Chelsea were clearly second best as they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates in the last game before the international break.
Blues fans will have been worried from even before kick-off after it emerged that Cole Palmer was not in the starting side for the first time since their 5-0 defeat against the same opposition last season.
Enzo Maresca looked to the likes of Christopher Nkunku to carry the creative burden, however he didn’t impress in our player ratings from the defeat to the Gunners.
The Blues have no real golden chances to shout about, with them coming closest through Marc Cucurella, when his volley was spilled just wide by David Raya.
Something that was notable was the fact that Maresca was hesitant to make substitutions as the game threatened to fizzle out.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Chelsea fans frustrated at Enzo Maresca after Arsenal defeat
It took until the 76th minute for the boss to make any changes, with Tyrique George, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo all not being given long to make an impact.
Chelsea fans were frustrated at the Italian not looking to his bench earlier in the game, with them clearly looking like they weren’t going to find the net with those who started the game.
One user said: “The team selection and the use of subs is absolutely baffling to me. Maresca literally hasn’t got a clue.”
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Another added: “Bizarre subs from Maresca yet again, and we’ve been pony. Why is he still here?”
A third stated: “Still no subs….Maresca might need to go at the end of the season.”
Another user said: “Did anyone tell Maresca he’s allowed to make subs?”
Finally, one user said: “Subs made far too late as usual. Also the diff Tosin, George and KDH made showed Maresca started with the wrong side. One shot on target not good enough, too many safe, possession based passes when in the Arsenal half. You don’t score if you don’t take risks.”
Enzo Maresca’s big two months at Chelsea
All of the reports have stated that Maresca is untouchable in his role as Chelsea manager, however there will be a lot of pressure on the next few Premier League games as the Blues look to qualify for the Champions League.
It is almost certain that top five will be enough to qualify to compete amongst Europe’s elite next season, and the Blues can look to a number of returning players from injury as reason to be optimistic of their chances.
Romeo Lavia came off the bench late on against Arsenal, and the Blues will be hoping it is not long before Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Palmer are back in action ahead of nine crucial games before the end of the season.