo Maresca reverted to nearly the same Chelsea side who beat Aston Villa a week earlier when picking his XI to take on Tottenham yesterday.
The Blues picked up arguably their biggest win of the season against their arch-rivals, coming from 2-0 down to run out 4-3 winners in thrilling fashion.
Chelsea relied on their attacking brilliance to bail them out of a tricky situation yesterday. Maresca was in awe at Cole Palmer, who found the net twice from the penalty spot including an outrageous Panenka.
The England international continued to combine well with Enzo Fernandez in the attacking areas, with the World Cup winner continuing his rich vain of form in front of goal with another strike.
Maresca praised the work-rate of both Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho on the wings, with them both being recalled in place of Noni Madueke and Joao Felix.
Noni Madueke of Chelsea is tackled by Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC ...
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Noni Madueke handed big Chelsea chance after Pedro Neto’s suspension
Madueke in particular may feel hard done by that he was not selected for the big game yesterday after his goal and performance against Southampton in the week.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink described Madueke’s goal as ‘pure class’ against the Saints, although it wasn’t enough to keep his starting place.
Maresca piled the pressure on Madueke by saying he needs to continue to perform at his highest level, however he has now been handed a golden chance to prove just that.
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Neto’s fifth yellow card of the season will see him miss the next Premier League game against Brentford, leaving a vacant spot that is most likely to be filled by the England international.
Noni Madueke vs Pedro Neto stats
While Neto has looked devastating on both wings since joining the Blues, Madueke still has more goal contributions in all competitions than his fellow winger
Neto vs Madueke Chelsea 24/25 Pedro Neto Noni Madueke
Appearances 17 17
Goals 3 6
Assists 3 2
The Portuguese star has scored the more important goal of the two, firing home the equaliser against Arsenal in emphatic style.
It is a credit to Chelsea and their efforts to establish great depth on the wings that they have both quality players battling for one spot in the side.
Sancho seems to have locked down the other wide role, with both players complementing the loanee well.
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