Enzo Maresca feels Chelsea lacked quality in the final third as they failed to score in a game for the first time since August.
The Blues dropped more points as they were held to a drab 0-0 draw against Bournemouth, in another largely uninspiring performance.
Chelsea remain fourth in the league, but are just three points above 12th, and could drop to fifth if Crystal Palace beat Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca on lack of quality in the final third
As expected Maresca made changes to the team that lost to Leeds, and he arguably fielded the strongest line-up available.
Cole Palmer started his first game since September, whilst Liam Delap led the line and Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto were given the nod on the wings.
Cole Palmer struggles against Bournemouth.
Chelsea struggled to create any clear cut chances against Bournemouth. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Chelsea struggled to create anything in the first half, and lost Liam Delap to a shoulder injury, and whilst there was an improvement in the second half it was still a struggle to create any really good opportunities.
It was the first time Chelsea had failed to score in a game since August, and Maresca put it down to a lack of quality in the final third.
“No, I think a lack of quality in the last third for me, personally, in terms of last pass, you know, some cross, some moment,” he told his post match press conference.
“We know that we are not going to score every game.
“I didn’t know, to be honest, that was from [Crystal] Palace [game in August].
“Now we’re going to try to score on Tuesday, but it’s important at least to keep the clean sheet that gives us at least the chance to take points.”
Big week ahead for Chelsea
After taking two points from a possible nine against Arsenal, Leeds and Bournemouth, Chelsea face another massive week.
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Enzo Maresca appeals on the touchline.
Enzo Maresca appeals on the touchline.
Andoni Iraola managing Bournemouth.
The Blues travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday evening looking to solidify their place in the top eight.
Everton then visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what has turned into a must win game, given the current poor run of form in the league.