It will be Chelsea’s most important signings of 2023, rather than 2024, who will determine the outcome of Maresca’s push for the top four

In contrast to the past couple of years, this winter window was all about spring cleaning. A squad stuffed to the brim back in August has been further trimmed down, various loans have been shuffled and numbers reduced before a second half of the season where there will not be the same need for a full second string to play every week.

Late-window action

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 in a pulsating London derby at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Monday. Chelsea’s second win in eight games lifted the home side into fourth place in the table, two points above Manchester City and four behind third-placed Nottingham Forest. West Ham remained 15th.

Gianfranco Zola, ex-Chelsea forward and former West Ham manager, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the Blues' 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Monday: "It was a good result for Chelsea, the performance wasn't as good as other times but that was due to the way West Ham played.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca labelled his team's 2-1 win over West Ham United a huge result as they came from a goal down on Monday to boost their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish.