Chelsea fans who made the trip to Elland Road were left bitterly disappointed with what they saw from their players as they were defeated 3-1 by Leeds United.
Enzo Maresca took a risk to rotate some of his key players. Reece James, Pedro Neto and Wesley Fofana were all absent from the starting side, as well as the suspended Moises Caicedo.
Maresca was criticised for starting Tosin Adarabioyo at the back, and the defender was at fault for the third goal just as Chelsea looked as if they were getting back into the game.
Was Tosin Adarabioyo really that bad against Leeds?
Here’s what the stats say…
Minutes: 90
Tackles (won): 1 (1)
Interceptions: 1
Clearances: 12
Recoveries: 2
Aerial duels (won): 10 (8)
Accurate passes: 95/104 (91%)
Via Sofascore
Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea looks on prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Even the return of Cole Palmer from his long injury layoff was not enough to get a result for the Blues. It was the first time the Englishman had featured since September.
Leeds United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s return ‘the only good news’ for Enzo Maresca from Chelsea’s loss to Leeds
Palmer did miss a guilt-edged chance when the score was 2-1 to Leeds, but the main positive is that he was back on the pitch at all, and ready to contribute again.
Maresca told the Chelsea Youtube Channel after the game that the comeback of his key man was the only real good point of a night he will want to forget very quickly.
He said: “It’s probably the only good news over the night. Happy for him, he’s back, now he needs to build a bit of physical condition, he will be important for sure.”
The boss has already made it clear that he is looking to protect Palmer upon his return, and not consistently throw him into 90 minute appearances straight away.
Leeds United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Palmer’s return could spark the end at Chelsea for two teammates
With Palmer now back amongst the matchday squad, it has been Tyrique George who has missed out on a place on the bench.
With interest in the youngster from elsewhere, it can be expected that George will depart the club in January due to the other attacking options at the club.
Facundo Buonanotte is a more curious case. He has been absent from the first team squad for the last six games.
However, it has been reported that insiders believe Buonanotte will get his chances in the coming weeks, perhaps as Pedro is eased back into action.
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