The Blues are back on winning track in the Premier League after their 2-1 defeat against Liverpool away from home, two weeks back. As they beaten Newcastle United in a similar score line at the Stamford Bridge, last weekend.
The Blues got an early lead at home with the help of brilliant link-up play between the forwards. The initiative was started by Palmer, when he played an outrageous through ball for Neto in the left flanks. And Neto with his sheer pace and flair made absolutely no mistake to put a low cross for Jackson into the box. Who just had to place the ball into the net and did it perfectly.
But the Magpies didn’t take long to equalize from the blow with the help of their star forward Alexander Isak. Despite of the 1-1 score, Chelsea totally dominated the first half in terms of possession and shots and other stats. However, right after the break, Palmer scored the 2nd goal of the night for the home team and that stood as the winning goal at last.
Most of the Blues forwards were impressive that night against the Magpies. Though Palmer, Neto and Jackson got all the praise but Blues right winger Noni Madueke was also quite good that night. And it is also brilliant how he has become one of the mandatory picks under Maresca in the starting xi.
Alan Smith on Noni Madueke
The 22-year-old winger joined the Blues camp at the start of last season from Dutch side PSV. He was brought into the squad as a backup option for the likes of Sterling, Palmer and Mudryk in the flanks. And he did struggle to get into the playing xi at the Premier League fixtures.
Under previous manager Mauricio Pochettino last season, Madueke only featured in 23 league games. Out of those games he started only in 13 occasions, scoring just 5 goals and providing 2 assists. But things have gone upside down for the Englishman since the change of management at the Blues camp, earlier this season.
Last season left footed Cole Palmer played at the right flank under Pochettino. But new manager Enzo Maresca have changed the role of Palmer from a winger to a attacking midfielder. As the Italian believes, Palmer should engage more in the game from the deep. And that has left the right wing spot open for Noni Madueke.
And in the current season Madueke has been impressive so far. As the 22-year-old has already scored 4 goals in 8 league games and he will not settle for that. After winning Maresca’s trust, Madueke has become a first choice winger for the Blues.
Premier League icon Alan Smith has praised the £29 million man after the win over Newcastle last weekend. Speaking to the Sky Sports, he said,
“Madueke, almost an automatic pick these days. He’s got the confidence, the trust of his manager and he’s shown a consistency of performance.”
Madueke must continue his form
However, Madueke must continue his form in order to be the first choice winger for a club like Chelsea. Where he has big boots to fill in. He may be a starter until now, but can easily bottle his position if Neto performs like he did against Newcastle last weekend.
Pedro Neto, is a left footed player, so naturally he will like to play in the right side. And if players like Mudryk and Sancho finds their touch it will create problems for Madueke. So, the only way he can save his spot is to perform on the top level week in and week out. Especially in big games against the big 6.
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