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Will Faulks
Fan writer
Things change quickly in football, but few can have predicted the turnaround of the past 10 days at Chelsea.
When Aston Villa scored their second goal just before half-time little over a week ago, things looks bleak. The Blues had been crushed 5-0 by Arsenal earlier in the week and looked set for another humbling at Villa Park. Mauricio Pochettino's future was being questioned as much as it ever had, and the owners were under fire once again.
But a tactical tweak in the second half brought a much more encouraging performance and a 2-2 final result. Then, good performances and important wins in London derbies since have transformed the mood at Stamford Bridge.
Now players coming back from injury are joining a squad with momentum and chemistry. The fans are back onside and a charge for Europe in three winnable games to close out the campaign is more than possible.
It is already tempting to look forward to the summer. Pochettino has strengthened his position with an overall improvement in form since January, and the impression that progress is being made is the greatest job security he could ask for.
There are still question marks about the project as a whole, and selling either Trevoh Chalobah or Conor Gallagher this summer following their huge importance in turning this around since the beginning of the year would go down very badly with supporters.
However, there is a definite sense that better days are ahead, and a summer of optimism feels just around the corner.
Will can be found at Chelsea News, external
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Enzo Fernandez is a superstar.
In 2021, aged 20, he played a starring role in River Plate winning the Argentine Primera Division, earning a move to the most successful side in Portuguese football – Benfica.
Just six months later, he was named young player of the tournament as he helped Argentina – and Lionel Messi – to an iconic World Cup win, earning a then-British record transfer to Chelsea.
Since arriving in west London, he has started 44 of the 46 Premier League games he has been available for and 58 of 62 in all competitions. During a tumultuous and chaotic period for Chelsea, Fernandez – a world champion with a price tag to match – has been practically immovable.
However, after "dragging the pain for about six months", he finally had surgery on a groin issue after the humiliating 6-0 defeat at Arsenal in April, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Remarkably, Chelsea won only 12 of the Premier League games Fernandez started [27%]. In the five league matches he has missed, they have won four and drawn once – scoring 20 goals and conceding just twice in the process.
The bedrock for these improved performances has been the midfield pivot of Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo, whose fledging partnership is thriving.
Both powerful runners with the ball and quicker, more physical players than Fernandez, they burst around the pitch using their dynamism to break up play and drive the Blues forward. This was exemplified in the 5-0 win over West Ham on Sunday when Gallagher scored a fine goal after a box-crashing run and Caicedo threaded a beautiful through ball to assist Nicolas Jackson.
The pair also appear to have provided the base and structure for creative, pacy attackers Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Cole Palmer to express themselves.
Sure, Fernandez has quality in tight spaces, and boasts a broad passing range and game intelligence, but that is made up for with Caicedo and Gallagher's intensity, proactiveness and tough tackling.
Now, Mauricio Pochettino has a blueprint to build on as he chases a European spot that would be likely to guarantee his job for next season.
If he does remain, time will tell if the Argentine manager is brave enough to make his countryman Fernandez work for his place in the starting XI and instead stick with those who have fuelled the best form of his Chelsea reign so far.
What do you think, Chelsea fans?
Does Fernandez make your best Blues XI? Or will he have to wait to return to the team?
Have your say
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Ovie asked: Chelsea beating top-half opposition is definitely an improvement over last season when they rarely did. I think they just need to give Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez whatever the rest of the squad are drinking now. Never really saw Enzo as a 10, and Cole Palmer looks to be the best 10 they've got. Now Conor Gallagher, with less skill and admittedly more stamina and heart, is playing deeper midfield better. For me, that's a £106m conundrum for the management there. What should Chelsea do to get the best possible midfield combination for next season?
Phil answered: I think Palmer is an outstanding player and has all the qualities to be a top-class number 10. Enzo has disappointed me but he has been carrying an injury while Moises Caicedo has looked far more like his Brighton self recently.
I am convinced there is the basis of a very good team at Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino should be given time to build it further.
And will Chelsea sell Conor Gallagher to help their financial situation? We know that would be very unpopular with fans.
If Enzo and Caideco could provide the platform then it may be that Palmer will be used as a "10", although we know he is also very effective in a wider position. Palmer's adaptability gives Pochettino some really good options. A lot depends on what happens with Gallagher. I think that is such an important decision – and I would keep him.
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
It was a "joy" to watch Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer against West Ham.
That was the view of Match Of The Day 2 pundit Ashley Williams and one that you would be hard-pressed to find a Chelsea fans that disagreed with.
In another impressive display at home for the Blues, the two youngsters shone in the 5-0 win over their London rivals.
One day before his 22nd birthday, Palmer racked up his 21st Premier League goal of the season, while Madueke added an assist and a goal to his growing recent tally – scoring three times and creating twice in the past six league games.
