Chelsea were crowned champions of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series in the United States, thanks to a 2-0 victory over west London rivals Fulham in Landover, Md., on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochettino isn’t even a full month into the job, and already the new Blues boss has won a piece of silverware. Thiago Silva scored the winning goal in the 20th minute and Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s premier summer signing (thus far), added some insurance with his second goal of the Summer Series in the 41st.
Chelsea lift the trophy as winners of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series! #PLSummerSeries pic.twitter.com/NcN6ldzTmc
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 30, 2023
After an embarrassing 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season, Pochettino has breathed new life into a new Chelsea squad which features eight players expected to be key figures this season, all of whom were signed within the last 12 months.
USMNT goalkeeper Gabriel ‘Gaga’ Slonina starts in goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues.
Mason Burstow, 19, and Bashir Humphreys, 20, also start for Chelsea.
A win gives the Premier League Summer Series to Chelsea. A draw gives it to Aston Villa. A loss puts Fulham on top.
Your Chelsea today. 🔵@ParimatchUK | #BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/vJrcCK5mzA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 30, 2023
Carlos Vinicius leads the line for Fulham, as Raul Jimenez is on the bench.
USMNT left back Antonee Robinson returns to Fulham’s XI, with new signing Calvin Bassey amongst the subs after his move from Ajax earlier this week.
▪️ @Antonee_Jedi returns.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 30, 2023
▪️ @Raul_Jimenez9 and @CalvinBassey included on the bench.
How we look for this afternoon's #PLSummerSeries clash: 📋 pic.twitter.com/0cCZeYuuUE
The Cottagers looked pretty good going forward against Brentford but some issues are starting to crop up.
Obviously losing Joao Palhinha to a freak injury was a big blow and so too is Mitrovic basically saying he wants out to move to Saudi Arabia.
Far from ideal for Silva but Fulham look like they have enough attacking talents to cause anyone problems and they are busy making moves with Raul Jimenez already arriving.
Yeah, the Blues look pretty good. Which you would expect after all of the big name signings.
Pochettino has them playing in his famed high-pressing style and the duo of Nkunku and Jackson in attack have both settled in very well.
Reece James is back in action too, while club-record signing Enzo Fernandez will have a key role this season after Kovacic and Kante moved on this summer.
How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham in the Summer Series live, stream link
Kickoff: 2:45pm ET, Sunday (July 30)
Where: FedExField - Landover, Maryland
TV Channel/Stream: NBC and on NBCSports.com
