Chelsea dominated the first half and created several dangerous chances, but eventually fell behind heading into the break, after an inaccurate pass allowed Jarrod Bowen to score.
However, the Blues responded well; after the substitute Pedro Neto equalised from close range after Enzo Fernandez's blocked shot in the 64th minute. Ten minutes later, Cole Palmer's deflected shot found Alphonse Areola for the decisive goal.
“The important thing was the team performance. We fully deserved to win this game. I am very happy with this victory, because it was a very difficult game mentally, when Chelsea’s opponents were waiting for us to make a mistake. We did not have space to attack, so we had to be patient.
We created more than 10 shots in the first half but didn't score, then conceded a goal because of our mistakes. That's why I said we have to be mentally strong because my message at half-time was don't change anything, play as planned," Enzo Maresca said after the match.
The Italian strategist turned the game around with reasonable personnel adjustments in the second half. Pedro Neto replaced Jadon Sancho and scored the equalizer, creating the premise for the home team to successfully reverse the game.
“In the second half, we found a little more space and the substitutes played very well. So I am very happy to have won the three points,” said Enzo Maresca.
The victory over West Ham helped Chelsea return to the top 4 of the Premier League, surpassing Man City. According to coach Maresca, Chelsea will try to maintain their position in the top 4 until the end of the season, to return to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season.
