Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku fires clear Chelsea message to Pochettino after 5-0 win over West Ham
Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are two Chelsea players who celebrated their commanding 5-0 victory against West Ham online. To maintain their chances of making it into the Europa League the next season, the Blues put on another impressive home performance.
Following Newcastle’s crushing of Burnley on Saturday, Mauricio Pochettino’s team had to respond in what is developing into an exciting three-way fight for sixth place. On Monday, Manchester United takes on Crystal Palace in an attempt to eliminate Chelsea from seventh place.
First-half goals from Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Conor Gallagher gave them a commanding 3-0 lead before Nicolas Jackson added two after the break. It leaves the club two points behind Newcastle heading into the final three games of the season, although Manchester United could drop them back into eighth with a win on Monday night against Crystal Palace.
“So pleased,” said Pochettino at full-time. “So happy. It continues the same feeling after Thursday, keeps the momentum. The performance was fantastic in all the aspects. I think yes, I am so pleased. The players deserve big credit because after a few days, to play again at this level, massive credit to them.”
After the win he reiterated that he is keen to ensure that the club qualify for Europe next year. “I don’t want to say nothing because from the beginning of the season I said the objective always is to win because we are Chelsea but that created too much pressure,” he explained.
“The objective for us is to be mature and to keep the momentum and to compete, improving in every single game. We are going to try to be in Europe. It’s going to be good for the team and the players to be in Europe next season.
After the win he reiterated that he is keen to ensure that the club qualify for Europe next year. “I don’t want to say nothing because from the beginning of the season I said the objective always is to win because we are Chelsea but that created too much pressure,” he explained.
“The objective for us is to be mature and to keep the momentum and to compete, improving in every single game. We are going to try to be in Europe. It’s going to be good for the team and the players to be in Europe next season.
“But I cannot say it will be a successful season if you do not win a title here at Chelsea. Again, the expectation always is to win titles with Chelsea. Circumstances showed that the reality was really, really tough from day one to arrive today.”
For now Chelsea’s players were able to enjoy another good day at Stamford Bridge, and Palmer was quick to share his thoughts on Instagram afterwards. “5 Star performance” he wrote. “Another one [cold face emoji]”.
His opening goal meant it is now 11 goals and two assists in his last five games at home. Jackson is just one of his teammates to have benefited, and he responded, “Amazing brother [blue heart emoji]”.
Meanwhile, Nkunku made his return to the pitch after three months out. He was a second-half substitute and got just an 11th appearance for the club. “Feeling to breathe again [prayer hands emoji]” he posted. “Good sunday at the bridge [blue heart emoji]”.
Trevoh Chalobah, meanwhile, followed up his goal and shut out against Tottenham with an equally strong showing. “Clean sheet Sunday !! [blue heart and swords crossed emojis]” he added. Madueke reposted that to his story, adding, “Chaloooo…blessed Sunday fr! [for real]!”
The 22-year-old also posted an image of Jackson leaping him in celebration, writing, “Hahahaha bro your heavy you know [laughing face and blue heart emojis]”.
Thiago Silva returned at the back and, in his penultimate game at Stamford Bridge, got an assist. His header was nodded in by none other than Madueke to double Chelsea’s lead in front of the Shed end. “How great it is to be a blue!! [blue heart emoji]” he posted alongside images of an emphatic celebration.
Madueke continued to make his happiness clear. “Brothers” he captioned a picture with Chalobah, Jackson, and Benoit Badiashile. “We move.. Christ is King [blue heart emoji]”. Jackson replied: [blue heart and bicep emojis] more to come [prayer hands emoji]”.
The Senegal forward posted on his own profile, “[Football emojis] One family [blue heart emoji] amazing win again let’s go for more”. He also labelled Moises Caicedo “Hermano [brother]” with an image of the pair in the changing room before the match.
Chelsea will now be hoping that this positive feeling can carry over as they take on Nottingham Forest next weekend. The Blues play shortly after Newcastle’s visit from Brighton but once again before Manchester United, who host Arsenal.