Chelsea were dominant winners in their second game of the Premier League campaign, which saw them venture to East London to face West Ham United. The West London side scored five in a performance that ensured they had the upper hand against their former manager, Graham Potter.
The Hammers opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Lucas Paqueta after he fired home a stunner from outside the box. Chelsea would take control of the match from there, with Marc Cucurella setting up Joao Pedro in the 15th minute to draw them level before Joao Pedro turned provider in the 23rd minute for Pedro Neto to give the Blues the lead.
Brazilian teenager Willian Estevao continued the Brazilian theme of the game so far when he set up Enzo Fernandez in the 34th minute to make it 3-1 at halftime. Moises Caicedo got involved in the scoring in the 54th minute after taking advantage of poor defending from the hosts before Joao Pedro set up Trevor Chalobah in the 56th minute to make it 5-1 and send the Blues to the top of the table before the other games of the gameweek are played.
Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s Dominant 5-1 Win
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared some of his thoughts following his side’s dominant win over West Ham yesterday. The Blues battered their hosts to secure their first win and score their first goals this season.
Following the game, the Italian manager responded to questions about his decision to play both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. The Blues boss told the press:
“The reason why is because I think that both of them can play together. We didn’t play since we started with them. Both together was the first time. And I think that works quite well. We can do much, much better. But overall we are happy with that.”
Maresca also mused about the difference between his side’s performance against The Hammers compared to his side’s draw with Crystal Palace on opening day, saying:
“Probably the start was not the best in the way we planned. But the reaction from the press, but especially you can see how confident they are about the game plan. They stick to the game plan on the ball and off the ball. They continue in the same way. So this is something for me, very good.”
The Blues next face Fulham in the third of a run of consecutive London derbies for Chelsea.