Culture Corner

The Premier League is back, and with it, a new manager takes Chelsea’s reigns. Enzo Maresca, previously Pep Guardiola’s second in command as assistant head coach at Manchester City, is now in charge of the young side, and has so far managed them through two games in the Premier League.

On opening weekend, Chelsea were in for their hardest game of the season, seeing them pitted against title defenders, Manchester City. Not only is the City side arguably one of the best we’ve ever seen in football history, but for his first game, Maresca was head to head with his former boss, who most likely knows his managing style, making things a little more difficult for the Italian.

The Blues fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, conceding to the Norwegian robot, Erling Haaland, and former Chelsea player and 2020/21 Champions League winner, Mateo Kovačić. In no way shape or form were Chelsea expected to win this game, but everyone was certainly excited to see the new squad for the season. Additions of Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City were certainly signings to talk about, giving Chelsea strength going forward.

Although the game was lost, faith in Maresca was not, as Chelsea faced Wolves the next week, and won a convincing 6-2. Chelsea were quick to go 1-0 up with a header from Nicolas Jackson in the 2nd minute, however by halftime things were all level at 2-2, with Cole Palmer claiming his first goal of the season after recently winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in his first season at Chelsea FC. However, in the second half, Chelsea were the front runners, with Noni Madueke scoring a hat trick within 3 goals 14 minutes minutes of each other, and returning youngster João Félix scoring the final goal just 12 minutes after coming on.

A decisive victory was very much what the new young side needed, even against a team that finished 14th last season. It’s like they are making a statement; we may be young, but we are here to compete. The season has only just begun though, and I’m sure Chelsea fans are excited to see the proceeding games. For that, they will have to wait until this Sunday, where they face Crystal Palace at home.