"They played with such freedom and such confidence and they had one thing on their mind – to attack and to score," added Williams.
That desire to perform in the top half of the pitch showed in the numbers, with both players ranking in the top two for attacking stats amongst team-mates in the game.
Manchester City academy graduate Palmer may have been stand-out from the get-go, but former PSV winger Madueke has taken more time to find his feet at Stamford Bridge since his move in January 2023.
While injuries may have initially forced Mauricio Pochettino's hand in how much game time the 22-year-old has had in the latter part of this campaign, it looks to have brought to life a blossoming partnership.
There were questions around whether the pair, who both prefer operating on the right-hand side, could fit into the starting XI together but those questions are lessening as they grow into roles behind and to the right of forward Nicolas Jackson.
One of the key reasons Pochettino was brought into Stamford Bridge was his track record of working with and improving young players – something much needed after Chelsea's erratic transfer policy of snapping up young talent since Todd Boehly's takeover.
"Poch's influence on young players, he has clearly been working with him [Madueke]," pundit Danny Murphy said on BBC MOTD2. "He doesn't need to work with Cole Palmer because he turned up a genius. He could go on to great things, he makes football look easy and he's a joy to watch. But Madueke's improvement has been a real plus for Chelsea and I think Poch deserves credit for that."
With the improvements seen in Madueke, among others, of late and the growing relationships on the pitch, Blues fans could finally be beginning to see the green shoots of this new Chelsea project.
Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke's heatmap against West Ham
Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk's £65m-rated Ukraine midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, 21, who is also being monitored by Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. (Mail), external
Chelsea also want to sign Napoli's Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen, 25, who has a release clause of over £100m. (Sky Italia), external
Atletico Madrid and Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, 31, is another player who is on Chelsea's radar this summer, with his Spanish club keen to raise funds for a squad rebuild. (Fichajes), external
Roma want to sign Romelu Lukaku, 30, on a permanent deal this summer and Chelsea are willing to sell the Belgium striker, who is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, for £38m. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Failure to win silverware means this season cannot be viewed as a success, says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues have picked up form at the end of an inconsistent campaign to move into Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification contention but lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool and in the FA Cup semi-finals to Manchester City.
"I cannot describe the season as a successful season if you don't win a title at Chelsea," said Pochettino. "Again, expectation is always to win titles.
"Circumstances have shown that the reality was really, really tough, from day one until today. But deep inside, the players and staff were living in the reality. I think the staff are happy and the players are so happy."
After being humiliated 6-0 by Arsenal at Emirates Stadium and having their commitment questioned by their travelling fans, Chelsea have fought back to draw away to fourth-placed Aston Villa before dispatching London rivals Tottenham and West Ham comfortably at home in the space of four days.
They finish the campaign with trips to Nottingham Forest and Brighton before hosting Bournemouth on the final day.
"In the really tough moments, we keep pushing," Pochettino added after the 5-0 win against West Ham.
"We really believe and we never give up. Even with the criticism of many things, we were there.
"That's the important thing, when we talk about experience and quality and capacity to deal with things. We will enjoy today, this type of performance.
"Now it's about being clever and smart and to keep this momentum until the end of the season."
We asked for your views on Sunday's match between Chelsea and West Ham.
Here are some of your answers:
Chelsea fans
Francis: This season has been an improvement on last season. The addition of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson is an upgrade on our previous forwards. I think that Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling will bring more next season. A front four like that with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke rotating would be devastating, surely.
Duncan: Probably the best team performance yet. They seemed fluid and as if they all knew where they should be and where the others would be. Makes me wonder if Fernandez has been the weak link in that pivotal role.
Fletcher: Decent run finally happening for the Blues, just in time to save Poch. Conor has to be kept. Still looking a little fragile in defence.
Kev: Finally looks like penny has dropped as to what is required from them! Cucurella has been great recently and Jackson looks more dangerous with every game. Noni more effective, as is Caicedo – when Enzo not there! Europe is on!
West Ham fans
Pedro: Another defensive catastrophe. Sooner the manager goes the better. We want a team that fights!
Geoff; I was never in the Moyes out camp, though I understood where they were coming from. But I think they have to take some of the blame for our end of season performances. They have created a situation where everyone (including me) knows Moyes has to go, and this must affect the players.
Stan: With the way we played we didn't deserve anything. You could argue we were unlucky having hit the crossbar three times, should they have all gone in then it could have been a very different game. I've stuck with Moyes for a while but now I think it's time for him to go. I hope he gets a good reception at home next week.
Grant: Moyes should just go now. Let Noble take over for last two games. At 3-0 we're still playing the low block! Has Moyes seen the goals against column? We can't defend, yet he sets up to defend in almost every game. Sick of seeing us get thrashed week in week out. Can't wait for him to go.
