Chelsea were dumped out of the EFL Cup by West Ham United at the London Stadium on Wednesday night leaving one Blues midfielder choking on his words.
West Ham United’s Edimilson Fernandes celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates
The world and its wife seems to have an opinion on West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium and Blues star John Obi Mikel was the latest in the build-up to the first ever London derby at the 60,000 seater ground.
The Nigerian told the London Evening Standard that Chelsea’s bitter rivals had lost their home advantage since moving to Stratford and was convinced Chelsea could take advantage.
Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel
“West Ham’s new ground is very good but I think it’s why they have suffered,” Mikel told Standard Sport.
“It is a big ground, a good pitch and I think clubs go there to express themselves.
“In a way, every team that goes there feels that both teams are playing away from home.”
West Ham United fans give Chelsea a warm welcome
Well only one team looked like the away side on Wednesday night as Slaven Bilic’s rejuvenated group ran out deserved 2-1 winners to set up a quarter-final clash with Manchester United.
A fantastic and intimidating atmosphere greeted the visitors just like it used to at the club’s beloved Upton Park.
Pundits, opposing fans and, well just about everyone, has had their say on the big move, blaming it for West Ham’s poor start to the season.
The only way is up: West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic gestures
And while there may be an element of truth in that assertion, Mikel got it wrong to question the ferocity of the Hammers’ home support.
Mikel didn’t play in the game and has slipped down the pecking order under new manager Antonio Conte.
But his teammates felt the full force of it as that famous Upton Park roar under the lights returned in a match that could prove so crucial for making the Olympic Stadium feel like home both on and off the pitch.
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