Chelsea 5-0 Wrexham: The One where the Blues defeated Deadpool

Scoring goals is fun

It didn't take long for Mauricio Pochettino to make his mark on the Chelsea squad. And yes, it's important to keep things in perspective in terms of the opponent and the fact that this is preseason. However, if we're all being really honest with each other - if Graham Potter was still overseeing this, rather than a 5-nil win this would be a draw at best. 

Chelsea managed to score more goals against Wrexham than they managed in the whole of January and February combined. That was 11 matches. Granted they were competitive and across a number of competitions - but really sums up the problems that have been a hallmark of Potter's teams, beyond just a misfiring chaotic club in London.

Veteran keeper Ben Foster perfectly summed up the tactics which the Argentinian boss is trying to instil into his young squad. "‘Runners down the wing, players coming inside going outside, and there’s always taking the ball on the run. They’re either already running or they’re picking it and running with it so it just gets you on the back foot straight away and it’s good to see. There’s so much pace, they’re so sharp." 

No one was saying anything like that about Chelsea last year. In fact, Frank Lampard highlighted how problematic the fitness was among his inherited side. The players were warned that they would 'suffer' at the hands of Pochettino and his coaches through a brutal two-week fitness camp. And it appears it's already paying off.

While some things have begun to change for the better, not everything has blossomed under a new watchful eye. Raheem Sterling appeared to still struggle with the issues that plagued him throughout the whole of last season. He does manage to get into some useful positions, but his finishing needs more than a little work. Wrexham were there for the taking, and the former Man City star did anything but.

Academy star Ian Maatsen took his chance to impress the new boss. Having spent a season on loan at Burnley, the youngster starred for the newly promoted side at left-back. But Pochettino opted to move him further forward and it paid off with a first half brace, including the opening goal after just three minutes. His versatility and eye for goal may see him earn a position in the first team this season.

A first look, for many Chelsea fans, at new boys Nico Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. While the latter got on the scoresheet with a clinical finish in the dying minutes, it was the former Villarreal star that made an instant impact despite not getting a goal for himself. His speed and positioning were key to Maatsen's opener and he tested Wrexham's defence at every opportunity. The Toddfather may have unearthed a real gem.