´He was not 100%´ – Maresca defends choice to withdraw Palmer from West Ham rout

Enzo Maresca has revealed his choice to withdraw Cole Palmer from Chelsea’s 5-1 thrashing of West Ham was taken to keep away from taking any dangers along with his health.

Chelsea had been dealt a blow forward of kick-off, with Palmer leaving the warm-up early and being withdrawn from the beginning lineup to get replaced by teen Estevao.

And the Blues initially struggled in his absence after going behind to Lucas Paqueta’s gorgeous sixth-minute opener, however the Membership World Cup champions responded in model.

Joao Pedro’s first Premier League purpose for Chelsea hauled them degree earlier than additional strikes from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez had Maresca’s males cruising on the break.

Trevoh Chalobah and Moises Caicedo concluded the rout, main the Blues to the summit of the early standings, having drawn their opening recreation with Crystal Palace.

Certainly, underneath Maresca, Chelsea have picked up extra factors in Premier League London derbies because the begin of final season than every other aspect (26 – P14 W7 D5 L2).

The Blues tackle one other workforce from the capital in Fulham subsequent weekend, and Palmer would possibly but be accessible after Maresca revealed his absence was precautionary.

“Within the final 4 or 5 days he was not 100%. Within the warm-up he felt one thing, and we didn’t wish to take any danger to worsen,” Maresca advised BBC Sport.

Cole Palmer has been changed in tonight’s beginning line-up by Estevao Willian.#CFC | #WHUCHE

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2025

Chelsea’s triumph was simply the tenth time in Premier League historical past {that a} aspect scored 5 or extra targets of their first away recreation of the season, with the Blues additionally the final to take action, successful 6-2 away to Wolves in 2024-25.

And Maresca’s aspect had been worthy of their win, ending the sport with an anticipated targets (xG) whole of two.93 from their 12 pictures to West Ham’s 0.94 from their 12 makes an attempt as they piled extra stress on former boss Graham Potter.

“Very blissful for right this moment, additionally very blissful final week. I assumed the efficiency was good, we didn’t rating then, however tonight we scored 5,” Maresca added.

“For me, it has been unbelievable because the second I loved the membership. In all probability the most recent outcomes, the Convention League, Membership World Cup, high 4 within the Premier League.

“I believe no-one anticipated it, however we achieved it.”

Their end result was made much more spectacular given their attacking dominance with out Palmer, who was their high scorer within the Premier League final season with 15 targets.

However the Blues had an enough substitute in rising star Estevao, who constructed on his spectacular pre-season by grabbing an help on his first begin within the high flight.

Certainly, at 18 years and 120 days outdated, Estevao turned the youngest participant in Premier League historical past to help a purpose for Chelsea, whereas additionally being the youngest participant to begin for the Blues within the high flight since Lewis Corridor in November 2022 (18 years, 65 days).

18 – Estêvão is the youngest participant in Premier League historical past to help a purpose for Chelsea (18 years, 120 days). Prodigy. pic.twitter.com/ioWSYXkKtF

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 22, 2025

Estevao additionally ended the match with team-high totals for profitable dribbles (two) and passes within the last third (14, degree with Moises Caicedo), leaving Marc Cucurella impressed.

“I believe he’s younger, however he confirmed that he’s very mature,” the left-back advised Sky Sports activities.

“He made excellent selections and all the brand new gamers, all the brand new signings, got here right here to assist the workforce, to deliver one thing good, good power, good expertise.

“I believe we have now an incredible squad, so I hope we are able to do good issues this season.”