Five things we learned from Chelsea 5-0 West Ham as Blues attack shines | OneFootball

Chelsea thrashed a sorry West Ham side 5-0 at Stamford Bridge to strengthen their push for European qualification.

The Blues have climbed into seventh following the victory but having played a game more than eighth placed Manchester United, who face Crystal Palace on Monday.

Goals from Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke and a double from Nicolas Jackson handed Mauricio Pochettino’s their second win of the week having beaten Spurs on Thursday, and heaped more pressure on Hammers boss David Moyes.

Here are five things we learned from the game…

Chelsea can be really good

Pochettino said after Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing by Arsenal last month that his side can be “capable of everything” when they are on form but that their bad days are “so bad”. This was certainly the former for Chelsea, who again showed that they are capable of putting in outstanding performances with a dominant display over West Ham. The forward players were terrific, linking brilliantly with each other and causing the Hammers back-line all sorts of problems with their pace in behind.

Inconsistency is still a big problem for Pochettino and his team, and while there have still been bad signs of late, there has also been plenty of reason for Chelsea fans to feel encouraged heading into next season.

West Ham’s season looks finished

This was another horrible afternoon for West Ham, of which there have been quite a few this season. Moyes’ side, despite creating some decent chances of their own which might have changed the game had they gone in, were well off the levels of Chelsea and deserved to be well beaten. This looked like a team that is very much ready for the end of the season to come and the constant uncertainty around the managerial position is not helping.

Caicedo and Gallagher’s midfield partnership provides food for thought

With Enzo Fernandez out injured for the remainder of the season, it has seen Gallagher drop deeper to play alongside Moises Caicedo with Palmer occupying the number ten spot. It has worked really well, with both central midfielders offering tenacity and mobility in the middle of the park which is helping unleash the Blues’ attacking players. Pochettino has plenty to think about when Enzo does return and how best to use him given how well the current duo have performed together.

Nkunku’s return a welcome sight

It has been an incredibly frustrating season for Christopher Nkunku, having missed the majority of the campaign through different injury problems. His performances in pre-season had generated plenty of excitement among Chelsea fans and his presence has been a big miss this season. Having him back fit and playing ahead of what will be a crucial off and pre-season to get back to full fitness is very encouraging.

Jackson gets his rewards

Jackson’s fine double against West Ham means he has now netted three times in the last two games having previously scored just one in his previous eight prior to the win over Spurs. His work rate and running in behind has always been excellent but his finishing has badly let him down this season. This week will have given him enormous confidence and it is a credit to him that he never lets his head drop even when things are not going for him.

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