Chelsea had Marc Cucurella to thank for getting them out of a tough spot and helping them pick up all three points against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were frustrated for much of the afternoon by their relegation-threatened opponents, none more so than Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s star man missed his first penalty in senior football in the first half.
Chelsea were not to be deterred though, and Cucurella separated the sides with a fine strike on the hour mark, his second in as many league games.
Cucurella was player of the match in The Chelsea Chronicle’s player ratings, and is continuing to prove that he is one of the more important players in a blue shirt every single week.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca turned to Chelsea fans instead of players after Marc Cucurella’s goal vs Leicester
Enzo Maresca was amongst familiar faces in both dugouts at Stamford Bridge as he took on his old team for the second time since being poached by Chelsea, keeping up his 100% record against them since his move.
The pressure was clearly on the Italian though, who will have known that a win saw them return to the top four of the Premier League.
The boss was quick to give out hugs to his coaching staff after the full-time whistle, as he desperately searches for some form amid a huge set of games to come.
Instead of celebrating with his players after Cucurella’s goal, Maresca instead turned to the Chelsea fans sat near the dugout in order to gee them up, knowing their support would be crucial in the closing moments.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Kieran Gill said: “While Chelsea’s players were celebrating that goal from Marc Cucurella, Enzo Maresca was urging the fans to show some support. Shouted “hey, come on” at those next to the Chelsea dugout.”
Maresca’s long-standing battle with Chelsea fans
Ever since the first Premier League game Maresca was in charge of, the manager has called for more from those in attendance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans serenaded Maresca with his own chants when they were dominant in victory against Southampton back in December, although the mood is not quite as strong now.
Nevertheless, there is an unwavering support of the manager from the higher ups at the club, with the owners believing Maresca can become one of the best in the world.
They will be desperate to stick with a head coach for a prolonged period of time, after short spells in charge for Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino.