Enzo Maresca felt Chelsea reaped rewards for “getting your t-shirt soiled”, as they snatched a late victory over Bournemouth on the Vitality Stadium.
The Blues endured a gradual begin with their hosts producing the larger attacking risk for many of the contest, with Robert Sanchez conserving out Evanilson’s first-half penalty.
Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie additionally struck the woodwork for the hosts, however substitute Christopher Nkunku landed the decisive blow 5 minutes from time.
And Maresca was happy together with his aspect’s response to a troublesome first-half efficiency.
“We performed two totally different video games,” he instructed Sky Sports activities. “The primary half, we struggled. We didn’t win duels, we didn’t win second balls. The second half, we have been a lot better.
“We knew earlier than the sport that Bournemouth are very excessive urgent, man to man oriented. We confronted a staff who’re very aggressive, it was extra off the ball that we struggled. [The] second half utterly modified the image.
“That is soccer. Final time in opposition to [Crystal] Palace, we utterly deserved to win the sport. We had possibilities and we drew. At this time, it was there and, in the long run, we received.
“You can not come right here to this stadium and take into consideration successful the sport with out getting your t-shirt soiled. It’s worthwhile to win duels, you have to struggle. If we’re ready to do that for 95 minutes, you’ve gotten extra possibilities to win video games.”
Maresca handed a debut to new signing Jadon Sancho, who was launched as a half-time substitute earlier than offering the help for Nkunku’s winner.
And the Manchester United loanee lifted the lid on how he’s discovering life since his change to Stamford Bridge.
“It’s superb to make my debut for Chelsea,” he instructed Sky Sports activities. “Simply being again enjoying, I’m very grateful. The staff performed very effectively, we dug in to the tip and obtained the three factors.
“I’ve been working laborious for this second, and I’m completely satisfied I obtained my likelihood. Going into this season, I wished to have an excellent begin, and I’m completely satisfied.
“I’ve to say thanks to the workers and team-mates. The primary day I got here in, they made me really feel welcome and cozy.”
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2024