24/08/2025

SUNDAY | AUG 24, 2025

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Chelsea’s Joao Pedro (left) scores their first goal against West Ham. – REUTERSPIC

Kane hits hattrick

Why did Palmer not feature against the Hammers? ENZO MARESCA named an attack ing Chelsea side to face West Ham in their second game of the Premier League season, after a drab 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in the opening weekend, but there was concern among the visiting fans as Cole Palmer left the warm-up early and did not play. Palmer, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro were all named in the start ing XI but the former was hastily replaced with mere minutes before kickoff at the London Stadium. Maresca briefly told Sky Sports that his withdrawal was precaution ary after feeling something, and clarified at the end of the match that the decision was made not to risk the England international with a suspected groin injury. “In the last four or five days he was not 100%,” Maresca explained. “In the warm up he felt something and we didn’t want to take any risk to get worse.” Ultimately Chelsea’s forward line proved adept without him, with five different players scoring their five goals as the Blues trounced a dismal West Ham side. But it looked early on as though the loss of Palmer could prove piv otal, as Lucas Paqueta put the hosts in front in the opening six minutes, before the two sides traded blows in a lively first half hour. Maresca admitted, “Cole (was) injured in the warm up and then we conceded a goal but I feel the reac tion was very good. We continued to play in the way we planned the game. “Even tonight, we could do many things better. We can man age better the ball, make many passes to control the game. But we improved compared to the Palace game.” Palmer’s teammate Marc Cucurella also told Sky Sports it was “difficult” adapting to the last minute change, with Brazilian teen ager Estevao brought on in place of the Englishman and – although partially to blame for Paqueta’s opener – responded with a brilliant display, registering an assist for Enzo Fernandez’s 33rd minute goal. Cucurella said: “It’s difficult (with Palmer injured) because we prac tise one thing, at the end we need to change very fast, but I think Estevao, in this case, played an amazing game. “I think it’s very important because we have a good squad, all of us, we are ready at any time and we are very happy because we showed we have a top team.” – The Independent

Story on page 14

… as Maresca’s Blues expose fragile West Ham Chelsea run riot

CHELSEA head coach Enzo Maresca believed Chelsea’s thumping 5-1 Premier League comeback win away to West Ham proved once again that his side were not reliant on Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old withdrew from the starting line-up min utes before kickoff after feeling discomfort in his groin during the warm-up, opening the door for Brazilian winger Estevao Willian to make a highly impressive full debut. The teenager assisted his team’s third goal as they swept past a beleaguered Hammers, receiving a delicate flick from Liam Delap before racing down the right and crossing for Enzo Fernandes who tapped home. “The ones that say ‘we are just a Cole team’, for sure

said. “He lost the ball in the build-up. He needs to make mistakes to learn. But overall, the performance was very good. “(His reaction) shows how good he is. It’s the reason why he’s here with us.” Of Palmer’s injury, he said: “We’ll see now in the next hours if it’s something impor tant or not.” Hammers boss Graham Potter, who has now won just two of his first 10 league matches in charge, reflected on a difficult night in front of home fans. “You can write what you want, at any time,” Graham Potter said, when asked if this is already a relegation battle. He admitted he “knows his responsibilities” when asked about his future. “A tough evening for us, of course,” he said. “Bitterly dis appointed with the result, with the manner of the goals. “We concede after start ing the game well. Too cheap, I think against a top team, we have to say that, to

came after he had needlessly given the ball away to gift West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta a goal after five minutes. Thereafter the hosts were smothered by Chelsea’s greater energy, incision and pace. Joao Pedro headed his first league goal for the club to equalise before Pedro Neto vol leyed them in front, then after Fernandez had made it three – before the break – Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah each netted in the second half.

we achieved top four that no one expected.” Whilst it is true that Palmer endured a goal drought that stretched from January to May, it largely coincided with a drop-off in form that jeopard ised their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, which were revived when the England international re found his touch during a strong run-in. However, at the London Stadium his absence was

The night though belonged to Estevao, even if Maresca was cautious with his praise. “ W e c o n - ceded the goal

hardly noticed as summer arrival Estevao gave a tantalising taste of what might be to come. The display was especially impressive in that it

because of him,” h e

Cole is our best player no doubt,” said Maresca. “For sure with Cole we are much better team, but I think we already showed last year in the two or three months where Cole was not a hundred per cent, when

concede the goals in the manner we have is an impossible task. “When you concede the goals in the manner we have, it makes it difficult. The timing of them as well. “We’re at home and we need to create some pressure and try to get on the front foot and create some mis takes, so it was a tough evening for us.” – The Independent

Trevoh Chalobah (left) celebrates after scoring. – AFPPIC

Graham Potter

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