Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho showcased his best form yet in a 3-0 victory over Wolves, providing two assists as manager Enzo Maresca’s ‘work hard’ philosophy begins to pay dividends for the Argentine.
In a dominant Premier League performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Chelsea secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Alejandro Garnacho playing a pivotal role. The 21-year-old winger, who joined from Manchester United in the summer, set up goals for Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto, marking his first instance of two assists in a single Premier League match. This display highlighted his growing influence in Maresca’s system, where emphasis on effort both on and off the ball is paramount. The victory propelled Chelsea to second place in the league table, boosting morale ahead of the international break.
After the match, manager Enzo Maresca praised Garnacho’s development, attributing his improvement to a simple yet effective mantra. ‘Work hard – this has been the main message since he joined us,’ Maresca stated, underscoring that Garnacho’s technical quality was never in doubt, but his commitment to defensive duties and overall work rate needed enhancement. The manager revealed that Garnacho arrived at Chelsea lacking full match fitness after being sidelined at United, but has since embraced the rigorous demands of the squad. Maresca’s insistence on hard work reflects his broader philosophy for the team’s success.
Garnacho’s journey at Chelsea began turbulently, with a £40 million move finalized late in the transfer window after he was excluded from Manchester United’s first-team plans by manager Ruben Amorim. His initial appearances were underwhelming, including a poor showing in the Carabao Cup against Lincoln City that drew criticism. However, in recent weeks, he has turned a corner, contributing two goals and two assists in his last four matches across all competitions. This resurgence echoes his form at United, where he excited fans with his pace and skill, and suggests he is adapting well to his new environment.
During the Wolves match, Garnacho’s impact was evident from the start, as he won an early free-kick and tested the goalkeeper with a close-range shot in the first half. His breakthrough came in the second half with a precise cross headed in by Gusto to open the scoring, alleviating tension after Chelsea were booed off at halftime. Later, he demonstrated his speed and vision by sprinting into space to set up Neto for the third goal, sealing the win. These assists followed a crucial equalizer against Qarabag in the Champions League midweek, indicating his growing confidence and consistency.
The Argentine’s improved fitness and integration into the team have been key factors, with Maresca noting that Garnacho is now completing full matches and showing better physical condition. His link-up play with compatriot Enzo Fernandez was particularly effective against Wolves, showcasing the chemistry developing within the squad. Despite this progress, questions remain about his ability to score decisive goals in high-stakes games, as his previous strikes came against lesser opponents. For Garnacho to fully silence critics, he must deliver in crucial moments for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s current campaign sees them as the Premier League’s top scorers with 21 goals from 11 games, a testament to Maresca’s attacking approach. The manager admitted concern before the Wolves game, citing the potential for complacency, but was pleased with the response after halftime. Substitute Estevao Willian’s introduction lifted the team’s energy, highlighting the depth of talent available. With key players like Cole Palmer set to return from injury in December, Chelsea’s prospects for a top-four finish appear bright.
Looking ahead, Chelsea face Burnley after the international break on November 22, followed by a Champions League clash with Barcelona and an EFL Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City. Maresca’s focus on continuous improvement and hard work will be crucial in these fixtures. For Garnacho, maintaining this form could secure his place in the starting lineup over competitors like Jamie Gittens, and help Chelsea achieve their season objectives. The ‘work hard’ message not only applies to him but symbolizes the team’s collective ambition.
In conclusion, Garnacho’s resurgence under Maresca’s guidance marks a positive turn in his Chelsea career, demonstrating how dedication and effort can unlock potential. As the club navigates a packed schedule, his contributions will be vital in pursuit of silverware and Champions League qualification. Fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see if he can sustain this peak performance and become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s future success.
