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Pedro Neto Super Sub In Chelsea 2-1 Victory Over West Ham

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Cole Palmer celebrating his deflected effort that gave Chelsea the lead. Image Credit: AFP VIA Getty Images
Cole Palmer celebrating his deflected effort that gave Chelsea the lead. Image Credit: AFP VIA Getty Images

 

Graham Potter’s return to Stamford Bridge with West Ham looked to hurt Chelsea until the Blues’ resurgence inspired a 2-1 Premier League comeback.  


The first half reminded fans of many games during Potters’ spell at the club. It was a dull affair with few chances to separate the London sides.  


A Levi Colwill mistake in the 42nd minute gave Jarred Bowen a golden chance to score on his return back to the Hammers starting lineup. The Englishman drove towards the goal with the ball and slotted it past Filip Jorgensen in one-on-one to give the visitors the advantage.  


Early in the second half, Enzo Mareca took a more proactive approach than he has in previous games and subbed on Marc Guiu and Pedro Neto in the 52nd minute.  

In the 64th minute, Maresca’s substitutions paid off, with Nero picking up the equaliser for the Blues. Neto’s cross into the box deflected off the opposition defence and fell to Enzo Fernandez. His snapshot was blocked and fortunately rolled into the Portuguese winger's path, who tapped the ball through the flurry of defenders to get the Blues back in the game. 


Ten minutes later, Chelsea took the lead thanks to a large stroke of luck. In the 74th minute, Cole Palmer drove into the opposition box and attempted to cross the ball into the six-yard area. The driven cross was deflected by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and looped over Alphonse Areola into the top right-hand corner.  


After a nervy seven minutes of stoppage time, including a game-winning block for Tosin Adarabioyo in the dying embers, Chelsea secured the three points in a well-fought contest. 


Far from the Blues’ best performance of the season, there were many positives including the result that Maresca and fans can take from the game. Maresca’s in-game management was a vast improvement in the last month. In the first half, it was clear that his side was sluggish and struggling to take the game to West Ham, which ultimately allowed the Irons the time to capitalise on an error and take the lead. Maresca’s changes early in the second half brought a much-needed intensity to the home side that enabled them to take back control of the game and inspire a comeback.  


It was also good to see Reece James walk off the pitch without any injuries. He had an awkward landing in the first half but after that incident, he seemed to be playing at 100%.  


Neto for me was Chelsea’s man of the match, with Bowen the only other player to rival him for quality in the game. Besides his equaliser, Neto’s energy and willingness to drive at the defence and ask questions made the Blues a side that could threaten West Ham’s defence.  


Marc Guiu also deserved credit, for his energy also helped Chelsea press the opposition’s defence. As Nicolas Jackson had another sub-par display, the Spanish striker’s introduction to the game gave West Ham a constant player to worry about when receiving the ball, as he gave no time to players before closing them down.  


The three points put Chelsea back into the top four, and results over the weekend allowed the Blues to leap over Newcastle and Manchester City into fourth place. Chelsea’s next two games are against Brighton in the FA Cup followed by a clash in the league. Hopefully, Maresca’s team can take the positives from this victory and build up similar form to earlier in the season.  

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