Chelsea Lucky Win, Enzo Maresca Praises Jadon Sancho

Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku celebrated a goal with Jadon Sancho in the match against Bournemouth. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea were lucky when they beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the English Premier League match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Sunday, September 15, 2024 in the morning WIB. Jadon Sancho's new player showed his best performance even though he didn't score a goal so he won praise from Enzo Maresca's manager.

Chelsea should have lost in an away game. How not, Chelsea's goal almost conceded twice. Luckily, Bournemouth's two chances hit the post. Furthermore, Evanilson's penalty was saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

On the other hand, Chelsea managed to take advantage of one chance through Christopher Nkunku which was created in the 86th minute. He managed to break into the home goal and became the only goal created in that match.

The match itself went hard and was marked by 14 yellow cards. This is a record yellow card in the Premier League. Referee Anthony Taylor issued eight yellow cards for Chelsea players.

"There is no problem with the number of yellow cards for my team," said Maresca. "That's how it turns out. Sometimes in a game you have to face a situation like that," he said.

The victory over Bournemouth made Chelsea able to improve his ranking. With seven points, the Blues moved up to seventh. Bournemouth is stuck in 11th place with five points.

"In that match, we had difficulties in the first half. We lost the ball more often. But our performance was better in the second half," said Maresca.

"We really have to play like that when facing a team like them in their own stadium," said Maresca, who did not hesitate to praise Sancho for making an impressive debut with Chelsea.

The loan player from Manchester United was just fielded in the second half replacing Pedro Neto. Even though he didn't score, he contributed by bringing Chelsea to life. At its peak, Sancho provided Nkunku's completed assist.

"Jadon shows he is a good player and helps the team. I don't care about the excitement he is experiencing. In front of me, he shows a polite attitude and trains very well," said Mareca again.

Chelsea started the competition with disappointing results. They failed to block defending champions Manchester City at home. In a duel at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea lost 2-0.

But Chelsea managed to get up by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2. Even though Crystal Palace was later arrested 1-1 in London Derby, Chelsea again won in an away match against Bournemouth.