Chelsea thumped West Ham 5-0 at Stamford Bridge to continue their excellent form under Mauricio Pochettino. A second-half double by Nicolas Jackson followed goals by Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke. Express Sport picks out five talking points from a performance that delight Pochettino.
Noni Madueke shines after Mauricio Pochettino footage emerges
Madueke produced another excellent performance to help see off West Ham. Regular game time has seen an improvement in the England U21 international’s form.
Previously a figure who split opinion at Stamford Bridge, Madueke has been key to Chelsea’s recent upturn in results, providing a threat on the right of the attack. Head coach Pochettino is clearly having an impact on the winger.
The Argentine was seen embracing Madueke before engaging in a lengthy chat following last Monday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham. The 22-year-old headed home Chelsea’s third against the Hammers, his eighth goal of a season that is ending with plenty of positivity.
Chelsea show up Man Utd
Chelsea have not finished a matchweek above Manchester United all season. But they may do so for the first time if the Red Devils are beaten by Crystal Palace on Monday.
The Blues’ excellent form and dominant performances have come at the right time. Although still a tough battle, Chelsea are now in with a chance of qualifying for European competition for next season. Pochettino would have taken that as a prospect just a few weeks ago.
Chelsea are no longer the out-of-form side of the Premier League’s Big Six. United, who have three wins in their last 10 Premier League matches, must respond against Palace on Monday.
Chelsea must keep Conor Gallagher
It remains a mystery why Gallagher continues to be linked with an exit from Chelsea. Wearing the armband in the absence of Reece James, the England international has been the Blues’ most consistent midfielder this season.
At 24, the dynamic and technically-astute Gallagher is the perfect player for Pochettino to build his system around. If he departs, the blame can only lie with the hierarchy who have splashed out hundreds of millions on players who have struggled to outperform the academy graduate.
Gallagher swept home a volley to put Chelsea 2-0 ahead, and later crashed the crossbar from close range when he should have scored. It was also an excellent day for Palmer, who celebrated the eve of his 22nd birthday with the opening goal.
Nicolas Jackson’s form continues
Jackson’s goals have tended to come in spurts. There were six games for club and country between his first and second goals of the season, seven between his seventh and eighth goals, and 11 between his eighth and ninth goals.
Jackson struck his third goal in two games with a second-half brace against West Ham. The 22-year-old now has 14 strikes in the Premier League this season, a decent return given his tendency to frustrate Chelsea fans with his inconsistency.
There are often signs that he will explode into an elite forward. Pochettino may need that to happen next season.
Chelsea deliver on Pochettino demand
Pochettino has demanded his players to “compete” better in games. He wants more physicality from his young stars, having always coached teams who display a combative edge.
So the Chelsea boss was delighted when Benoit Badiashile made an excellent tackle in the second half to spring his side away on a dangerous counter-attack. Pochettino celebrated the moment with a powerful fist pump.
