Chelsea were soundly beaten despite the 1-0 scoreline by Arsenal in their last Premier League game before the international break.
Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game, however the Blues gave up plenty of opportunities, frequently off the back of their own mistakes.
Robert Sanchez was unconvincing on his return to the starting side in the league, although Enzo Maresca praised Sanchez for his performance.
It was the first time the manager was able to name Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella in his starting line-up, although the club captain started in midfield.
Benoit Badiashile was named in the starting side too, as he continues to step up his return from injury.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca must recall Tosin Adarabioyo after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal
This meant there was no place in the XI for Tosin Adarabioyo, who had started the last five games in all competitions before this game.
This run had seen Chelsea pick up three clean sheets in four wins, and the centre-back prove he had a role to play in the side.
Tosin has emerged as a leader at Chelsea despite it being his first season at the club, and the youthful core to the first team does hand itself to the 27-year-old being part of the backline.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
The Blues also conceded from another set-piece, the eighth time that has happened this season, with the height of the former Fulham man something that was lacking on Sunday.
With Fofana, Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah all recently back from injury, Tosin could be a more reliable option for Maresca in what is set to be nine crucial league games before the end of the season.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Todd Boehly didn’t want Tosin
Despite Tosin being described as quality earlier this season, there was not universal backing of him coming in for free at Chelsea.
One key figure who reportedly wasn’t so keen was one of the owners, with Todd Boehly not keen on Tosin joining the club.
The American was a bigger fan of keeping Chalobah at the club, however the club made great efforts to get rid of him permanently before recalling him from his loan.
The centre-back has impressed greatly given the lack of transfer fee the Blues paid for him, and Maresca should prioritise starting him, beginning with the next game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.