“It’s worrisome when the results don’t match the performance,” Pochettino commented after the defeat at the Olympic Stadium on August 20. “But if Chelsea were to play poorly and still win, my worry would be even greater. That situation suggests upcoming challenges, prompting us to find ways to improve our gameplay.”
Pochettino though that Chelsea played well
In this specific match, Chelsea started slowly, allowing the home team West Ham to take an early lead in the 7th minute with Nayef Aguerd’s header to the near corner. However, as the first half progressed, the visitors regained control, equalizing with a well-placed shot by Carney Chukwuemeka inside the box. A chance to take the lead arose in the 43rd minute when Chelsea earned a penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled by Tomas Soucek in the penalty area. Unfortunately, the $135.5 million midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s shot from the 11-meter mark towards the left corner was saved by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola stunning performance
Avoiding defeat thanks to their goalkeeper, West Ham exhibited an explosive performance in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Michail Antonio skillfully maneuvered past Levi Colwill and then fired a shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. During the fifth minute of added time, Lucas Paqueta confidently converted a penalty, securing a 3-1 triumph for the hosts. This decisive moment came after Moises Caicedo, the most expensive player in Premier League history, fouled Emerson within the penalty area.
West Ham become stronger with 10 players after the penalty save
The Argentine coach further acknowledged that Chelsea’s slow starts in each half allowed West Ham to generate numerous opportunities, and he identified Fernandez’s penalty miss as a pivotal moment. “While I’m disappointed, this is just the start,” Pochettino emphasized. “We must embrace defeat, persist in our efforts, and have faith in the ongoing process. I have confidence that Chelsea will grow stronger and become genuinely competitive.”
The Argentian manager show his disappointing after the match
Pochettino also defended Caicedo when he said that his students played well, despite the foul that led to the penalty at the end of the game. The Ecuadorian rookie midfielder came on for Ben Chilwell in the 61st minute, touched the ball 49 times, passed with 84% accuracy, no key pass, missed the post once, fouled twice and lost the ball eight time.
Pochettino still count on his expensive player Caicedo
In the earliest match in the third round of the Premier League on the evening of August 25, Chelsea returned to Stamford Bridge to welcome rookie Luton Town.