Enzo Maresca was delighted with the performance of Noni Madueke against Brentford and highlighted what impressed him about the winger.
Chelsea were made to work hard as they ground out a 2-1 win against Brentford, their fifth league win in a row and seventh in all competitions.
Marc Cucurella opened the scoring with a diving header after a brilliant cross from Madueke, before Nicolas Jackson scored the crucial second goal ten minutes from time.
Maresca pleased with performance of Madueke
The win was Chelsea’s first against the Bees at home since they got promoted back to the Premier League, with Brentford winning their previous three visits to Stamford Bridge.
With Pedro Neto suspended after being booked against Tottenham and Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk still missing, Madueke was restored to the starting line-up.
The England international put in an impressive performance working hard both on and off the ball and his cross for Cucurella’s goal was superb.
Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea against Brentford. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea against Brentford. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Speaking after the game Maresca praised Madueke for his performance and highlighted what he did that impressed him.
“Pedro [Neto] was suspended tonight and Noni’s [Madueke’s] performance was top,” he told his post-match press conference.
“The way he worked off the ball, the way he sacrificed, the ways he fought off the ball.”
Madueke has responded well after Maresca publicly criticised him following the recent win against Southampton.
The 22-year-old has made an impressive start to the season and has five goals and three assists in 15 league games amid fierce competition with the likes of Neto and Jadon Sancho.
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Enzo Maresca celebrates on the touchline. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Nicolas Jackson chases a loose ball. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca celebrates after Chelsea beat Brentford. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Having impressed against Brentford it will be interesting to see if Maresca puts Neto straight back in or rewards Madueke with another start.
Chelsea have three wingers in great form and it’s a really nice problem to have, but you would have to say Neto and Sancho right now are arguably the best wing pairing, although Madueke is knocking on the door.