Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was over the moon with his side’s 2-1 win over West Ham United to boost their hopes of a top four finish as they moved above champions Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Blues fell behind to Jarrod Bowen’s effort three minutes before halftime but Pedro Neto equalized after the break and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s own goal aided the comeback.
The win for Chelsea was their second in their last eight games.
“It is huge,” Maresca said.
“It was a tough game especially mentally. It is never easy when teams come here and wait and sit back. You need to be patient.
“There is no space, you need to move the ball and wait for the right moment.
“In the second half we came back and overall we deserved to win the game. They were waiting for our mistakes and you can’t get frustrated.”
Maresca made alterations with five substitutions during the second half with Neto making the biggest impact after replacing Jadon Sancho.
“It is always about the players. It is not about the manager. It was just a feeling we had [over the substitutions] during the game. I think we need to improve in the final third in terms of chances and being more clinical,” Maresca said.
Chelsea have amassed 43 points from 24 games, two more than champions Man City and Newcastle United.
Speaking about the top-four race, Maresca stated he fancies his side’s chances.
“We are there and hopefully we can be there until the end.
“Playing this kind of game in February, where we are still there is an important statement. It was a good weekend for us in terms of results and we knew today was even better.”
