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Chelsea Overcomes Managerless Wolves to Ascend to Second Place
Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, after a slow start, is beginning to display the form that once captivated Manchester United fans.
The Argentine, 21, provided two assists during the 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, setting up the opening goal for Malo Gusto and the third for Pedro Neto, with Joao Pedro scoring the other following impressive play from substitute Estevao Willian.
This marked the first occasion Garnacho has recorded two Premier League assists in a single match, achieving the feat in his 99th appearance in the competition.
However, it has taken time for Garnacho to reach this level of performance for Chelsea, following a contentious departure from Old Trafford.
Garnacho was relegated to the ‘bomb squad’ by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, and negotiations with Chelsea were protracted before his £40m transfer was finalized in the closing days of the summer transfer window.
This absence from competitive play left Garnacho appearing short of match fitness upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, resulting in no goals or assists in his initial six appearances.
Nevertheless, Garnacho is now delivering, with two goals and two assists in his last four matches.
When questioned about Garnacho post-match, Maresca stated: “He has maintained an open mind since our start. He faced some challenges last season but steadily improved. Garnacho has been very effective on the left side.”
The advice imparted to Garnacho, which has unlocked his prime form, has been straightforward.
His Chelsea prospects hinge on his adherence to it.
“Work diligently – this has been the central message since his arrival,” Maresca commented. “In terms of on-the-ball quality, we recognize his abilities; to play with us, he must exert himself.”
“He’s performing well with the ball, but he’s also working hard without it.”
“He arrived from a club where he wasn’t training at 100%, so his physical condition wasn’t optimal. He’s gradually improving now.”
“He understands that to play with us, he needs to excel both on and off the ball; otherwise, he won’t feature.”
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Maresca: Chelsea Heading in the Right Direction
Garnacho faced ridicule from supporters of League One side Lincoln City during his first start for Chelsea, lasting only 59 minutes in a subpar performance in the Carabao Cup.
The winger has been gradually integrated at Stamford Bridge, not completing a full match until the victory against Wolves.
It was an impressive display, characterized by excellent link-up play with his compatriot Enzo Fernandez.
Garnacho earned a free-kick with his first involvement in the game, and Fernandez’s subsequent shot was saved.
Midfielder Fernandez, captaining the team in the absence of regular captain Reece James, later delivered a pass to Garnacho, whose close-range shot was saved and represented the best chance of the first half.
In the second half, Garnacho’s in-swinging cross was headed in by Malo Gusto, an unexpected scorer, breaking the deadlock and relieving pressure on a team that had been booed off at half-time.
Garnacho sprinted into space to set up Pedro Neto’s goal, which secured the victory.
These assists followed Garnacho’s crucial equalizer against Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday, after he came on as a half-time substitute with his team trailing.
Garnacho also performed strongly in the 1-0 win at Tottenham a week prior, having scored his first goal in a defeat at home to Sunderland two weeks ago.
For the most significant matches, Maresca’s preferred attack now tends to feature Garnacho ahead of rival left-winger Jamie Gittens.
However, questions remain regarding Garnacho’s future at Chelsea.
His goals for United last season came against Southampton, Brentford, and Leicester, as well as in a heavy defeat to Newcastle.
To progress further, he must also score crucial match-winning goals for Chelsea if he is to prove his doubters wrong.
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How Garnacho ‘Caused Problems’ for Wolves in Win
Chelsea finished Saturday in second place in the Premier League table.
The Blues have played one game more than Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bournemouth, who all play on Sunday, but a win before the international break cultivates a positive atmosphere around the club.
Chelsea also boasts the division’s highest goal tally with 21 goals from 11 games, a statistic that would have been difficult to believe during a first half played at a lethargic pace.
“I was very concerned before this game,” Maresca said. “These are the most challenging games; they’re tricky. Everyone anticipates an easy victory.”
“I understand that the crowd was not pleased during the first half because we didn’t score. Then, when Estevao came on, the energy increased because people appreciate that type of player.”
The 18-year-old Brazilian has primarily been limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League as he adapts to English football.
Maresca mentioned this week that the youngster, who relocated from his homeland in the summer, had complained about the cold weather in London, and the manager cautioned him to expect it to worsen before it improves.
“You can see his talent,” Maresca said of Estevao. “We are trying to assist him in adapting and providing him with the appropriate minutes.”
“He arrived from Brazil; he needs time to adjust, but he will start games for us in the future.”
Chelsea next faces a trip to Turf Moor after the international break to play Burnley on 22 November.
They remain in the EFL Cup, where they have received a seemingly favorable draw away to League One side Cardiff City in the quarter-final, and they have a glamour game at home to Barcelona in the Champions League coming up three days after the Burnley test.
Star attacker Cole Palmer is expected to return from injury in December, which could provide a further boost as Chelsea aim to qualify for the Champions League through at least a top-four or top-five finish this season.
Maresca’s “work hard” message to Garnacho is reflected in his wider view of how Chelsea can reach their targets.
He said: “Internally, we are convinced that as a club, as a team, we are progressing in the right direction and achieving positive results. At the same time, we can improve in many areas.”
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