WEST HAM 0-3 CHELSEA: Nicolas Jackson was merciless in front of goal as Enzo Maresca’s smooth Chelsea team compounded the anguish for Julen Lopetegui’s ragged. West Ham United
Chelsea, the team of Enzo Maresca, is commencing to hum. The visiting team took control of the match against a struggling West Ham at London Stadium with a goal from striker Nicolas Jackson within the first four minutes. He then doubled the lead midway through the first period.
The striker then provided the assist for Cole Palmer to end the game as a contest less than a minute after the resumption. He selected the ideal moment to send the ball off on a swift counterattack that once against left Julen Lopetegui shaking his head.
Soon after, West Ham’s new head coach was subjected to the protests of an irate home support for a double substitution, resulting in their third consecutive home loss following a substantial summer investment.
The following are the key elements from a one-sided afternoon at London Stadium.
Nic Jackson, I apologize.
Perhaps you are sincere. The Chelsea center forward executed both of his goals with precision, demonstrating a merciless sense of finishing that is uncommon for a player who frequently finds himself in advantageous positions but fails to capitalize on the opportunity.
Alphonse Areola may not have achieved triumph by permitting the opener to pass through his legs, but Jackson maintained his composure. The second finish was unconventional but impressive.
This marked his 50th appearance for the club, and he has since scored 21 goals. Although it is not a ratio that can match the highest-scoring players, it is still respectable in light of the criticism and turmoil that have frequently surrounded him.
West Ham presents
West Ham had conceded the most strikes in the first four rounds of games than any other team. And a defense that has undergone a substantial overhaul must yield results that are significantly superior to this.
The defending for Jackson’s initial goal was a comical error that would have had Sunday league teams holding a summit. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was caught in a no-man’s land after switching off to the danger of a quickly-taken set piece, while Edson Alvarez’s run back appeared to be at a pace akin to a grandmother rushing through the shop door for the Boxing Day sales.
However, the second was potentially even more detrimental. Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, and Enzo Fernandez executed a series of passes before the former guided Jackson past Max Kilman with ease, causing the entire team to resemble mannequins preparing for a training exercise.
Surprise for Sancho
The winger demonstrated further indications of rejuvenation by contributing an assist within four minutes of his debut for Chelsea, despite the poor defense of the opposition. It was also noteworthy that the away supporters were chanting his name in unison during the first half.
Sancho, of course, has a point to prove and detractors to mute. It will take some time before definitive judgments can be made about whether this is a genuine return to form.
However, the intentions were unquestionably correct in this instance. After a brilliant piece of deception that sent Dinos Mavropanos into a tizzy, Sancho passed the ball to Jackson, whose attempt was unsuccessful. Those chants followed.
However, he also assiduously pursued the ball and consistently demonstrated his ability to retrieve it. Erik ten Hag’s dedication to Manchester United may have been called into doubt; however, Chelsea’s preliminary indications are encouraging.
Core English
Sancho was one of five English players in Maresca’s starting lineup, which also included defenders Tosin and Levi Colwill, as well as fellow attacking midfielders Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.
And with all the talk of Chelsea scouring the globe to capture the finest young talent in every corner, perhaps this was a sign that the core will be much closer to home. This could certainly gain the favor of supporters who have been doubting the broader strategy.
Lopetegui experiences the humidity.
In the eighth minute of the second half of his third home game, Julen Lopetegui was met with his first round of booing from an anticipating home crowd. Although there were likely a dozen other reasons to feel as furious and frustrated, the decision to remove Summerville in favor of Michail Antonio was sufficient for many in the stands to express their dissatisfaction.
The David Moyes era had concluded, and the separation was entirely mutual. However, those who anticipated that West Ham would surpass their current status are already reconsidering their assessments.
