Enzo Maresca felt Chelsea reaped rewards for “getting your t-shirt soiled”, as they snatched a late victory over Bournemouth on the Vitality Stadium.
The Blues endured a gentle begin with their hosts producing the larger attacking risk for a lot of the contest, with Robert Sanchez maintaining out Evanilson’s first-half penalty.
Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie additionally struck the woodwork for the hosts, however substitute Christopher Nkunku landed the decisive blow 5 minutes from time.
And Maresca was happy along with his aspect’s response to a tough first-half efficiency.
“We performed two completely different video games,” he informed Sky Sports activities. “The primary half, we struggled. We didn’t win duels, we didn’t win second balls. The second half, we had been a lot better.
“We knew earlier than the sport that Bournemouth are very excessive urgent, man to man oriented. We confronted a workforce who’re very aggressive, it was extra off the ball that we struggled. [The] second half utterly modified the image.
“That is soccer. Final time towards [Crystal] Palace, we utterly deserved to win the sport. We had probabilities and we drew. Right this moment, it was there and, in the long run, we gained.
“You can not come right here to this stadium and take into consideration profitable the sport with out getting your t-shirt soiled. That you must win duels, that you must combat. If we’re in a position to do that for 95 minutes, you’ve got extra probabilities to win video games.”
Maresca handed a debut to new signing Jadon Sancho, who was launched as a half-time substitute earlier than offering the help for Nkunku’s winner.
And the Manchester United loanee lifted the lid on how he’s discovering life since his change to Stamford Bridge.
“It’s superb to make my debut for Chelsea,” he informed Sky Sports activities. “Simply being again taking part in, I’m very grateful. The workforce performed very effectively, we dug in to the tip and acquired the three factors.
“I’ve been working arduous for this second, and I’m glad I acquired my probability. Going into this season, I needed to have a great begin, and I’m glad.
“I’ve to say thanks to the employees and team-mates. The primary day I got here in, they made me really feel welcome and comfy.”
Immediate affect.#CFC | #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/RSFcYJdqAp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024
