Enzo Maresca was not too down after Chelsea’s winning run came to an end yesterday against Everton in the Premier League.
The boss was already aware of the challenges the Blues have faced at Goodison Park in the past, as well as the issues they have already posed the likes of Arsenal in recent weeks.
Maresca was forced to get a bit creative with his team selection, especially at the back with a number of key players unavailable.
Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are set to be out for a while, and Marc Cucurella was suspended following his red card after the game against Brentford.
James Tarkowski of Everton in action with Malo Gusto of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park ...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Malo Gusto still uncomfortable playing on the left of defence
The Spaniard’s absence was dealt with by shifting Malo Gusto over to the unpreferred left-back position, where he was tasked with inverting inside.
This is something that Cucurella has been able to do seamlessly, as well as join the attack to support Jadon Sancho on the wing.
Gusto struggled however, and again his attacking limitations were on display in key moments.
In a week where Cucurella found the net twice in two games for the Blues, Gusto was guilty of missing one of Chelsea’s biggest chances in a similar fashion to how he was when they drew with Arsenal.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Maresca has belief that Gusto is ‘fantastic’, however has been asking him to play a new role for the majority of this season.
Malo Gusto stats during Everton vs Chelsea
The Frenchman was not particularly effective in his duels yesterday, and as mentioned missed arguably their biggest chance to find the net.
Malo Gusto stats for Chelsea vs Everton Total
Minutes 90
Duels 5/10
Defensive Actions 2
Big Chances Missed 1
Gusto starred for Chelsea last season, however his best football was played in a more traditional right-back role, where he was able to defend out wide and provide crosses for the attackers.
Chelsea were forced to start Axel Disasi at right-back this weekend, and he again looked far less comfortable than where he would have done if he was in the middle of defence.
Related Posts