Chelsea were forced into a number of changes for their Premier League match against Brentford, however Jamie Redknapp believes that one of the decisions was poor from Enzo Maresca.
A combination of players on international duty as well as a huge Champions League game against Bayern Munich in a few days’ time, Maresca decided to rotate his side, leaving a number of key players on the bench.
Cole Palmer scored a brilliant goal off the bench to kickstart their second half comeback, before the Blues were pegged back to 2-2 in added time.
It was clear just how much better Chelsea were after the substitutions were made, with Reece James and Marc Cucurella among those who came off the bench.
Jamie Redknapp looks on prior to Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
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Jamie Redknapp criticises Enzo Maresca decision during Brentford vs Chelsea
In the club captain’s place, Wesley Fofana made his first start since March in the Premier League in the unfamiliar position of right-back.
He was replaced at half-time, something which Maresca hinted was the plan all along, but the decision to start him there in the first place raised some eyebrows.
Jamie Redknapp believes the Blues boss made a mistake asking Fofana to play at right-back, given the amount of time he had been missing from action.
He said to Sky Sports: “For a player who has been out injured so long [Fofana], to go and ask a player to go and play right-back, especially a place where it’s fast and furious like Brentford. He got it wrong in the first half, and he gave himself a problem, he didn’t pick the right team.”
Enzo Maresca watches from the sideline during Brentford vs Chelsea
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Fofana could help form best possible Chelsea defensive line
Chelsea’s first-choice defensive pairing right now seems to be Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo, in the absence of Levi Colwill at the back.
However, the pair struggled somewhat up against the long ball threat that Brentford offered, and Maresca may be considering a new pairing soon.
Fofana is part of the manager’s ideal line-up at the back alongside Colwill, but he should soon hand him another chance at the heart of defence.
His likely partner would be Chalobah, given the fact that he is showing the most comfort of the two playing on the left side of the two.