Written by The Editor
8 May 2024
Chelsea 5 West Ham 0
Just under 72 hours after the 2-0 win against Spurs, East London rivals turn up at the Bridge to try and overtake the Blues in 8th place as the race for the PL finishing line heats up.
Just one change at the back with Silva back in for Chalobah who replaced Gilchrist on the right. Another game to see how inverting Cucurella into the midfield from LB would work out. Colwill, Disasi, Gusto, Nkunku, and Sterling all returned to the bench after injuries.
The Blues started as they left off against Spurs. On the front foot and pleasing to the eye. And the Hammers were pinned back in defence, breaking out on rare occasions.
Madueke was looking impressive down the right and a move including Jackson fell off ex-Blue Zuma to the feet of Palmer who slotted the ball past the West Ham keeper Areola to take the lead 1-0!
West Ham replied by hitting the bar from Bowen, but then Madueke, Chalobah, Jackson, and Palmer all had chances to increase the lead. Another attack involving Madueke landed to Gallagher who neatly volleyed in to make it 2-0!
Chelsea were now in full swing and just 6 minutes later from a corner, Silva headed to Madueke who managed to head the ball over the line 3-0! Shortly after that, a great cross in from Palmer was met by Gallagher who crashed the ball on to the bar. All that West Ham could manage was another effort from Bowen that again hit the bar.
Just a couple of minutes into the 2nd half and Chalabah found Madueke who selflessly laid off for Jackson to convert to make it 4-0! Which was the signal for many a West Ham fan to make their way to Fulham Broadway.
Petrovic made an impressive save from Prouse before Bowen hit the woodwork for the third time. Casseido’s excellent through ball found Jackson, who confidently slid the ball past Areola, securing a brace for the often-criticised striker. 5-0!. It could well have finished 8 or 9!!.
It was clearly not West Ham’s day. For the Irons manager Moyes, this game marked the end of his second tenure at the London Stadium. This loss was one in a series of heavy defeats during the season. Despite consistently leading West Ham to European finishes and even winning the European Conference League Cup – the club’s first silverware in 43 years – many in East London remain dissatisfied with the style of football on display.
The pressure at the top is tough, as Pochettino can attest. The Chelsea owners have reportedly stated that Europa League qualification is a must for next season, with just three games to go a very difficult challenge ahead.
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