Roy Keane ‘loves Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer’ at Chelsea
Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez absolutely delighted Roy Keane with their “brilliant, brilliant” work for Chelsea in the victory over Aston Villa.
The Blues’ impressive win against their top-four rivals at Stamford Bridge on 1 December has them currently in third place. But this is only in alphabetical order to Arsenal, who are on the same points and goal difference.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 in the first-half which was filled with errors defensively from the visitors. Cole Palmer then curled a left-footed curling effort from outside the box late on.
Even though Palmer’s long-range goal took many of the plaudits, it was Chelsea’s second goal that caught the eye of Keane, exclaiming “I love it”.
At half-time Keane spoke about the build-up to the Fernandez goal live on Sky Sports (2.28pm): “Oh pure quality. Quick play, you can see Villa have got the numbers back but you do things quickly, one, two touch, this is where you’ve got the quality.”
He added: “But it’s his first touch that is key here, that sets him up and doesn’t give the defenders a chance to get near him. Brilliant, brilliant goal, and well deserved.”
Enzo Maresca has Chelsea confident again
Football Insider opinion
Chelsea are not only a threat to the top-four race but also could be in with an outside shout for the title. Enzo Maresca may say it’s too early, but he’s managed the squad brilliantly.
He’s able to make multiple changes from European games, and with the quality in depth, rotation isn’t a risk. Compare that to Aston Villa, who can’t afford to rotate as they have the Champions League midweek.
Level with Arsenal on 24 points in December is also a fantastic return but the Italian has continually downplayed title talk.
However, the players are responding in training in a positive way. Palmer has been the star man since his summer move, but his off-the-ball work is also now being highlighted.
Fernandez is someone who has been continuously in and out of the team this term, despite being the most expensive British signing. But that hasn’t put Maresca off from starting others ahead of him.
But with his recent form, The Athletic report that “he has showcased in recent weeks, he is too valuable not to include in Chelsea’s strongest side.”
The work in the training ground is paying off. Despite the lukewarm reception to his appointment, it seems as if Chelsea may have finally hit the jackpot.
If Keane is being as effusive as he was on Sunday then things certainly look like they are moving in the right direction.
In other Chelsea news, Jadon Sancho has shared a fitness update ahead of Southampton match.
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