Chelsea’s Resilient Defence Faces Criticism Despite Strong Start
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea continues to enjoy a promising season, currently sitting third in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca’s leadership has fostered stability within the squad, particularly in defence, where he has placed significant trust in his centre-backs.
Fofana and Colwill Shine in Defensive Partnership
Maresca has shown unwavering faith in Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, both of whom have started every game they’ve been available for. The duo has been pivotal in Chelsea’s solid performances, with Colwill receiving praise as one of the most improved players this season.
Despite the plaudits, Maresca remains baffled by some of the criticism aimed at Chelsea’s defence. Addressing the issue, he told Football London:
“We can attack better and we can defend better. In the Premier League, there are only four or five clubs that have conceded less than us. If people think we’re not going to concede a goal, that’s PlayStation, not football.”
Maresca’s frustration stems from what he sees as unrealistic expectations. He emphasized that conceding goals is an inevitable part of the game, especially in a competitive league like the Premier League.
Chelsea’s Defensive Record in Context
Chelsea has conceded 13 goals this season, a number comparable to other top sides in the league:
| Team | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | 6 |
| Arsenal | 12 |
| Chelsea | 13 |
| Tottenham | 13 |
| Manchester United | 12 |
| Manchester City | 13 |
While Chelsea’s defensive record aligns with other contenders, occasional lapses, such as Tosin Adarabioyo’s struggles against Liverpool, have raised concerns about squad depth when either Fofana or Colwill is unavailable.
Maresca’s Return to Leicester
Chelsea faces Leicester City this weekend, marking Maresca’s return to his former club. Having guided Leicester to Premier League promotion last season, the Italian manager is expected to receive a warm reception at the King Power Stadium.
Chelsea will be aiming to secure a rare clean sheet and continue their strong campaign. Maresca’s belief in his players, particularly his defensive duo, will undoubtedly play a key role as the Blues look to maintain their top-four position.
The trip to Leicester not only promises to be a test of Chelsea’s resolve but also an opportunity to silence critics with a commanding defensive display.
