Enzo Maresca secured his first ever win in the Premier League this weekend, but it wasn’t quite as straightforward as the 6-2 scoreline against Wolverhampton Wanderers suggests.
Chelsea ended up thrashing Wolves on Sunday at Molineux Stadium to earn their first league victory of the new season. Next, the Blues host Crystal Palace before the first international break, but they’ve got a Conference League play-off tie with Servette on Thursday night to wrap up first.
Remarkably, Chelsea and Wolves were level at 2-2 after a frantic first-half on Sunday. The visitors came out in the second period as a much more clinical and dominant side, though.
Cole Palmer thrived in the No.10 position, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke stole the headlines for his hat-trick.
It turns out that Enzo Maresca’s influence in the dressing room at half-time versus Wolves was decisive.
- READ MORE: Enzo Maresca has just made Premier League history after Chelsea’s dominant 6-2 win over Wolves
What Enzo Maresca was like at half-time against Wolves
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed via Substack that Chelsea’s players came out a lot more focused after a firm half-time talk from Maresca against Wolves.
It is explained that the Blues head coach got angry with his team and initially ranted at them, but this was followed by tactical advice and tweaks. Apparently, after his rant at the players, he instructed them to play with more control and mirror their training work on the pitch.
Phillips adds that Maresca identified Chelsea were losing possession too easily in key areas, plus there was tactical advice about keeping the ball and being better positionally. Most of all, he spoke about desire and belief to win the match and keep the confidence in their own ability.
While the first-half performance was chaotic and very end-to-end, the second-half display was assured and eye-catching from Chelsea away from home. The head coach definitely deserves big credit for his impact during the interval.
- READ MORE: Chelsea substitute Joao Felix shares what Enzo Maresca told him to do in the Wolves victory
Has Enzo Maresca found his best Chelsea XI?
It’s still very early into Maresca’s reign as Chelsea boss, but there’s signs he may be finding his best starting line-up.
The Blues have started the same goalkeeper and back four in their opening two league matches, so it’s good to see some consistency at the back. Robert Sanchez is currently the first-choice keeper. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella are the starting full-backs, plus Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are the centre-backs.
There’s definitely still question marks around the midfield because there may only be room for two from three of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez.
As for the attacking options, there’s a front four that’s staring everyone in the face right now. Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke on the wings, with Cole Palmer in the No.10 behind central striker Nicolas Jackson.
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