Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed delight with his side’s display as they came from two goals down after 11 minutes to triumph against rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 and sit second on the Premier League standings.
The Blues were in an uncomfortable position after two slips from Marc Cucurella led to Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski finding the back of the net for Spurs, but they responded emphatically.
Cole Palmer buried two penalties, the second a beautifully executed Panenka chip, while Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez were also on the scoresheet as Chelsea reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top to four points.
It was Chelsea’s fourth consecutive win in the league – as Maresca continues to distance his side from the title conversation, many are however, of a different opinion.
“To come to this stadium and think you are going to win and not suffer, it’s impossible. It’s the perfect win probably because of this,” the Italian said to journalists.
“After the game, my message to the players is to be focused in the day by day, our sessions, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday.
“The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back, 100%, train well, go for the game.
“The fans can dream because from the outside, it is quite clear and inside, the reality is we are not ready but the important thing is we improve day by day.”
Cucurella was left with his tails in his legs after his choice of boot proved his undoing, twice falling over and being punished as Tottenham took advantage to be ahead in the contest.
It was all smiles between the Spaniard and Maresca at the end, however.
“He said to me after the game that he was trying to bring emotion to the game!” Maresca said to Sky Sports.
“No, being serious, to come to this stadium against this team and be 2-0 down, but continue then with the same plan on and off the ball and then second half we changed things tactically. I think overall we deserved to win.
“It’s more a question for Marc. They are mature enough to decide what boots they need for the game. The most important thing is that we were 2-0 but we continued the same way to create chances.”
Palmer has now contributed 50 Premier League goals in 48 games for Chelsea since signing from Manchester City — with 33 goals and 17 assists.
“The Premier League is full of top players and top talent. Cole belongs with those players,” Maresca added.
