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Former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva has reacted to Reece James' message, regarding the Blues thumping Premier League win against West Ham United on Friday evening. Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah were all on target with that five-goal haul seeing Lucas Paqueta's early opener forgotten very quickly.
Enzo Maresca's preparations and game plan were likely altered significantly following that goal which came just a few minutes after Cole Palmer pulled out after the starting XI because of an injury, one which has seemingly been plaguing him for at least one week.
"The Palace game, he was not 100 per cent," Maresca revealed in his post-match press conference. "But he's trying to make a big effort for the club, for the team, for the fans. Tonight again he tried, again, but it was not very good.
Based on that update, it certainly suggests that it's not just a minor knock, but the Blues' boss particularly pleased by how his side overcame the challenges.
"Yes, very happy, very impressed, especially because we didn't start in the right way," he said. "Cole [Palmer] injury, conceding after five minutes, but the reaction was very good.
"When we attack in play generally, that must have really excited you, the fluidity. Yes, but you need balance, you need Caicedo, you need Enzo Fernandez, you need Trev, Tosin, Cucurella, Malo. So the attacking players, they are important, but at the same time, also the defensive players."
Chelsea took particular advantage of the Hammers' inability to defend corners with Caicedo and Chalobah the beneficiaries. Such a significant margin arriving as early as the 58th minute allowed Maresca to rotate and make several substitutions.
Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos and Jorrel Hato were among those to be introduced - with that trio making their first Premier League appearances of the season. Club captain James also came on and he was unfortunate not to grab an assist when Estevao Willian was denied from close-range after his excellent through ball.
Following the comprehensive victory, James took to Instagram where he sent a clear message.
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"Huge performance in a London derby," he wrote. "We felt that support tonight, appreciate you all."
Caicedo was among those in the comments with Silva also replying as he sent a blue heart emoji that James liked. The veteran defender is still quite clearly fond of his former teammates, and the years he spent at Stamford Bridge.
After departing the club in the summer of 2024, Silva was able to reunite with a number of his old friends when Chelsea played his current side Fluminense in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
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