It’s half time in Chelsea’s game against Newcastle and the Blues have been absolutely battered.
The home team came out all guns blazing, looking more committed, more organised and more motivated. They’ve blown Enzo Maresca’s team away through sheer desire, and that’s not a good look for anyone.
The Blues have been absolutely embarrassing. The defending has been so slack, so disorganised. The midfield, picked and configured specially to compete physically, has been dominant. The attack ahs done absolutely nothing, with the plan seemingly just being to pass to a half fit Cole Palmer when he’s marked by two players.
Chelsea crumble under predictable pressure
Newcastle score their second against Chelsea.
Newcastle score their second against Chelsea.
St James’ Park was never going to be an easy place to go, but this is not an acceptable level of performance in any stadium at any time. You can lose to a great goal or to a superior opposition, but you can’t lose just because the other team is trying harder than you.
This is a terrible look for the team and a terrible look for Maresca. His team look underprepared and lacking in belief. Given the context of his comments a week ago, this is a disaster for him.
UPDATE: Chelsea have scored a goal through Reece James’ brilliant free kick. Will it be enough to get them back into this properly? It’s going to be an exciting 45 minutes finding out.
In other news…
Chelsea aren’t far away from a title challenge, at least in terms of the personnel, according to Peter Crouch and Joe Cole on TNT Sports today. We wonder if Maresca could agree with that?
The big news from today’s teams is Enzo Fernandez being dropped by Enzo Maresca. The Argentine looks knackered and could do with a break, but it’s still a big call from the coach.
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Peter Crouch and Joe Cole chat before kick off.
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Enzo Maresca celebrates at full time.