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West Ham0 - 3Chelsea

sportsmole.co.uk, 21 September 2024, 14:29
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca feels that his squad are on their way to 'building something important' after outclassing West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Aside from the 6-2 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers in Maresca's third game in charge, the Blues are yet to show a ruthless streak in front of goal.

However, the visitors were sensational during the early stages at the London Stadium, Nicolas Jackson netting twice for what was the quickest Premier League brace for a Chelsea player for 19 years.

While West Ham were arguably unfortunate not to earn a penalty in the first half, Chelsea were well worth their two-goal lead at the break, before that was extended within 70 seconds of the second half.

Jackson turned provider to tee up Cole Palmer, who clinically fired the ball in off the near post to give Chelsea the platform to cruise through the remainder of the game.

What did Maresca have to say?

Although Chelsea could have added several more goals to their tally, Maresca could have few complaints with what was a complete performance against one of their London rivals.

Talking up the collective effort that has taken place behind the scenes since July, the Italian feels encouraged that his squad can enjoy a successful campaign challenging for trophies.

He told reporters, as quoted by football.london: "The way the players are buying the idea and the different style. That has been top.

"The way we are working off the ball. Nicolas and Cole's performance have been top. Not only because they score. If we understand that we need that, the desire, we can build something important."

On the display of Jackson, who continues to have his critics, he added: "Fantastic. He is doing well. He is working hard off the ball.

"If a player misses chances, it does not mean he is not playing well. It can happen."

What next for Chelsea?

Saturday's fixture was the first of five that are due to be played over the course of the next 16 days, the following four all being played at Stamford Bridge.

League Two outfit Barrow make the trip to the capital on Tuesday night for an EFL Cup third-round tie. Although Maresca will rotate for that game, the likes of Wesley Fofana, Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Jackson were all withdrawn before the 64-minute mark against West Ham.

Either side of Premier League matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, Chelsea also face Gent in the Europa Conference League.

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