Chelsea's young team have shown "real growth" during an improved run of results and performances in recent weeks, says former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.
Sunday's 5-0 win against West Ham kept Mauricio Pochettino's side in the hunt to qualify for a European competition next season.
"Some of the wins they've had and some of the performances in places we never expected them to do well at, that's made a big difference," Onuoha told the BBC's Football Daily podcast.
"Obviously getting slapped around by Arsenal didn't help, but when you look beyond that, I think they've done pretty well.
"It's very easy to be down on them because of some of the let-down spots they've had, but it's the teething problems of a young side.
"When we think back to a few weeks ago, when there were three players fighting for a penalty [against Everton], but you look on Sunday and Noni Madueke is kind of going through one-on-one but he makes the better pass to Nicolas Jackson – that's real growth. That's a team that's heading in the right direction. With players who are managing to stay available for longer, now we're seeing the better version of them."
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic added: "If they can go into these last few games, get a couple more wins and potentially get a European spot, it takes a lot of the pressure off Pochettino, makes a decision for the owners a lot easier and then we can see how they can build this summer with the players they bring in."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's three Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.
And you can watch highlights of Friday and Saturday's games on Match of the Day here.
Listen back to Sunday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:
Brighton v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport Journalist
Chelsea have grown into the 2023-24 season and finally seem to be getting to grips with the demands of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
They are just two points shy of sixth-placed Newcastle and Europe is in their sights after a comprehensive victory against West Ham.
Pochettino's side were at it from the first whistle and Cole Palmer set them on their way, scoring his 21st league goal of the season, after just 15 minutes.
It was pretty much one-way traffic throughout as Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke struck to put Chelsea firmly in control by half-time.
A Nicolas Jackson double after the break confirmed a comfortable win for a side improving with each week that passes.
The Blues have won nine of the last 11 home Premier League games and are on a four-match winning streak at Stamford Bridge following victories against Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham.
Pochettino will also be pleased to see his side record back-to-back clean sheets in the league for the first time since February 2023.
Everything seems to be moving in the right direction and they have three huge fixtures remaining to end the campaign on a positive note.
Chelsea forward Noni Madueke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I feel credit has to be given to us, we dominated in all phases. We know they are strong on the counter and physical but we tried to limit that.
"We have been confident but now we're starting to put everything together, being unselfish and working as a collective. The last two games have shown that. Two clean sheets and seven goals. It's a credit to the whole club."
On scoring his goal: "I don't really score headers. To be fair, it hit me, but you take those ones.
"I've been missing the far corner recently, I missed one against Tottenham too but hopefully I'll take one of those soon."
On the fight to get into Europe: "The chips fall how they are meant to fall.
"We will do our best to finish as high as possible to try and qualify for Europe. We know what we can do now and next season we can put everything into it.
"When you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world you have to be in Europe. It has been disappointing this season but we have to go and get it next season."
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm so happy for the players and staff.
"After the victory against Tottenham and to come back again after a few days is very good.
"It was a brilliant game, it was amazing. They reacted in the right way. I was so happy how we competed on Thursday and we have talented players to create chances and score goals.
"I wasn't relaxed in the dugout, I wanted to keep a clean sheet. West Ham are a powerful team on set-pieces and we needed some luck. It was important not just to win the game but also get the clean sheet."
On returning players: "It's amazing to have the kids from the academy but if we want to be competitive we need to have the squad fit. It's important that we are competitive in all areas with players who can fight for their place."
On home form: "It's true last season was tough for everyone here and to turn the feelings and performance this season is difficult. We needed time for everyone to trust in the process and we have recovered good feelings at Stamford Bridge."
On fighting for a place in Europe: "We need to keep this momentum and belief going. We are going to rest tomorrow and Tuesday we will prepare for Nottingham Forest. It's step by step but most important is the mentality."
Chelsea have won nine of their last 11 Premier League home games (D1 L1). Since the start of December, they have the joint-most home wins (9, level with Arsenal) and home points (28, level with Man City) in the competition.
One day before his 22nd birthday, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer became only the third player in Premier League history to reach 30+ goal involvements in a single season while aged 21 or younger (21 goals, 9 assists), after Robbie Fowler (twice – 1994-95 and 1995-96) and Chris Sutton (1993-94).
West Ham have conceded 70 Premier League goals this season, their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition (also 70 in 2010-11), and the most a side managed by David Moyes has ever shipped in a single top-flight season (overtaking Sunderland’s 69 in 2016-17).
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has been directly involved in 12 goals in the Premier League this season (5 goals, 7 assists), now his outright most in a single campaign in the competition (previously 11 in 2021-22 for Crystal Palace).
