Enzo Maresca vented his frustrations with Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Sunderland by suggesting not all of his players were at their best. It was a disastrous day at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after the Blues fell to a shock defeat to the Premier League newcomers.
Alejandro Garnacho gave the hosts an early lead with a fine finish but the visitors found an equalizer through Wilson Isidor. With Maresca's men chasing a winner, the Black Cats countered and Chemsdine Talbi netted a last-gasp winner.
The defeat means the west Londoners have started the campaign with four wins and three defeats in nine league games. They sit ninth, and suggestions of being dark horses in a title race are looking more far-fetched by the minute.
Enzo Maresca on Chelsea players faltering against Sunderland
There were several moments during the game against Sunderland when Maresca wore a face of exasperation. The defending on display was pitiful at times and will need addressing, given it's proven costly.
Maresca opened up on the defeat and acknowledged his men weren't good enough (via club website):
"I think we were not good enough, we lacked creativity, we didn’t create a lot, apart from the goal probably, and we struggled."
He added:
"We need our players to perform 100 per cent. Even at 1-0 we lost some duels, we lost some second balls, and against this team we need to do better."
Chelsea looked to have got their season back on track when they sealed a vital 2-1 win over defending champions Liverpool ahead of the international break earlier this month. But question marks have now been raised over the team's consistency, with most of Maresca's troops not up to standard against Sunderland.
Wolves game gives Maresca chance to rotate
Next up for the Blues is a trip to Molineux to face rock-bottom Wolves in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday (October 29). This is the perfect chance to give one or two youngsters their moment to stake a claim for more game time.
Maresca's reluctance to make Estêvão a starter has been a hot topic of debate, but one can expect he'll start midweek. The Brazilian has been a standout performer despite most of his appearances coming off the bench since arriving from Palmeiras in the summer.
Marc Guiu was disappointing against Sunderland and may have blown his opportunity to lead the line until Liam Delap is back fit. It should be Tyrique George starting at Molineux.