Every time it looks like [Chelsea](https://theprideoflondon.com/chelsea-favourites-sign-spanish-international-striker) have taken a step forward, they take another back. The win against Tottenham Hotspur should have been a launching pad for better performances. Instead, they followed it up with a 2-2 draw against Azerbaijani side Qarabag. The result is a major blow to the Blues' chances of making it to the next round of the competition.
It was not a matter of the opposition getting lucky either. They had the better of the chances in the first half. One could argue that Chelsea should have got the third when they found the equaliser early after the break, and they did come close, but Enzo Maresca's side were not able to get the job done.
On paper, this should have been Chelsea's easiest game of this round. Admittedly, Qarabag have done well so far this season and have seven points as well after the first four games.
One of the errors that Maresca made on the night was starting Jorrel Hato at centre-back instead of Josh Acheampong. Despite the Cobham graduate's solid performances, at times it feels like the Italian does not rate him and only plays him when other options are scarce. On this night, he paid the price for it.
Hato was at fault for both the goals that Chelsea conceded. He lost his man for the first and then gave away the penalty for the second. Despite that, the manager stuck with him and played him for the entirety of the match.
As one Chelsea fan wrote: "Josh Acheampong has not lost a game when he start for Chelsea, how on earth is Maresca starting Jorrel Hato over him."
Another said: "Jorrel Hato having a nightmare. Why he was preferred over Josh Acheampong or Wes or even Chalobah is purely on Maresca."
When a centre-back was not signed in the summer, one of the reasons briefed to the media was that it was to help with Acheampong's development. Well, he has done well when given the chance. But Maresca has not played him as often as he deserves.
If this continues, Maresca will have some answers to give, that is very clear. This is a shaky Chelsea defence, and for some reason, the manager insists on not playing arguably the most talented option they have in that area of the pitch. It makes little sense.