Enzo Maresca will have finished Chelsea’s draw against Newcastle in a far better frame of mind than at half-time at St. James’ Park.
Maresca’s teamtalk at the break worked wonders, as the Blues fought back from 2-0 down to rescue a point against Newcastle.
Chelsea have their captain, Reece James, to thank at both ends of the pitch. It was his stunning free-kick that brought the Blues back into the game in the first place.
The captain steps up 💪
When's the last time you saw a free-kick that pretty?
Reece James celebrates Chelsea goal
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John Terry was wowed by James, and also had plenty of praise for the manager for being able to turn things around on the pitch.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Why Enzo Maresca was booked during Chelsea vs Newcastle
The Blues are now going to be without Maresca for their next game against Aston Villa after he picked up a yellow card, his third of the season.
The boss explained the moment which saw him booked, and told Football London that this came from complaining to the referee about a foul from a Newcastle player not resulting in a yellow card.
He said: “It is better if… I was complaining just because the same foul was a yellow card for us and they did exactly the same foul three times. Make a foul from behind and no yellow card.
“So I was just complaining why the same foul, one is yellow card and the other one is no yellow card. So this is the reason why I complained with the referee.”
FBL-ENG-PR-NOTTINGHAM FOREST-CHELSEA
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Who will be in charge of Chelsea vs Aston Villa?
In Maresca’s absence from the touchline, he will be watching from the stands as the Blues look to gain points on the side above them in the table.
Do you think Chelsea can win the Premier League with Enzo Maresca? 👀
If not, who can bring the title back to Stamford Bridge?
Paul Winstanley with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly
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With him not in the technical area, that role is likely to be taken again by Willy Caballero.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper took charge following Maresca’s red card against Liverpool, with the Blues picking up a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
There will be no doubt be influence on the side from the Italian though, including who will be in the starting side for the final game of 2025.
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