Chelsea delivered a commanding 8-0 victory over Armenian side FC Noah, setting a Conference League record for the largest margin of victory. This dominant performance highlights Chelsea’s strength in the tournament, with many observers questioning why the club, ranked among Europe’s elite, is even participating in the competition.
Conference League Dominance
Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, has been fielding a mix of regular and fringe players in the tournament, yet the team has been nearly unstoppable. With 16 goals in their first three games, the Blues have scored double the goals of any other team in the competition. Thursday’s 8-0 win surpassed the previous record for the largest margin of victory in the Conference League.
Aiming for a Historic Win
Should Chelsea claim the Conference League title, they would become the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Currently sitting at the top of their group, Chelsea is widely regarded as the favorite to win it all. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole commented, “This tournament doesn’t start for Chelsea until the quarter-finals or semi-finals. They are massive favorites.”
Utilizing Depth to Win
Maresca has made full use of Chelsea’s deep squad, rotating the entire lineup for Conference League games. Players like Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring twice each against Noah. Nkunku now leads the team with 10 goals this season, despite limited appearances in the Premier League.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s next challenge is a Premier League matchup against Arsenal, where Maresca may incorporate some of the standout players from the Conference League. This latest victory solidifies Chelsea’s momentum as they continue their journey both domestically and in European competitions.