Chelsea finally end wait for a win – and goal – as Poch chooses not to criticise duo
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse – it didn’t, and Chelsea went onto not only score a goal but to win a match.
Okay, this was no Premier League tie, but it was against a good Premier league outfit in Brighton and the Blues’ 1-0 win, thanks to Nicolas Jackson’s 51st-minute goal on Wednesday night, puts the west Londoners into the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Chelsea’s previous win and last goal had been against League Two AFC Wimbledon, when Enzo notched up a goal – 338 playing minutes ago.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was understandably happier with the result, if his demeanor suggested that this was a get-out-of-jail card rather than a turning point in their near disastrous start to the season.
He said: “It was a good response from the team. I was very pleased with the performance again and I’m happy for the victory and it is important to go through in the competition and build our trust and momentum. I hope we can bring this momentum to the future.”
A whole host of injured players sat in the press room munching away at the sandwiches, and cups of tea on offer, but probably wished they were plying their trade on the pitch.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez gifted Brighton several needless chances while Marc Curcurella looked shaky as a right-back.
But Pochettino saw things differently. Taking the “I’m going to protect my players despite the plainly obvious dubious performance on the pitch’ line, the Argentine said of the pair: “No. They showed character and personality. In the first half sometimes we didn’t provide Robert, and sometimes Marc, [with] good angles to play the continuity of the game.
After half-time we fixed some positions and the second half was much better. Even in a difficult moment they showed character and they were calm.”
The Blues don’t play again until Monday night when they are away to Fulham.
Before that, on Sunday, the women start the defence of their Super League crown with an opening fixture against Spurs at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are still available.
PICTURE: PA