West Ham hosts Chelsea in Premier League clash with Sancho starting

West Ham United faced Chelsea in a Premier League clash on September 21, 2024, at the London Stadium. The Hammers aimed to enhance their league standing after a mediocre beginning to the season, with manager Julen Lopetegui striving to implement a more dynamic and attacking style of play. Despite their efforts, West Ham had not seen the desired results in earlier matches, making this game critical for their ambitions. Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, entered the match with the opportunity to push into the top four with a victory. The team made three changes from their previous match, including the notable inclusion of Jadon Sancho, who had recently impressed with a man of the match performance and an assist. This shift in the lineup indicated a strategic move by Maresca to bolster the team's attacking capabilities. The match was not only important for league standings but also reflected the ongoing developments within both clubs. Chelsea had been dealing with internal dynamics, including reports of discord among co-owners, which Maresca urged his players to ignore. This context added an extra layer of pressure on the team to perform well. As the match unfolded, both teams were keenly aware of the implications of the result, making it a pivotal encounter in the early stages of the Premier League season.