'We've never seen a team do this to PSG' - how Chelsea won Club World Cup

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Paris St-Germain has been effortlessly defeating every opponent throughout the season, celebrating their Ligue 1 title by early April and decisively overpowering Inter Milan in a Champions League final that was so lopsided it seemed unreal.

They appeared to be progressing through the Club World Cup with the same ease, triumphing over Bayern Munich despite having nine men on the field and then delivering a convincing 4-0 victory against Real Madrid to secure their spot in Sunday’s final.

However, anticipated to easily overcome Chelsea in New Jersey, it was the Parisians who found themselves bewildered this time around.

Before Coldplay's vibrant half-time performance even began, Cole Palmer had netted two outstanding goals and assisted Joao Pedro for another, leaving the Blues with a commanding 3-0 lead—a scoreline that would remain.

"I have never seen PSG give the ball away so much during the first half," remarked former England midfielder Andros Townsend on Dazn.

"Full credit to Chelsea for their eagerness to pursue the ball in this New York heat."

Townsend expressed his disbelief at the spectacle unfolding on the MetLife Stadium pitch, a sentiment echoed by many onlookers.

As fellow analyst Gareth Bale succinctly put it, "PSG have been PSG’d."

So, what allowed Enzo Maresca's team to pull off such a feat? And just how impressive are Chelsea?

Palmer excels as Blues execute ‘tactical masterclass’

As has frequently been observed over the past couple of years, Chelsea’s success has often hinged upon Palmer's performance.

The 23-year-old has mostly played as a traditional number 10 throughout the season, but he faced challenges in that role, going through a stretch of 18 games without finding the net. He has recently acknowledged that he experienced a "difficult time these past whatever months, both on and off the pitch."

Nonetheless, repositioned to the right side during this tournament—a place where he thrived under former manager Mauricio Pochettino—he has visibly returned to form.

Chelsea clearly aimed for a strong start in the final, with Maresca asserting they "won the game in the first 10 minutes," thanks to their assertive tactics and high pressing that placed their rivals under unusual pressure.

"Our strategy was to mark man-to-man because if you give PSG space, they will make you pay, so we aimed to be very aggressive and stifle them early on. That intensity was crucial in the first 10 minutes," explained Maresca.

Once Chelsea established their dominance, it was clear they targeted PSG's left flank, as Joao Pedro consistently moved wide to collaborate with Palmer.

Their approach was often straightforward, featuring passes aimed behind the PSG defense, which proved particularly challenging for left-back Nuno Mendes.

"We had a lot of success attacking the left side of their defense," Maresca noted. "Everything worked out perfectly for us due to the players’ commitment."

Townsend labeled it a “tactical masterclass.”

"That's exactly what they accomplished - they’ve put a strain on this PSG defense, something we've never seen a team achieve against them," remarked former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi.

"We hold it in the same regard as the Champions League... maybe even more."

There has been considerable discussion regarding the significance of this newly enlarged tournament.

Winning the trophy allows one to claim the title of world champions - until the next event occurs, slated for 2029. Additionally, Chelsea will sport a badge on their jerseys to emphasize this.

Moreover, the prize money has ranged from £80 million to £90 million.

"The fans will have bragging rights for the next four years," stated Townsend.

"No one will be able to challenge Chelsea supporters since they are world champions - not just for a year, but for four years, until 2029. Truly, what an accomplishment."

The importance of this victory was evident to both players and staff, who celebrated it with the same enthusiasm as they would for a Champions League or Premier League title.

Following the match, their players confronted PSG’s team on the field, with the French champions visibly distressed by their loss - as Blues manager Maresca stepped in to mediate.

"I believe this competition could be as significant as, or even hold more weight than, the Champions League," Maresca shared.

"I was fortunate to be part of a coaching staff [at Manchester City] that clinched the Champions League three years prior, but this tournament showcases the finest clubs globally. That’s why we regard it as highly as the Champions League, or possibly even more.

"For us, it was a tremendous victory. Enabling Chelsea fans to don that world champion patch on their jerseys brings us great pride."

Palmer remarked, "It feels fantastic. Even more so because there were doubts cast upon us before the match, we were aware of that. To contest like we did, it feels good."

A significant victory - and an indication of future prospects?

Many have poked fun at Chelsea's acquisitions under Todd Boehly. They have invested about £1.5 billion in players since his arrival in 2022, while also issuing a plethora of contracts that last seven, eight, and nine years.

Eighteen months ago, Gary Neville labeled them "billion-pound bottle-jobs" after their defeat in the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool.

However, following this year's Conference League and Club World Cup titles, they are undeniably looking promising. They fielded the youngest squad at the Club World Cup, with no individuals exceeding the age of 27. Hence, their future looks bright.

So, could they contemplate a challenge for the Premier League title now?

Welsh icon Gareth Bale, who was watching for Dazn, said: "I don't believe they are too far off at all. Last season, prior to Christmas, everyone was discussing them as contenders."

"It is clear that they are a youthful squad and have experienced setbacks, yet I believe they will gain valuable insights from this. They have demonstrated strong resolve by bouncing back to secure the Conference League title and now this latest achievement. Their confidence will undoubtedly soar - they will possess a newfound self-assurance."

"Chelsea is fully supportive of Maresca, and for the first time since the UK government imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich following the onset of the war in Ukraine in March 2022, there is a sense of stability within the club."

"This is a redefined club - one that has the potential to achieve victory again - and those involved seek acknowledgment for their accomplishments."

"Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez deserve to be recognized as among the elite midfielders globally. Marc Cucurella could be considered the finest left-back in the Premier League, and perhaps in the world."

"Emerging talents like Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, along with newer additions such as Andrey Santos, show great promise."

"Joao Pedro has netted three goals across three matches in the Club World Cup, playing a vital role in Chelsea's success in the tournament, while fellow striker acquisition Liam Delap has displayed an energetic presence in the United States."

"A different recent addition - Jamie Gittens - is yet to arrive from Dortmund, with Palmeiras' teenage prodigy Estevao Willian also set to join for pre-season training in August."