Enzo Maresca is on to something! The Italian must have found a perfect formula for his team, because Chelsea plays outstanding football! West Ham felt it on their skin, getting easily crushed 3-0! Nicolas Jackson was the leading figure, scoring a brace after only 18 minutes. Cole Palmer made it 3-0 in the 47th after the Senegalese’s assist, setting the final result. The subs Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were close to putting their names on the scoresheet, but Alphonse Areola prevented his team’s embarrassment.2 – Nicolas Jackson’s brace after 18 minutes is the quickest by a Chelsea player in a Premier League match since Didier Drogba v Middlesbrough in January 2005 (17 minutes). Finisher. pic.twitter.com/a5eJcr4Len— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 21, 2024 The form undoubtedly favoured Chelsea ahead of the match. The Blues were undefeated in three consecutive Premier League games, while West Ham had only one triumph, 2-0 over Crystal Palace. Still, in this London derby, an away team has been waiting for victory since April 2021 and Chelsea’s 1-0 win at London Stadium. Since then, the teams have met six times: five home team triumphs and one draw.In Julen Lopetegui’s XI, Crysencio Summerville was set to note his first PL start for the Hammers, alongside Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen as his teammates in the attack. On the other hand, Enzo Maresca also opted for one debutant in the starting lineup – Jadon Sancho, who left a remarkable impression and won the “Man of the Match” award against Bournemouth, despite playing only the second half. Malo Gusto’s injury caused Maresca a problem – given that Reese James has long been injured – so Wesley Fofana had to replace his fellow countryman on the right flank.After three minutes, West Ham had the first shot on target, through Kudus, when the Ghanaian entered the box from the right side, but Robert Sanchez was cautious. A minute later, the same situation happened in the other area, only this time Nicolas Jackson crowned his solo effort with the opener, giving the lead to Chelsea – 1-0! The Senegalese once more escaped Aaron Wan-Bissaka over the left flank eight minutes later, finding Cole Palmer inside, whose strike went narrowly wide of the post.Jackson proved that the club made no mistake extending his contract eight days ago in the 18th minute, making it 2-0! Moises Caicedo sent the ideal ball through the middle, and the 23-year-old forward took no prisoners one-on-one against Alphonse Areola! The home team demanded a penalty at the half-hour margin after Fofana pulled Summerville by the arm in the box. Still, VAR ruled no pen. The Hammers’ lousy luck continued two minutes later when Kudus’ goal was disallowed due to offside.Jackson joins Palmer as a player with the longest contractLopetegui reacted with a sub already in the 38th minute replacing Guido Rodriguez with Tomas Soucek. That marked the ultimate notable moment before the break, after the first half which only extended the West Ham’s crisis. Chelsea got the 2-0 lead without a hitch behind Jackson’s show, while Kudus was the only home team’s player worthy of praise.In the same way the first half started, the second did as well – with a goal! This time, Jackson assisted after leading a hasty counterattack, while Palmer was the “ruthless executor” for 3-0! West Ham desperately chased a goal, leaving a lot of space for the Blues’ quick fastbreaks. After another, in the 63rd minute, Areola stopped Noni Madueke one-on-one. Aware of the excellent result, Maresca started refreshing his team’s ranks with numerous subs halfway through the second period.10 – Since the start of 2023-24, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer have combined for 10 Premier League goals, at least two more than any other duo. Wavelength. pic.twitter.com/cvesMlG0pT— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 21, 2024 Minutes after stepping on the pitch, Joao Felix found himself in a fantastic opportunity, shooting just wide of the right post. The Hammers’ keeper made an unbelievable save fifteen minutes before the end, depriving Christopher Nkunku of scoring in the second consecutive game. In the end, Chelsea grabbed their second victory in a row and took – at least temporarily – the position No. 2 behind Man City, while West Ham remained 14th with only four points in five matches.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 5SaturdayWest Ham – Chelsea 0-3 (0-2)/Jackson 4, 18, Palmer 47/17:00: (1.60) Aston Villa (4.00) Wolverhampton (5.70)17:00: (2.95) Fulham (3.50) Newcastle (2.50)17:00: (2.55) Leicester (3.35) Everton (2.75)17:00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.50) Bournemouth (10.0)17:00: (2.35) Southampton (3.50) Ipswich (3.15)17:00: (1.60) Tottenham (4.10) Brentford (5.50)19:30: (3.05) Crystal Palace (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)Sunday16:00: (1.80) Brighton (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.60)18:30: (1.85) Man.City (3.60) Arsenal (4.80)***odds are subject to change***
