Maresca defends decision to withdraw Palmer
Enzo Maresca has revealed his decision to withdraw Cole Palmer from Chelsea's 5-1 thrashing of West Ham United was taken to avoid taking any risks with his fitness.
Chelsea was dealt a blow ahead of kick-off, with Palmer leaving the warm-up early and being withdrawn from the starting line-up to be replaced by youngster Estevao.
The Blues initially struggled in his absence after going behind to Lucas Paqueta's stunning sixth-minute opener, but the FIFA Club World Cup champion responded in style.
The Blues take on another team from the English capital in Fulham next weekend, and Palmer might yet be available after Maresca revealed his absence was precautionary.
"In the last four or five days he was not 100 per cent. In the warm-up he felt something, and we didn't want to take any risk to get worse," Maresca said.
Chelsea's triumph was just the 10th time in Premier League history that a side scored five or more goals in its first away game of the season.
Maresca's side was worthy of its win as it piled more pressure on former boss Graham Potter.
"Very happy for today, also very happy last week. I thought the performance was good, we didn't score then, but tonight we scored five," Maresca added.
"For me, it has been fantastic since the moment I enjoyed the club. Probably the latest results, the [UEFA] Conference League, [FIFA] Club World Cup, top four in the Premier League.
"I think no-one expected it, but we achieved it."
The result was made even more impressive given Chelsea's attacking dominance without Palmer, who was the club's top scorer in the Premier League last season with 15 goals.
But the Blues had an adequate replacement in rising star Estevao, who built on his impressive pre-season by grabbing an assist on his first start in the top flight, and leaving team-mate Marc Cucurella impressed.
"I think he's young, but he showed that he's very mature," the left-back said.
"He made very good decisions and all the new players, all the new signings, came here to help the team, to bring something good, good energy, good talent.
"I think we have an amazing squad, so I hope we can do good things this season."
