Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca asked supporters to “trust the process” following a protest against the club’s owners that preceded their 4-0 win over Southampton.
About 200 fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge with banners and smoke flares before kick-off to voice opposition to the running of the club during the nearly three years since the BlueCo consortium fronted by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali acquired the club.
Whatever soothing effect was achieved by the team’s performance against the Premier League’s bottom side may prove only to be temporary, but it brought respite for Maresca after a recent poor run and, for 24 hours at least, moved his side back into the top four.
“The only thing I can say is that in this moment the fans have to trust,” he said. “We’re in the right process and the right direction. Since we started we’ve been top four most games of the season.
“The fans have to trust the players. They are doing a huge effort every day to bring this club to the Champions League.”
Three goals before half-time effectively ended the game as a contest, Southampton undone by a bundled effort from Christopher Nkunku, a near-post bullet by Pedro Neto and a Levi Colwill header to nudge them closer to what looks an inevitable return to the Championship.
Marc Cucurella netted a fourth goal late in the second half but the match saw Cole Palmer stretch his scoreless run to seven matches in all competitions despite a host of chances falling his way.
The club’s leading scorer allowed himself a wry smile after ballooning an effort over the bar when unmarked 10 yards out in the second half, but the head coach said he sees no cause for concern.
“Cole Palmer is a human being,” said Maresca. “All players at all big clubs go through bad moments where they struggle to score.
“At this moment Cole is struggling to score but he’s happy and he knows it’s something normal. Even if he’s young, he’s spent time in a big club with big players and he knows that all big players go through moments like this.
“It’s how you react and he’s reacting perfect, he’s laughing, he’s happy. He has to enjoy football. We don’t have any doubt he’s going to score more goals.”
🇵🇹⚡️#CFC | #CHESOU pic.twitter.com/OnnwcMljuD
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 25, 2025
Chelsea’s third win in 11 league games means they jumped above Manchester City into fourth but will relinquish their position if the defending champions beat Tottenham on Wednesday.
“I just said to the players, probably we are in our worst moment in terms of results but we are fourth and one point from third,” said Maresca.
“That means a lot and shows how good we have been in the first part of the season. Now it’s a matter to try and finish in the best way.”
Southampton boss Ivan Juric, whose team are 13 points from safety with 11 games to go, reflected on a bright start that turned sour.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 25, 2025
“We did a really good first 20, 25 minutes, Paul (Onuachu) had two big chances and we were very competitive,” he said. “Then we conceded a set-piece goal.
“After the first half it was almost finished but the guys gave everything they have in this moment.
“Today we did some really good things.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga