Chelsea demolished West Ham 5-1 at London Stadium on Friday night, delivering a devastating response to critics who have branded them "Cole Palmer FC". The victory came despite Palmer withdrawing from the starting lineup just minutes before kickoff due to groin discomfort suffered during the warm-up.
The emphatic win provided the perfect opportunity for Enzo Maresca's side to silence doubters who questioned their ability to function without their star playmaker. West Ham took an early lead through Lucas Paqueta in the sixth minute, but Chelsea responded with five goals from five different scorers to prove their depth and resilience.
Estevao's breakthrough moment
Eighteen-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian seized his chance after replacing Palmer in the starting eleven, delivering a performance that announced his arrival on the Premier League stage. The teenager became the youngest player in Premier League history to register an assist for Chelsea, capping a debut display that earned him man of the match honours from Sky Sports.
According to the Metro, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole drew comparisons between Estevao and Brazilian superstar Neymar, praising the youngster's fearless direct running and willingness to take extra touches. The £51 million signing from Palmeiras showed exactly why Chelsea invested so heavily in his potential.
Tactical flexibility on display
Palmer's late withdrawal forced a comprehensive tactical reshuffle that showcased Chelsea's adaptability under pressure. Joao Pedro moved from the left wing to the number 10 role, Pedro Neto switched flanks to accommodate the Brazilian, and Estevao slotted seamlessly onto the right wing, with only striker Liam Delap maintaining his original position.
The tactical changes proved inspired, with Joao Pedro thriving in his deeper role by scoring once and providing two assists. His performance highlighted Chelsea's smart recruitment from Brighton and justified his £55 million price tag after a subdued showing as striker against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Manager's defiant response
Maresca delivered a robust defence of his squad's depth when questioned about the "Cole Palmer FC" narrative after the match. "The ones that say we are just a 'Cole team'... for sure, Cole is our best player, no doubt," the Chelsea manager said. "But we already showed last year, in the months where Cole was not 100 per cent, when we achieved top four."
The manager's confidence appeared well-founded given Palmer's recent struggles in front of goal. According to the Daily Mail, the England international had not scored from open play in the Premier League since a January draw with Bournemouth, undermining suggestions that Chelsea were entirely dependent on his goalscoring prowess.
Proving the critics wrong
The victory highlighted how Chelsea's recent struggles were not entirely Palmer-dependent, with the team's attacking fluency returning against accommodating opposition. West Ham's defensive frailties provided ideal conditions for Chelsea to rediscover their rhythm and demonstrate the squad depth that Maresca has been building.
Chelsea's response to their critics was emphatic and comprehensive, with five different goalscorers proving they possess the quality and character to succeed without their talisman. The performance suggested that while Palmer remains their best player, this Chelsea side has evolved beyond reliance on any single individual.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Independent", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
