Mareska and his men have been playing it safe in the English premier league following his comments saying they are not league contenders. Although in the forth position on the league log, Chelsea have had some set backs which have threatened their position on the top four.
Losing to struggling Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was one that was expected following their statistics, but after Noni Madueke gave Chelsea the opening in that game it looked as though the fortunes of Chelsea were about to change until Manchester City regrouped and come back with three goals.
Chelsea against West Ham has always been a fixture of interest as the hammers have always tried to frustrate Chelsea in each of their fixtures.
Chelsea who are trying to sell themselves in this seasons premier league as underdogs went into the game with a plan that needed to be effective and that was evident from the start of the game. Keeping possession and making sure Mohammed Kudus and Bowen we tracked back to in time.
The game which started to shift between the sides lacked any decisive play in the first half although Chelsea had majority of possession.
Jarrod Bowen who had always been a danger to many teams shock the fans at the Bridge on the brink of half time when he opened the score for West Ham United. This was one of the problems Mareska had to face on the day and his men after the break ensured they fought their way back into the game.
Pedro Neto who came on as a substitute repaid his gratitude to his boss as grabbing an equaliser for the Blues in the sixty forth (64) minute. Chelsea had made twice the passes completed by West Ham United and also shot more with just three (3) out of twenty two (22) on target.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka who was making a lot of runs on the flanks also became the ultimate decider in the match after gifting Chelsea a most sort after second goal in the seventy-forth (74) minute.
Chelsea regrouped and played along ensuring their gift was secured until the end of the final whistle.
The Blues remain forth on the league log with a two points difference from the fifth position after 24 games. League leaders Liverpool have played one game less as their match against Everton had been postponed.
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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