“Remontada” has been the most used word in football in the last few weeks, and on Sunday, Chelsea fans got the opportunity to use it with respect to their team.
Matchday 33 saw the Blues take the short trip to the home ground of their West London rivals, Fulham, for the latest iteration of their Premier League clash. The hosts opened the scoring in the 20th minute through former Arsenal man, Alex Iwobi, but were unable to break down Chelsea’s defence after that.
The Blues, meanwhile, tried and failed for large parts of the match until the 83rd minute, until academy player Tyrique George got the equaliser. In the 93rd minute, Pedro Neto scored the winner for the visitors to earn them three points, which took them into fifth place. Their aim is the top four, but following the news that the Premier League would be allowed five participants in next season’s UEFA Champions League, they can now count themselves fortunate to be closer to returning to the competition after a two-year absence.
Maresca reflects on crucial derby victory
Speaking to the media after what was a very difficult game, Enzo Maresca, the club’s boss, said: “Today was an important win because first of all it’s a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there [in the Champions League qualification places].
“It was probably the most difficult win [of the season] and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game. And I think after we conceded the goal, that is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult and second half we were much better.”
He added: “I was very happy, first of all because it’s a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans. So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately.
“When we scored the second one, I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card. But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it’s important and, I said already many times, the players need to feel the support.”
Maresca also made sure to praise the teenage winger George, who was promoted to the first team in December, for his equaliser and his attitude. “I’m very happy for Tyrique,” Maresca said. “[For] him and Josh Acheampong, both from the academy, we decided to promote them because they are good talent, [and] they have to [keep] working hard.”
