“He can’t deny” – Enzo Maresca just made his first big two mistake as Chelsea manager in defeat to Fulham

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Enzo Maresca’s Impact at Chelsea: A Mixed Bag

A Positive Atmosphere Around the New Manager

Chelsea fans have been overwhelmingly supportive of their new manager, Enzo Maresca, who has guided the team to second place in the Premier League in his debut season. The transformation under his leadership has been evident, with notable improvements across the squad.

Maresca’s popularity among the Chelsea faithful was highlighted during their commanding 5-1 victory over Southampton a few weeks ago, with fans loudly chanting his name in appreciation.

Boxing Day Disappointment

Despite the progress, the Boxing Day match against Fulham was a frustrating outing for Chelsea. The Blues squandered a lead and conceded two late goals, resulting in a disappointing loss in the West London derby.

Cole Palmer’s first-half goal, created through his impressive link-up play with Nicolas Jackson, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise uninspired performance.

Substitution Controversy

As Chelsea clung to their slim lead, Maresca made a critical decision to substitute Jackson for Christopher Nkunku. The move didn’t pay off, as Nkunku barely had any impact after coming on.

Jackson, who had a strong presence on the pitch despite missing a key chance earlier, was visibly puzzled by the substitution, even raising his eyebrows in apparent disbelief. This echoed a similar situation from a recent game against Brentford, where Jackson stayed on and rewarded the manager’s trust with a decisive goal.

Missed Opportunities on the Bench

Another point of contention from the match was Maresca’s reluctance to make additional substitutions. Even as the game leveled at 1-1 and Chelsea needed a spark to reclaim control, key players like Joao Felix, Marc Guiu, and Tyrique George remained on the bench.

This decision left many scratching their heads, especially given the underwhelming performances of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, who stayed on the pitch despite their struggles.

Felix’s Growing Frustration

Reports suggest that Joao Felix may be growing frustrated with his limited role at the club. The Boxing Day match is likely to be cited as a prime example of a missed opportunity for him to make an impact.

Moving Forward

While Maresca’s tenure has brought plenty of positives, such as the team’s position in the league and a renewed sense of optimism among fans, moments like these highlight areas for improvement. Balancing tactical decisions and squad rotation will be crucial as Chelsea continues to push for success this season.