Could Chelsea's stunning triumph over PSG mark start of new era under Enzo Maresca?
Image: AFP
Liverpool couldn't do it. Nor could Arsenal. Milan conceded five. Even the mighty Real Madrid fell short, humbled in unforgettable fashion. But Chelsea could — when few had given them a chance.
Enzo Maresca's Blues did to PSG what PSG have done to countless big names in a remarkable recent run that included Uefa Champions League glory as part of a magnificent treble for Luis Enrique's all-conquering team.
The quadruple was on, by all accounts, when PSG swept Madrid aside with a devastating opening salvo in the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final in the US.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, were quietly going about their business in the other half of the draw, adding key puzzle pieces along the way. But it was the addition of striker Joao Pedro from Brighton that would have the most immediate impact.
The Brazilian has underlined the value of investing in proven Premier League talent, with three goals in his first two matches in blue — and a 'major' title to boot. Talk about a dream debut.
The likes of Arsenal, and others currently hunting for top marksmen in the transfer window, should take note. The spectacular return to form of talisman Cole Palmer only bodes well for Chelsea's future after an inconsistent campaign last season.
Palmer had PSG left-back Nuno Mendes in his pocket — he may still be there — as he pulled the strings for the Blues all night. That is no mean feat, with the Portuguese defender widely regarded as one of the best in his position.
A long time coming
Moises Caicedo has rediscovered the dominant midfield form he showed at Brighton, breaking up attacks and driving Chelsea forward. Captain Enzo Fernandez, too, is thriving in a more advanced role.
Suddenly, there is a balance to Maresca's team that had been sorely lacking last season, when they often looked rudderless and without identity.
If they can carry their recent form into the new campaign, the Europa Conference League winners could become dark horses for the Premier League title and other honours.
It's a bold statement — but to put their run into perspective, Chelsea have only lost two of their past 15 matches in all competitions. That includes a statement win over Arne Slot's Liverpool, albeit a Reds side that may already have been in holiday mode.
While the jury is still out on the Fifa showcase in the US — especially in the UK — there is no denying that something special is brewing in west London.
There's even a case to be made for installing Chelsea as favourites to challenge Liverpool, particularly with Manchester City's recent struggles and perennial runners-up Arsenal's continued failure to make the leap. That said, it's hard to look beyond a repeat success for the Merseyside outfit.
Fifa's big show — but at what cost?
The sublime display from the Stamford Bridge outfit in the final will have delighted their fans. But as a spectacle, the showpiece itself left much to be desired — and raised uncomfortable questions ahead of next year's expanded Club World Cup.
The half-time show, for one, dragged on interminably and raised fears about the creeping Americanisation of the beautiful game. The extended closing ceremony had already caused a delayed kick-off, and one can only imagine the frustration in the dressing rooms as players were made to wait for the show — or charade — to end.
It seems we are not far off from a time when the headline act at football finals is the half-time entertainment, not the footballers — as has long been the case in American football.
Perish the thought.
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