named an attacking aspect to face of their second sport of the season, after a colorless 0-0 draw with within the opening weekend, however there was concern among the many visiting followers as left the warm-up early and didn’t play.
Palmer, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have been all named within the beginning XI however the former was rapidly changed with mere minutes earlier than kick-off on the London Stadium.
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Maresca briefly informed Sky Sports activities that his withdrawal was precautionary after feeling one thing, and clarified on the finish of the match that the choice was made to not danger the England worldwide with a suspected groin harm.
“Within the final 4 or 5 days he was not 100%,” Maresca defined. “Within the heat up he felt one thing and we did not wish to take any danger to worsen.”
Finally Chelsea’s ahead line proved adept with out him, with 5 totally different gamers scoring their 5 objectives because the Blues trounced a dismal West Ham aspect.
However it appeared early on as if the lack of Palmer might show pivotal, as Lucas Paqueta put the hosts in entrance within the opening six minutes, earlier than the 2 sides traded blows in a full of life first half-hour.
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Maresca admitted, “Cole [was] injured within the heat up after which we conceded a objective however I really feel the response was superb. We continued to play in the way in which we deliberate the sport.
“Even tonight, we might do many issues higher. We are able to handle higher the ball, make many passes to manage the sport. However we improved in comparison with [the] Palace [game].”
Chelsea have been cruising by half-time as West Ham endured a torrid night (Getty Photographs)
Palmer’s teammate Marc Cucurella additionally informed Sky Sports activities it was “troublesome” adapting to the last-minute change, with Brazilian teenager Estevao introduced on rather than the Englishman and – though partially guilty for Paqueta’s opener – responded with a superb show, registering an help for ’s thirty third minute objective.
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His strike, Chelsea’s third of the sport, primarily settled the match as West Ham proceeded to disintegrate.
Cucurella mentioned: “It’s troublesome [with Palmer injured] as a result of we apply one factor, on the finish we have to change very quick, however I believe Estevao, on this case, performed a tremendous sport.
“I believe it’s essential as a result of we now have an excellent squad, all of us, we’re prepared at any time and we’re very glad as a result of we confirmed we now have a high workforce.”