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Aasif Rahman
Sat 23 August 2025 9:34, UK
Chelsea captain Reece James sent a message to supporters after watching his side dismantle West Ham despite being left out of the starting line-up.
Enzo Maresca’s side picked up their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, as Chelsea thrashed West Ham 5-1 at the London Stadium on Friday (22 August).
Lucas Paqueta had briefly given West Ham hope with a thunderous strike from distance, but the lead lasted just six minutes before Joao Pedro levelled with his first Premier League goal for Chelsea.
Graham Potter’s side looked competitive early on and even had a Niclas Fullkrug goal ruled out for offside, but Chelsea found their rhythm with Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto goals to give the Blues a commanding advantage.
In the second-half, they continued their attacking dominance as Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah capped off a dominant display with further goals.
James entered the action in the 69th minute, replacing Malo Gusto, and made an instant impact by creating a chance for Estevao during his short cameo despite being dropped from the starting XI and after the match, the skipper addressed supporters with a message on social media.
James shared a message with supporters on Instagram after Chelsea secured their first win of the season, despite the captain not starting the match.
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He wrote on Instagram: “Huge performance in a London derby.
We felt that support tonight, appreciate you all.”
The post drew plenty of interaction from his teammates, with Moises Caicedo replying with a salute and heart emoji, while Fernandez, Pedro and Gusto all showed their support by liking the post.
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Maresca has previously faced criticism for experimenting with James in midfield rather than his natural right-back role lasts season , and his decision to rotate him out of the starting XI in just the second league fixture may already raise questions.
The England international endured another injury-hit campaign last season, missing 22 matches in 2024/25, and it remains to be seen whether fitness issues will continue to restrict his involvement this term.
SeasonMatches missed2024/25222023/24382022/2325Reece James’ injury history.
Despite the current injury troubles in defence, Football Insider report that Chelsea are willing to allow Josh Acheampong to leave on loan this summer.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League sides as well as clubs abroad.
Even though he featured in the Blues’ opening fixture of the season, his future at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain.
Chelsea are actively pursuing a new centre-back signing before the transfer window closes, and any arrival would push Acheampong further down the pecking order, making a loan exit more likely.
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