Nicolas Jackson has scored 13 goals in 32 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, one more than he scored in 35 LaLiga matches for previous club Villarreal (12).
West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna made his 200th Premier League appearance, becoming only the second Italian to reach that tally in the competition, after Gianfranco Zola (229).
Chelsea strengthened their chances of securing European football next season, cruising to victory against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
It took just 15 minutes for Chelsea to get their noses in front with Cole Palmer reacting quickest to meet a loose ball in the West Ham box.
West Ham almost hit back immediately when Jarrod Bowen's header crashed back off the crossbar, but it was one-way traffic from then on.
Chelsea doubled their lead on the half-hour mark through Conor Gallagher before Noni Madueke headed in the third six minutes later.
Nicolas Jackson struck twice in the second half to round off a wholly positive afternoon for the Blues.
With just three games left to play, Chelsea's season seems to be heading for a strong finish as they have climbed up to seventh and sit just two points shy of sixth-placed Newcastle, while West Ham, who have two games remaining, stay ninth.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?
Chelsea fans – let us know your thoughts on the game here
How did you rate the side's performance, West Ham fans?
Follow all of the reaction here
All times BST
There are three Premier League matches today, and we will keep you updated on all the action.
Follow live text coverage over here
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.
For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
The more I see and read about David Moyes' situation at West Ham, the more I am expecting them to shake hands and part company at the end of the season… and then they will bring him back a few months later when they are struggling.
I don't think Moyes has got enough credit for the overall job he has done at the Hammers, but with only one win in their past eight league games, their current form is not great.
This is Chelsea's second London derby of the week, and another big game for them in the battle for sixth and seventh spot. It is going to be close, but I fancy them to edge it.
Nathan's prediction: 2-3
Read all of the predictions here
Ross Mooring
Fan writer
Are you a Chelsea fan unnerved by the routine nature of Thursday's 2-0 win over Tottenham?
Do not worry, there is a new drug coming to market soon called Poch's "Every Little Thing Gonna Be All Right".
This medicine comes in the form of a blue pill to be taken once per week (twice weekly if you plan on visiting Europe).
Key ingredients for 'ELTGBAR' include Conor Gallagher's sweat and tears, ice from Cole Palmer’s veins and a random dose of Nicolas Jackson’s enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, we have not been given approval for the use of Trevoh Chalobah's plasma, but we do believe it has excellent healing properties.
In addition to being good for high anxiety levels, the hope is it has powerful recuperative effects on all sorts of serious leg injuries too.
A trial is due to take place in Cobham this summer before being rolled out to everyone with blue in their blood and a carefree heart from August.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says "it's not my decision" how long he will have in charge of the team.
The Blues put on one of their best performances of the season in their 2-0 win over Champions League-chasing Tottenham on Thursday.
The result moved them up to eighth in the Premier League table, three points off Manchester United in sixth.
Despite still being in contention for a place in Europe next season, it has been an inconsistent season for Pochettino's side and there have been question marks over his position at the club.
"I think enough is enough," he told Sky Sports immediately after the match, when asked about the continuing speculation surrounding his future.
"All the managers need time to translate their ideas and their philosophy. More when the team is like this squad is. We need to have time. It's not my decision."
The Blues have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League and Pochettino has also had to contend with a significant injury list all campaign -14 first-team players were unavailable to face Spurs.
"It's difficult to see every single week that I'm under scrutiny and I'm under judgement. But it's not my decision to be here or not to be here," added the former Argentina defender.
"If we want the history of Chelsea, I think it's a lot of work to do. We will see if we have time to be in this way.
"My feeling is that I'm so, so proud that all these guys, all the squad we have, 25-27 players. We want the best for them and until the last day we're going to try to help them."
Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Chelsea and West Ham in the Premier League.
Chelsea have lost just one of their past 17 home league games against West Ham United (W12 D4), a 1-0 defeat in November 2019 under Frank Lampard.
West Ham are looking to record just their third ever Premier League double over Chelsea after doing so in 2002-03 and 2019-20.
Chelsea have won just one of their past 13 Premier League matches played on Sundays (D5 L7), a 3-2 win over Brighton in December this season.
West Ham have gone 15 Premier League games without a clean sheet – last having a longer run without a shutout in the top flight between March and November 2008 (24 games).
Cole Palmer has scored or assisted against 13 different Premier League opponents this season for Chelsea and he is yet to face West Ham. Only six different players have scored or assisted against 14 different teams in a Premier League season for the Blues – most recently Eden Hazard in 2018-19 (15).
Michail Antonio currently has 99 goals and assists combined in the Premier League for West Ham (67 goals, 32 assists). He could become the first ever Hammers player to get 100 involvements in the competition. He has four goals in his past seven league appearances, as many as in his previous 26 combined.
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