If Maurizio Pochettino were to write a script for a redemption game, it might go something like this: Chelsea’s manager, touched by everything he’s been through, turned adversity into gold. After suffering setbacks in the Premier League, his squad overcame criticism to get to the FA Cup final 16, overcome Championship rival Leeds United at home, and defeat Aston Villa handily.
Pochettino’s Tactical Plan
Pochettino reacted to Thiago Silva’s wife hinting at an exit for the defender by expressing that a manager should be sacked not their best, albeit oldest, defender, only to be brought back for the final minutes of the night. It was an evening when Chelsea’s manager brought a tactical plan to remind us why he’s always been rated so highly.
Even Moussa Diaby’s consolation goal during stoppage time couldn’t overshadow Pochettino’s shining night, as Villa had been stumbling consistently in the first half of the season. Within 21 minutes, Chelsea was leading 2-0, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a fantastic goal early in the second half.
Enzo’s Fantastic Goal
ENZO FERNANDEZ THAT IS OUT OF THIS 🌍
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2024
The @ChelseaFC midfielder hits a sublime free-kick into the top bins 🤤#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/wBG78QVXe8
Later, their joy during humiliating Premier League defeats to Wolves and Liverpool served as a metaphor for the criticism that has been leveled recently.
Fernandez seized the opportunity, as he prepared to score from 25 yards out, only to be brought down by Yuri Talemans. Then, managing to avoid Emilian Martinez’s hands, the Argentine playmaker curled his free-kick into the top corner of his country’s goal, sealing Chelsea’s second victory in eight games.
Tod Bolli’s concern
Signed as a World Cup-winning player for £106.8 million twelve months ago, 23-year-old Tod Bolli has become a symbol of Chelsea’s wasteful spending in recent years, making it difficult to justify his inclusion as a young player. Speculations circulated suggesting his desire to depart was imminent.
Opening goal for Chelsea
🚨🚨| GOAL: GALLAGHER OPENS THE SCORING FOR CHELSEA!!
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 7, 2024
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea pic.twitter.com/FOkNgzUx7I
However, his response to scoring, when he celebrated by taking off his shirt to show his name to the fans and pointing to the ground, was a strong statement that he wanted to stay. Pochettino underlined that his youthful squad and players have to put the last 20 years’ trophies behind them. “We need to move forward,” he declared.””He undoubtedly stands as a top-notch player with a shimmering quality.
Yet, when he made his entrance almost two years back, devoid of breaks, devoid of reprieve, under immense pressure, and still in the early stages of his career, to become a part of a squad that demands patience since he inked the deal twelve months ago. “However, we must stop setting unrealistic expectations and support the athlete who is attempting to succeed here.
It doesn’t surprise me because Enzo is capable of performing at his current level in addition to possessing the skill to score goals of that caliber.”In an astonishing turn of events, Chelsea was two goals ahead within the first 21 minutes, making it as thrilling and nerve-wracking as the final 21 minutes. Chelsea supporters were taken aback just like everyone else.Bale Silva apologized for his weekend tweet, saying “it’s time for change.”
Pochettino before match
Certainly, Pochettino found a way.Chelsea’s manager brought back the Jackson-Maduke partnership, urging them to play high and wide, with Callum Palmer and Conor Gallagher operating as the most advanced central players. This halted Douglas Luiz and Bukayo Saka’s influence on the game and allowed Chelsea to advance over John McGinn and Talemans.
With hopes for their Carabao Cup final date with Liverpool this month, Chelsea fans were already singing “We’re all going to Wembley” as Kamara lost his grip in midfield. Jackson tested the left wing dangerously; when his cross-shot was deflected, Maduke sent the ball back to Gallagher with a side-footed shot from 12 yards out.
Villa didn’t adjust; Maduke kept drifting right, supported by Malo Gusto, while Alex Moreno endured a nightmare and didn’t help McGinn with his partnership with McGinn.Chelsea’s plan began to work again with lethal effect, as Maduke fed Gusto into the deep trench on Villa’s left. His pinpoint center invited Jackson for an easy header into the top corner from nine yards out.
United’s belief is that finishing quality was the main factor in the match. Villa’s manager said, “I felt they were clinical; it’s time I sensed that the difference was.” Now their eyes are back on those top four ambitions as they host Manchester United on Sunday.
