- Enzo Maresca celebrated his inaugural victory as Chelsea manager with a 3-0 win over Club America in Atlanta.
- The performance showcased numerous positive aspects following the noteworthy win on Wednesday evening.
Chelsea secured their maiden victory under new manager Enzo Maresca with a decisive 3-0 win against Club America in Atlanta.
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring with a penalty kick just three minutes in, followed quickly by Marc Guiu extending the lead.
Noni Madueke added the Blues’ third from the penalty spot in the United States.
Mail Sport’s Kieran Gill observed the match and outlines FIVE THINGS we learned from Maresca’s first win.
Chelsea marked their first victory under new manager Enzo Maresca against Club America
MARESCA DRILLS HIS MEN
Chelsea has focused on a specific drill throughout the two training sessions that Mail Sport witnessed while in the United States.
The drill involves players passing through the opposition defense to a runner who then cuts the ball back. This is a tactic Enzo Maresca aims to refine ahead of the new Premier League season, and it was evident how often this strategy was employed in the match against Club America.
While the finishing could improve, it is expected to enhance over time, with Maresca now earning his first managerial win at Chelsea.
Signs of Maresca’s ideas taking shape in Chelsea’s play
KEEPERS GET THE BLUES
Chelsea featured four goalkeepers on their substitutes’ bench, including Filip Jorgensen.
The £20.7 million signing from Villarreal made his unofficial debut in the second half, following his announcement the previous Tuesday. Though he made a few errors, it’s still pre-season, and he handled his passing with a level of confidence.
However, the standout save of the match went to Robert Sanchez, who brilliantly denied Javairo Dilrosun’s attempt at the top corner. Regardless of the match being a friendly, it was a remarkable performance.
Filip Jorgensen, the £20.7 million signing from Villarreal, played in the second half
UNITED FRONT
Despite the surrounding controversy regarding Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea is presenting a unified stance. When Reece James was substituted, he handed the captain’s armband to the 23-year-old Argentine midfielder.
This gesture took place after Wesley Fofana requested the opportunity to speak with journalists covering their U.S. tour, illustrating that all is well following internal discussions that involved an apology from Fernandez.
However, some Club America fans did express their discontent, reportedly booing Fernandez when he was introduced.
MALO PLAYS WITH GUSTO
Chelsea started the match in a 3-2-4-1 formation with Sanchez; James, Tosin, Badiashile; Lavia, Gusto; Madueke, Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku, Sterling; Guiu. Tactically adept viewers noted a new approach. Unlike their prior matches—a 2-2 draw against Wrexham and a 4-1 loss to Celtic—wherein Maresca had his right-back invert, here, Gusto moved into midfield from the left.
Gusto seems to be a dream for any manager, as he is versatile enough to invert from both sides of the pitch.
Christopher Nkunku showing impressive form for Chelsea in pre-season
NKUNKU LOOKING GOOD
With three friendlies now behind him, Christopher Nkunku has netted three goals, creating excitement around the potential of his season if he stays fit.
Nkunku showed leadership when Noni Madueke wished to take Chelsea’s first penalty—luckily, it was far from the chaos witnessed in their previous encounter against Everton. Nevertheless, Nkunku graciously allowed Madueke to handle their second penalty kick.
With any luck, Nkunku will reveal his abilities in the coming season.
