2. Enzo Maresca’s Team Setup
For the third consecutive match, Chelsea's opponents displayed more hunger and determination than the Blues. All three of them appeared well-drilled and aware of their roles, while Chelsea resembled a group of individuals sent onto the field without a clear plan. Before this stretch of games, Maresca’s side typically executed multiple strategies to counter their opposition effectively. He made impactful changes when needed. However, on Monday, although Maresca made substitutions unlike in the previous two matches, the starting XI and the substitutes seemed clueless about their roles on the pitch.
There were moments when players positioned themselves in the penalty box, ready for a cross. But the players on the wings either hesitated or failed to deliver. On the rare occasions they attempted crosses, they consistently struck the first defender. For a team with years of professional experience, it is astonishing that Chelsea players struggle to clear the first man on corners or crosses.
3. Allowing Liam Delap to Dominate
Liam Delap, who had six goals and one assist before Monday, looked unstoppable against Chelsea. He terrorized the backline, exposing deficiencies in Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and even standout players of the season like Marc Cucurella and Moisés Caicedo. Chelsea had no counter to Delap’s influence, highlighting both tactical naivety and individual underperformance.
While no single player should be allowed to dominate a professional football match to such an extent—especially in the Premier League—Chelsea's inability to manage him highlighted deeper issues. Levi Colwill once again was exposed in Wesley Fofana's absence. Additionally, Tosin Adarabioyo's feeble attempt to block Hutchinson's shot encapsulated the defensive frailties that plagued Chelsea throughout the match.
4. Enzo Maresca Letting Ipswich Town Make History
Ipswich secured their first Premier League home win since 2002, with Chelsea becoming the first visiting side to fail to score against them this season. Maresca, who faced Ipswich twice with Leicester last season unlike other managers, failed to apply his experience to prevent this result.
5. Undoing Chelsea’s Early Momentum
Just a week ago, Chelsea were on the verge of topping the table temporarily. Despite Maresca downplaying title aspirations, optimism was high among fans and pundits. However, a draw against Everton followed by losses to Fulham and Ipswich now leaves Chelsea ten points behind Liverpool and fourth in the table.
While early setbacks were chalked up to inexperience, recent results stem directly from Maresca’s mismanagement. Team selections and tactics have raised concerns, and if this slump continues, Chelsea risks falling out of the top four altogether, undoing their strong start to the season.