Alejandro Garnacho scored his first Chelsea goal in their Premier League home defeat to Sunderland, but was left frustrated by Enzo Maresca's decision
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho was left frustrated after being substituted, despite scoring Chelsea's opening goal
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Alejandro Garnacho showed his true colours after being substituted during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
The former Manchester United winger was visibly frustrated when Enzo Maresca replaced him with Estevao in the 58th minute. After scoring the opening goal inside four minutes, Garnacho believed he had more to offer before Chelsea went on to lose 2-1.
Maresca's decision sparked backlash from Chelsea fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
One said: "Garnacho was probably the only attacker having a decent game … so of course he’s the first one Maresca subs off. No wonder he was shaking his head," while another posted: "Maresca taking out the attacker who was most likely to score today in Garnacho was not the move."
A third continued: "Maresca makes terrible substitutions. Why take off Garnacho so early?"
Garnacho celebrated his goal by sitting on the advertising hoarding, joined by team-mate Pedro Neto. The moment served as a reminder for United fans - a similar celebration took place during their win over West Ham in February 2024 when Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund struck the same pose.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho tried to replicate his Man United celebration after scoring his first goal for Chelsea.
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At the time, the trio were seen as the future of United. But Garnacho later completed the £40million move to Stamford Bridge while Hojlund is also expected to leave Old Trafford, having shown positive signs following a loan move to Napoli.
Before his switch to west London, Garnacho found himself in United's so-called 'bomb squad' - sidelined during pre-season as Ruben Amorim eyed an overhaul that included moving him on alongside several teammates.
As for Chelsea, their run of four straight wins in all competitions came to a dramatic halt as Sunderland's Chemsdine Talbi struck a stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge.
"I think in general we were not good enough," said Maresca afterwards. "When you are not good enough in the Premier League we know that the consequences can be bad.
"I have said many times, when you are not able to win it is important you do not lose."
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