Chelsea picked up their first three points of the 2025/26 campaign with a comfortable victory against West Ham United.
The Blues could only draw against Crystal Palace on the opening day in what was an underwhelming start to the Premier League season for Enzo Maresca.
Lucas Paqueta sent the London Stadium into raptures after he struck a well-driven effort on the edge of the penalty area past Robert Sanchez to open the lead in the 6th minute.
The Brazilian’s goal kicked the game into life as Joao Pedro equalised and assisted Pedro Neto to overturn the deficit either side of a disallowed Niclas Fullkrug strike.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Enzo Fernandez added the third before Moises Caicedo and Trevor Chalobah wrapped it up as Chelsea blew away the Hammers at the London Stadium.
And here are three things Maresca got absolutely right on the night.
Dropping Joao Pedro into the number 10 role
Paul Merson wanted Joao Pedro dropped for the clash in East London, and the Brazilian proved his critics wrong with a sensational display.
Admittedly, the 23-year-old was underwhelming in his league debut for the Blues, but Palmer’s omission from the starting lineup was a blessing in disguise.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Joao Pedro thrived in the number 10 role behind Liam Delap and was the orchestrator of everything good Chelsea did in East London.
Selecting Estevao over Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens was another big-money summer addition who failed to catch the eye on his debut against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea boast a wealth of attacking options to choose from, and Maresca made the expert choice to replace the Englishman with Estevao.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
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The young Brazilian looked lively in his cameo on the opening day and would reward Maresca’s faith in his first Premier League start as he laid the ball on a plate for Fernandez to convert the third goal of the game.
Substituting Malo Gusto
Although it is difficult to underperform in a 5-1 victory, Malo Gusto managed to achieve this feat and looked non-existent for Chelsea.
Admittedly, he had little to do defensively on the night and barely got on the ball, but when he did, he lost possession far more often than not.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Reece James is “incredible” for the Blues, and when the captain is not on the pitch, his absence is felt, particularly when his deputy fails to make a recognisable impact.