“Time to bench him, his not improving.” – 63% passing Maresca must finally drop Chelsea man after 5/10 display

Chelsea Secure Dominant 2-1 Win Over Leicester City

Chelsea returned from the November international break with a convincing 2-1 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Enzo Maresca’s side looked sharp, controlling the game and taking a crucial three points in the East Midlands.

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Commanding Display from Chelsea

The Blues were in complete control throughout the match, boasting 64% possession and significantly outshooting Leicester, with 16 attempts to the Foxes’ four. Chelsea’s dominance was further highlighted by their expected goals (xG) of 2.64 compared to Leicester’s 1.11.

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez secured the win, with Jackson’s strike showcasing his confidence and ability. Jordan Ayew’s late penalty for Leicester served as mere consolation in what was otherwise a one-sided contest.

Standout Performances

Nicolas Jackson

The Senegalese striker was clinical yet again, scoring his seventh Premier League goal of the season. With three assists to his name as well, Jackson has been a pivotal figure for Chelsea this term.

Enzo Fernandez

Returning to the starting XI after a spell on the bench, Fernandez delivered a masterclass in midfield. He created three chances, won seven of nine ground duels, and capped his performance with a goal, signaling a return to form.

Marc Cucurella

The fullback was instrumental at both ends of the pitch, winning three out of four tackles and five duels defensively while also creating a chance in attack. His energy and defensive discipline stood out on the day.

Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile

The central defensive pairing impressed with their composure and adaptability. Colwill, playing as a right-sided center-back despite being left-footed, handled his role with aplomb, showcasing his versatility and football intelligence.

Concerns Over Robert Sanchez

While many Chelsea players shone, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez endured another challenging outing. His distribution, a key aspect of Maresca’s system, was subpar, completing just 63% of his passes (19/30) and only two out of 13 long balls. His inability to confidently play out from the back nearly cost Chelsea when he placed Moises Caicedo under unnecessary pressure in the first half.

Sanchez’s save on Ayew’s penalty was another point of frustration. Despite getting a strong hand to the ball, he failed to keep it out, leading to further scrutiny of his performances.

A Decision Looms

With young goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen waiting in the wings, Maresca faces a tough decision ahead of the packed Christmas schedule. Sanchez’s continued struggles could see the manager opt for a change to strengthen the team’s defensive stability.

What’s Next?

Chelsea’s win at Leicester keeps their momentum going as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures in the coming weeks. With key players like Jackson, Fernandez, and Cucurella in fine form, the Blues will aim to build on this victory. However, the goalkeeper situation remains a pressing issue for Maresca to address.