Former Chelsea captain John Terry hailed the performance of Alejandro Garnacho following Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolves.
Following a midweek Champions League setback, Enzo Maresca was desperate to get back to winning ways ahead of the international break.
After a goalless first half, the Stamford Bridge faithful could have been forgiven for thinking they were in for another frustrating afternoon against a side they were heavily fancied to beat comfortably.
Malo Gusto’s first goal for the club early in the second period broke the deadlock and from then on the result was never in question.
Garnacho has taken his time to find his feet since his summer move from Manchester United, but is increasingly looking like Chelsea’s best option on the the left-hand side of their attack.
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The Argentina international added two more assists to his goal against Qarabag on Wednesday and Terry was encouraged by the way in which he tormented Wolves.
He said: ‘Great win and great result for the boys yesterday.
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You speak about the importance of these wins and these games before the international break and we did that.
‘Especially after dominating the first half like we did. Previously not scoring, we’d probably have gone on to lose that game after not taking our chances but we managed to do it second half with a much better performance.
‘Clean sheet, love a clean sheet, I can never get away from loving a clean sheet.’
On Garnacho’s contribution to a much-needed win,he added: ‘I also want to touch on how good Garnacho was yesterday.
‘Absolutely petrifying as a defender when you’re facing someone that quick and that direct. He gives us something the other wingers don’t as well.
‘That’s what you want to see as a Chelsea fan players like that beating players. It doesn’t always have to be with loads of skill.
‘You can knock it past people when you’re that quick and put crosses in the box and make it difficult for defenders. I’m delighted with that.’
Chelsea will return from the two week break just six points behind Arsenal with a London derby on home soil looming on the horizon.
‘Also, I spoke last week and said I was getting a little bit worried about Arsenal’s clean sheet record,’ added Terry,
‘I’m feeling a lot more comfortable this morning. It’s always the games you don’t expect and I certainly didn’t expect Sunderland to score two yesterday but I’m delighted they did.’