Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was blown away by his side’s performance in their resounding 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead after just 18 minutes, slotting home a Pedro Neto cutback, but it was a delicious line-breaking ball from Cole Palmer in the build-up that stole the spotlight.
The Blues controlled most of the proceedings, but a well-worked goal from Newcastle ended with Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a summer exit, slotting home a tap-in of his own.
The goal survived a forensic investigation by the VAR, but Palmer proved to be the matchwinner for Chelsea after smashing a ferocious effort past Nick Pope just two minutes into the second half.
There were plenty of chances for both sides to impact the scoreline late on as an end-to-end battle ensued.
However, the Blues held on to secure all three points, and Maresca was full of praise for his team.
“Very pleased with the points but especially the performance,” Maresca said after the game (via BBC).
“I think it was a complete performance on the ball and off the ball. For some moments, we were unbelievable on and off.
“Overall, I was very happy with all of them, but especially the way we worked off the ball and pressed together and fought together.”
“Every game, I feel bad. I feel shame because I have to leave players out, but it’s the only way to try to compete. No matter how many changes we do, it’s important the style is there, the identity is there.”
“I said many times that the club never mentioned about top four, they just mentioned to try to build something important. We’ll see.”
After extending their remarkable record against Newcastle at the Bridge, Chelsea finish the weekend in fifth place, one point behind Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Chelsea will renew hostilities with the Magpies on Wednesday, but this time at St. James’ Park, as both teams lock horns in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Stats from Sofascore.com
