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Chelsea get their first win in the Enzo Maresca era

By on August 4, 2024

Chelsea’s search for a first win under the new management ends after the Blues beat defending Liga MX champions Club América in Atlanta. The Blues Continue their US pre-season tour with a clash against Manchester City as they look to win more games under new management and ahead of the 2024/25 League season.

The Blues played in their third Pre-season game and third under Enzo Maresca’s guidance. A much-needed improvement was seen, especially in the first half, beating the Blue’s awful performance by Scottish giants Celtic last weekend. Chelsea held on to a 2-2 draw with Wrexham in the first game and were hammered 4-1 in the second against Celtic. The objective was clear coming into this game, any result that deviated from a win would raise eyebrows about the Coaching staff and players’ deliverability ahead of a new season. 

Most of the goals came early in the game, with Christopher Nkunku converting a penalty earned by Roméo Lavia in the second minute. Marc Guiu finally reaped the rewards of his tireless efforts this summer by heading in a well-placed cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who was making his Chelsea debut, in the twenty-second minute of the game. Romeo Lavia would be the next name on display when he got booked for a reckless challenge two minutes after the Blues went two goals up. 

Club América didn’t put much of a challenge against the Blues and the max changes in the second half didn’t make many improvements in their attacks, they mostly defended attacks throughout the game and made fewer challenges, the most remarkable being hitting the crossbar. Chelsea consistently created chances, making life difficult for their opponents and making significant threats from the wings. A few saves and some surprising misses, including one by Armando Broja in the second half, kept the scoreline the same for most of the second half. Both teams made numerous substitutions in the second half, and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo was the only player to finish both halves in the game. 

The game was duller in the second half compared to the first, with fewer chances created and more duels between newly introduced players.  However, Chelsea kept pushing to score a third and were rewarded with only 11 minutes left on the clock. Nkunku’s dazzling run into the opponent’s box earned the team their second penalty of the night, and Noni Madueke finally got his chance with a penalty and converted.

Although more improvements are needed to create a team worthy of fighting for the Premier League title, It was a great performance, especially defensively. Robert Sánchez was called upon for another incredible save and Ben Chilwell made a remarkable goal-line block to win the Blues a clean sheet. 

More concerning for Chelsea would be an injury scare this early into the season, Malo Gusto seemed to pick up a knock before walking off the pitch under careful watch by the physicians. Armando Broja got hit in the head late in the game but continued afterward. A proper check and texts would be done to ensure the best practices are taken to avoid last season’s Chelsea injury outbreak.

The key adjustment in this game includes Gusto playing as an inverted left-back, moving into midfield to support Lavia, while James played at right-center back. This proves to be a more effective set-up than any other variation we’ve seen through the Pre-season. Dewsbury-Hall did great in his debut and is adjusting fine to the system. Enzo Fernandez arrived at training earlier this week and has apologized to the team for the racist chant video. He played the second 45 minutes and improved the flow of the game. Jörgensen also made his Chelsea debut, he wasn’t quite tested enough but made no mistakes with the touches, keeping a clean sheet as well. 

CHELSEA ACCEPTS ATHLETICO MADRID’S OFFER FOR HOMEGROWN MIDFIELDER

Chelsea has reportedly agreed to the latest bid from Atletico Madrid for English midfielder Conor Gallagher, following his rejection of a new contract with the Blues in June. According to reports in Spain, the Blues have accepted a bid for approximately £33m for the 24-year-old. Conor Gallagher and his representatives can now advance to negotiate personal terms with the Spanish giants before a transfer can be finalized. 

Chelsea preferred to sell Gallagher to a club outside of England, even though they had been discussing a £45m deal with Aston Villa in June. They chose the lower bid from Atletico Madrid instead. Gallagher declined a three-year contract offer from Chelsea in June, which includes a two-year deal with an option for an additional year. It is still uncertain if he will agree to move to Spain, but with less than a year remaining on his current contract, Chelsea plans on selling him and making a profit. 

The midfielder started his career at Chelsea and has loan spells at EFL Championship clubs Charlton Athletic and Swansea City, and Premier League clubs West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace between 2019 and 2022. He received Crystal Palace’s award for Player of the Season in 2021/22  and finally made his first-team debut for Chelsea in the 2022/23 season. 

Gallagher played in 50 of Chelsea’s 51 games in 2023/24 and started in 46 as Chelsea’s captain. The only match he missed was due to a red card against Brighton. The 42-year-old could choose to leave Chelsea on a free transfer next summer, accept a move to Athletico Madrid, or accept to sign a new contract with the Blues. He has previously attracted interest from Tottenham, West Ham, and Everton. 

ROUNDUP OF CHELSEA’S TRANSFERS: LIST OF NEW NEWCOMERS AND DEPARTURES SO FAR

Arrivals:

Tosin Adarabioyo: Secured on a free transfer from Fulham to strengthen Chelsea’s defense.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Signed from Leicester to Chelsea to enhance Chelsea’s midfield options.

Omari Kellyman: Attacking midfield prodigy signed from Aston Villa on a six-year deal to Chelsea.

Estevao Willian: Wonderkid winger joining  Chelsea from Palmeiras and will make the move to West London next summer.

Marc Guiu: Joined from Barcelona to strengthen Chelsea’s striking options.

Departures:

Thiago Silva: Returned to Brazil after concluding his contract at Chelsea, joining boyhood club Fluminense.

Dion Rankine: Made a permanent move to Wigan Athletic.

Charlie Webster: Joined Burton Albion on a permanent deal.

Ian Maatsen: Left  Chelsea for Aston Villa after an impressive loan spell with Borussia Dortmund.

Omari Hutchinson: Joined Ipswich Town on a permanent deal.

Lewis Hall: Joined Newcastle on a permanent deal from Chelsea

Hakim Ziyech: Made his loan move to Galatasaray a permanent deal.

Chinonso Chibueze: Signed by Stoke City.

Jamie Cumming: Signed with Oxford United on a permanent deal.

CHELSEA UPCOMING GAMES THIS AUGUST

The Blues will face Pep Gladiola’s Manchester City twice this month, in their next pre-season game on Sunday at Ohio State in Columbus, and the 2024/25 English Premier League Opening Day, which will be a tough reunion for Enzo Maresca with his formal employees. Friendlies with Spanish Champions Real Madrid in North Carolina and Italian Champions Inter Milan add to the mix, and will surely give the Blues the competition they need ahead of an intense season. Here is a look at Chelsea’s fixtures for August:

Chelsea Vs. Inter Milan (Friendly Match, Sunday 11th August 15:00)

Chelsea Vs. Manchester City (Premier League, Sunday 18th August 16:30)

Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs. Chelsea (Premier League, Sunday 25th August 14:00)

BUY AVAILABLE CHELSEA TICKETS!

Get ready for the upcoming season and mark your calendar for the thrilling games you want to witness through the 2024/25 season.  Reserve a spot for yourself and your loved ones by getting fast-selling Chelsea Tickets while they are still Available. Secondary marketplaces remain your Go-to spot for securing a place in the Action. Grab yours quickly by exploring seat maps and comparing prices to pick the best spots for a beautiful experience.

With new management and newer prospects in the training grounds, Chelsea will look into creating a bright long-lasting future and returning the club to peak performance in the domestic League and across Europe. Secure these fast-selling tickets early and cheer the Blues to victory.