Despite Chelsea’s fightback to claim a point at Newcastle, there was certainly room for improvement in their overall performance at St. James’ Park.
Enzo Maresca cut a frustrated figure for much of the first half, with his side quickly falling 2-0 behind thanks to a Nick Woltermade brace.
The boss was booked in the first half as the red mist spilled over, and Maresca is now suspended for the Aston Villa game after picking up his third caution of the season.
Chelsea’s previous five meetings against Aston Villa
Can you name Chelsea's last goalscorer vs the Villans? 🤔
Chelsea's previous five results vs Aston Villa
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One change Chelsea fans want to see is the return of Estevao Willian after his minor injury concern, and if he does it is likely that he will replace Alejandro Garnacho in the starting side.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
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The former Manchester United man has actually enjoyed a decent opening to his Stamford Bridge career. However, Garnacho’s finishing against Newcastle let him down in key moments.
Considering the Argentine was up against an out-of-position Lewis Miley, there was belief he would have a real say over the majority of Chelsea’s attacks.
Where do you think Alejandro Garnacho needs to improve after his Newcastle display?
Alejandro Garnacho's selected stats vs Newcastle
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This wasn’t the case though, and Paul Merson told Sky Sports during the half-time coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester United that Garnacho was left clueless in the battle down Chelsea’s left.
He said: “I watched Garnacho against Miley, Miley’s not a full-back. Just showed Garnacho down the line every time, he didn’t know what to do.”
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
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Garnacho could still start vs Aston Villa
Even though Maresca will not be in the dugout against Villa, he will have his say over the XI, and could still pick the 21-year-old to start.
Garnacho’s defensive work has been praised by the boss recently, helping Chelsea to defend from the front.
Also, Pedro Neto’s poor record against Villa could see the Blues look to hand him a much-needed rest.
Jamie Gittens is also not putting up a real fight for the left-wing position at the moment, with the former Borussia Dortmund man struggling to prove his worth in comparison to his price tag.
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