Chelsea vs the Bogey Teams: Maresca’s Blues Breaking the Spell

Chelsea are shedding their bogey team struggles under Enzo Maresca, with wins over Brentford, Aston Villa, West Ham, and Bournemouth showcasing their growing confidence. With Goodison Park up next, the Blues are poised to continue this trend and prove no challenge is too big to overcome.

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League | Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
2 of 3

“Everything about this place is s***”

Speaking of a welcome mat, Noni Madueke bought one in August. The Molineux had been a bit of a nightmare for Chelsea in recent years, and when the Blues went into the break at 2-2—having just conceded a late equalizer—it seemed like we were in for another one of those “here we go again” moments. The momentum had swung in Wolves’ favor, and it felt like the usual road woes were creeping back in.

Maresca’s halftime changes, however, turned things around in the blink of an eye. The Blues came out with a fresh intensity, and the transformation was immediate.

Madueke was the star of the show, grabbing a brilliant hat-trick that put Chelsea firmly in control. Instead of letting the game slip away, Chelsea took hold of it, cruising to a dominant 6-2 victory. It was a perfect example of Maresca’s impact, turning a tense situation into an absolute rout. Molineux? Doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore.

Hammering at the London Stadium

Trips to West Ham have been a nightmare in recent years. Before this season, Chelsea had won just once at the London Stadium since 2019. However in September, Maresca’s side walked into east London and produced a performance that turned heads.

A 3-0 victory, highlighted by Nicolas Jackson’s brace and one from Palmer, was more than just three points. It was a show of dominance, a way of saying, “We’re done with this nonsense.”

West Ham had no answer to Chelsea’s intensity. The midfield battle, so often the source of their frustration, was firmly in the Blues’ control. It also should’ve been four, five, even six-nil. It was the kind of performance that made you believe this team could handle adversity wherever it cropped up.