"When we have difficulties, we like to analyse," Maresca said when asked why teams are playing five-man defences against Chelsea this season. "I'm telling the players every day that, now, teams - probably because of what we achieved last season - have changed their approach against us.
"Sunderland played nine league games and they never used a back five from the start. Never. I watched them all, so we prepared for Sunderland with a back four.
"In the dressing room before the match, I told the players: 'Guys, throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin.' It's so difficult to change plan in just 10 minutes."
Sunderland's plan worked perfectly as they secured a 2-1 win in the capital to maintain their flying start to the Premier League season. Alejandro Garnacho fired Chelsea ahead early on before Wilson Isidor responded midway through the second half. Summer signing Chemsdine Talbi then struck in second half injury time as the Black Cats claimed a huge win.