Chelsea’s Tactical Comeback: How Maresca’s 4-3-3 Overcame West Ham’s 5-4-1 in a 2-1 Victory

Chelsea’s Grit and Resilience: How They Staged a 2-1 Comeback Win Over West Ham United

On February 3, 2025, Stamford Bridge witnessed a fiercely contested London derby that saw Chelsea come from behind to defeat West Ham United 2-1. With this crucial victory, Chelsea climbed into the top four of the Premier League, continuing their resurgence under head coach Enzo Maresca. The match had everything you could ask for in a derby: tactical duels, individual brilliance, and moments of tension. Graham Potter, making his return to Stamford Bridge as West Ham’s manager, saw his side take an early lead but ultimately fall short due to Chelsea’s persistence and adaptability.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the key moments, tactical battles, formations, and implications of this match on the league standings.

Match Context and Stakes

Both teams entered the match with something to prove. Chelsea, sitting in sixth place before the game, were desperate for three points to break into the top four. West Ham, on the other hand, aimed to rebound after a string of inconsistent results that had seen them drop to mid-table.

Adding to the drama was the return of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who had taken over at West Ham following David Moyes’ departure. Potter’s exit from Chelsea the previous season had been contentious, with many fans blaming him for a disappointing campaign. His return to Stamford Bridge naturally attracted attention, with fans eager to see how their team would fare against their former boss.

Stamford Bridge was filled with anticipation as Chelsea sought to avenge their early-season defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. West Ham, known for their defensive organization and ability to counter, posed a significant threat.

Formations and Tactical Setups

Chelsea’s Formation: 4-3-3

Enzo Maresca opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation designed to control possession and exploit space on the wings.

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
• Defenders: Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto
• Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer
• Forwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke

Maresca’s system relied on width, with Chilwell and Gusto pushing forward to provide overlapping runs. Declan Rice anchored the midfield, while Cole Palmer played a more advanced role to link up with the attack.

West Ham’s Formation: 5-4-1

Graham Potter set up West Ham in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
• Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna, Emerson
• Midfielders: Lucas Paquetá, Declan Rice, Edson Álvarez, Jarrod Bowen
• Striker: Michail Antonio

West Ham’s compact defensive block made it difficult for Chelsea to play through the middle. Bowen and Paquetá were key to launching counters, while Antonio provided a physical presence up front.

First Half: West Ham Strike Early

The match began with Chelsea dominating possession, as expected, but it was West Ham who struck first. In the 17th minute, Jarrod Bowen capitalized on a defensive lapse by Chelsea’s backline. Bowen, who had been in fine form all season, pounced on a loose ball after a miscommunication between Chelsea’s center-backs and slotted it past Filip Jorgensen.

The goal stunned the home crowd and gave West Ham an early advantage, allowing them to settle into their preferred defensive shape. Graham Potter’s side dropped deep, forming a compact block designed to frustrate Chelsea’s attacking players. Declan Rice and Lucas Paquetá played key roles in disrupting Chelsea’s attempts to play through the middle, forcing them to rely on wide areas for creativity.

Despite conceding, Chelsea continued to press forward, with Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk attempting to create chances down the flanks. However, West Ham’s defense, led by Kurt Zouma, held firm, and Chelsea went into halftime trailing 1-0.

Second Half: Maresca’s Tactical Adjustments

Enzo Maresca’s halftime team talk proved crucial. Recognizing that West Ham’s compact shape was limiting space in central areas, he made two key substitutions: Pedro Neto came on for Mudryk, and Noni Madueke was pushed further forward to play alongside Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea’s equalizer came in the 57th minute, courtesy of Pedro Neto. After a quick combination play involving Cole Palmer and Ben Chilwell, Neto received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful strike that beat Alphonse Areola. The goal rejuvenated the home crowd and shifted momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favor.

West Ham struggled to regain control, and Chelsea continued to press high, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Declan Rice, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to dictate the tempo, spraying passes to the flanks and driving forward with purpose.

Chelsea’s Decisive Moment: Palmer’s Deflected Goal

The winning goal came in the 75th minute and was the result of sustained pressure from Chelsea. Cole Palmer, who had been heavily involved in Chelsea’s buildup play, took a shot from outside the box that deflected off West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd and wrong-footed Areola. The deflection proved crucial, as the ball trickled into the net, sparking celebrations among the Chelsea players and fans.

Palmer’s goal highlighted his growing influence within the team. Since joining from Manchester City, he has become a key creative outlet for Chelsea, offering both goals and assists. His vision, composure, and ability to take on defenders have made him indispensable to Maresca’s system.

West Ham’s Struggles in Attack

After falling behind, West Ham attempted to push forward in search of an equalizer. Graham Potter introduced Michail Antonio and Maxwel Cornet to add more physicality and pace to the attack. However, Chelsea’s defense, marshaled by Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill, held firm. Jorgensen, making a rare start in goal, was composed and made several crucial saves, including a close-range effort from Bowen in the 82nd minute.

One of the key reasons for West Ham’s struggles was their inability to retain possession in midfield. Lucas Paquetá, who had been effective in the first half, was largely neutralized in the second half as Chelsea’s pressing forced him into errors. Without consistent service, Antonio and Bowen found it difficult to create meaningful chances.

Key Tactical Battles

1. Chelsea’s Wide Play vs. West Ham’s Compact Defense

In the first half, Chelsea struggled to break down West Ham’s low block due to their reliance on central areas. However, Maresca’s second-half adjustments, which emphasized wing play, proved decisive. Neto and Madueke stretched the field, creating space for Palmer and Chilwell to exploit.

2. Midfield Control

Declan Rice’s battle against his former club was a key storyline. Although West Ham initially controlled the midfield, Rice’s second-half performance was dominant. His ability to win back possession and initiate attacks allowed Chelsea to sustain pressure and pin West Ham back.

3. Pressing and Counter-Pressing

Chelsea’s high pressing forced West Ham into mistakes, especially in the second half. Maresca’s emphasis on winning second balls ensured that Chelsea regained possession quickly after losing it, limiting West Ham’s counterattacking opportunities.

Post-Match Reactions

Enzo Maresca praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline in the post-match interview. “It was a game of two halves. We weren’t clinical in the first half, but the players showed great character to come back. The substitutions made a big difference, and I’m proud of the way we fought for the win,” he said.

Pedro Neto, who scored the equalizer, also spoke to reporters, emphasizing the team’s belief. “We knew we had to keep pushing and that the chances would come. I’m glad I could contribute with a goal.”

Graham Potter, meanwhile, reflected on the missed opportunities and defensive lapses that led to West Ham’s defeat. “We started well and took the lead, but we couldn’t maintain our intensity. Chelsea’s pressing made it difficult for us to build from the back. We need to be better in those moments.”

What This Means for Both Teams

The win propelled Chelsea into the top four, boosting their chances of securing Champions League qualification. With key players like Palmer, Neto, and Rice hitting form, Maresca’s side looks well-equipped to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks.

For West Ham, the loss was a setback, but they still have time to turn things around. Potter will need to address the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and improve their ability to retain possession under pressure.

Conclusion

Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over West Ham was a testament to their resilience and tactical flexibility. Maresca’s ability to make impactful substitutions and adapt to the game’s demands highlighted his growing reputation as a top tactician. As Chelsea continue their push for a top-four finish, performances like this will be crucial. For West Ham, the road ahead will require better composure and consistency, but the foundations are there for a strong finish to the season.

With both teams fighting for different objectives, this London derby was a reminder of the intensity and unpredictability that define the Premier League.