Chelsea staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, overturning an early setback after trailing 1-0.
Despite not delivering their most dominant performance of the season, the result was all that mattered for the Blues, and those associated with the club will be pleased with the win.
The match also marked the return of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter to Stamford Bridge, but this time, he was in charge of West Ham.
Having been sacked by Chelsea in 2023, Potter was back in familiar territory, hoping to guide his new team to a positive result.
However, despite taking an early lead and heading into halftime with a 1-0 advantage, West Ham could not maintain their momentum.
Chelsea fought back in the second half and ultimately secured the three points.
Following the game, Potter singled out one Chelsea player who he believed posed the greatest challenge to his team.
He was full of praise for Enzo Fernandez, highlighting the midfielder’s impact and influence on the game.
The former Chelsea coach was particularly impressed with Fernandez’s positioning and control in midfield.
“He was the biggest problem for us. He controlled the midfield and dictated the game…
He’s an exceptional player and still has so much potential to unlock,” Potter told Footyvalid reporters.
Fernandez played a crucial role for Chelsea, especially in the first half when the team struggled to find their rhythm.
His presence in midfield provided much-needed stability, and as the game progressed, he became even more influential, helping Chelsea seize control in the second half.
His ability to dictate the tempo and contribute both defensively and offensively was key to Chelsea’s turnaround.
Current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has placed significant trust in Fernandez this season, frequently pairing him with Moises Caicedo in the heart of the midfield.
The South American duo has become integral to Chelsea’s system, offering both defensive solidity and creativity going forward.
Additionally, Chelsea is set to strengthen their midfield further with the arrival of 19-year-old Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne.
The young talent is expected to provide depth and competition in the squad, reinforcing Chelsea’s options in the middle of the park.
With Fernandez continuing to shine and new additions on the way, Chelsea’s midfield appears to be shaping up well for the remainder of the season.
While their performance against West Ham may not have been their most convincing, their resilience and ability to secure a comeback victory will boost confidence as they push forward in their campaign.
