Chelsea recorded their first victory of the year on Saturday, dismantling League Two strugglers Morecambe 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup third round. Tosin Adarabioyo and João Félix netted two goals each, while Christopher Nkunku added another to complete the rout. Here are the positives and negatives from the match.
Positives
1. Ending the Winless Run
Chelsea's recent form had been uncharacteristically poor, with two losses and two draws following a previously strong run under Enzo Maresca. This comprehensive victory, even against a team battling relegation in League Two, provides a much-needed morale boost. What makes the win even more significant is that most of the starting XI on Saturday were not Premier League regulars. Their performance not only improves team confidence but also puts pressure on Maresca to consider them for future opportunities.
2. Goals from Outside the Box
Compact defensive setups had stifled Chelsea in their recent Premier League outings, where they struggled to break down low blocks. Overcomplicating attacking play for the "perfect" goal became a recurring issue. However, Saturday's match provided a glimpse of the power of long-range shots.
Tosin Adarabioyo's deflected strike broke Morecambe's resistance just before halftime, and he followed it with another spectacular long-range effort in the second half. João Félix added to this trend with a well-placed effort from outside the box for his first goal. These moments emphasize the importance of varied attacking strategies, especially against defensively compact teams, and should serve as a learning opportunity for Maresca moving forward.
3. Félix and Nkunku Shine
João Félix and Christopher Nkunku, who endured limited minutes in December, showcased their quality with standout performances. Nkunku’s goal displayed exceptional composure, exploiting a fleeting opportunity with precision, qualities Chelsea have lacked up top in recent matches. Félix’s first goal was a clinical strike through a crowded defense. His second was a stunning display of skill and finesse, curling the ball into the net from the edge of the box.
Both players demonstrated why they deserve more trust and involvement from Maresca. Félix and Nkunku bring creativity and unpredictability to Chelsea’s attack, qualities that have been sorely missed in recent games. Maresca's reluctance to rotate his squad, even during a packed December schedule, must be reconsidered to maximize the team’s potential.
4. Return of Reece James and Romeo Lavia
Although they played just 45 minutes each, the return of Reece James and Romeo Lavia is a huge boost for Chelsea heading into the second half of the season. The coaching staff must be cautious with their recovery, as both players have endured lengthy injury layoffs despite being managed carefully. Their returns brought much-needed optimism to Stamford Bridge, and fans were delighted to see them back in Chelsea colors.
Negatives
1. A Slow Start
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Chelsea’s first-half performance left much to be desired. Against a team sitting 23rd in League Two, a fast and dominant start was expected. However, the opening half saw a lack of rhythm and confidence, largely due to the limited game time afforded to many of the starting players in recent weeks.
Players like Renato Veiga have barely featured under Maresca, leaving them underprepared and lacking match sharpness. While they eventually grew into the game, Chelsea’s struggles in the first half were a reminder of the importance of squad rotation. Maresca’s reluctance to utilize his depth during December's challenging fixtures has arguably contributed to the team’s poor Premier League form.
2. Marc Guiu's Silent Game
With Nicolas Jackson struggling for consistency, there was hope among fans that Marc Guiu would step up. However, in a match with five goals, the teenager failed to make an impact. Morecambe’s deep defensive setup limited Guiu’s opportunities, with defenders constantly blocking his path.
While this created space for others to capitalize, Guiu will likely be disappointed not to get on the scoresheet. Both Maresca and fans should remain patient, as Guiu is still an inexperienced talent adjusting to top-level football, even with his Barcelona background.