A shockingly horrifying 2-0 loss transpired for Chelsea on Monday night against Ipswich Town (A). Blues manager Enzo Maresca is left facing questions about his managerial and tactical decisions after picking up just one point out of a possible nine in his past three matches against Everton (A), Fulham (H), and the Tractor Boys (A).
Not even 10 days ago, CFC sat 2nd place in the Premier League, 4 points behind Liverpool. Since then, disappointing performances and ugly football has caused Chelsea to drop unexpected points against Everton, who currently sit 16th on the table, Fulham, who won their first ever Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in their recent victory, and Ipswich who were in the championship last season and currently sit 18th in the league, also clinching their first home victory of the season.
So far this season, football fans and media across the world has seen Maresca's side collect three points, and sometimes dominating. That was subsequently followed up him responding that they're "not in the title race." Due to Chelsea's profile and status in the Premier League, many have found this hard to believe because of the mass amounts spent and continuous success in the Premier League and UEFA Europa Conference League this season.
While Maresca states that the players are not ready or in a title race, it really might be the Italian manager himself who is not ready. The three recent unacceptable results have come with a lot of criticism towards the 44-year-old. Many managerial and tactical moves have been the reason for the lack of success.
Going into the Everton game, everyone knew it would be a tough battle. Despite being 16th in the table, Everton rank 6th in goals allowed in the Premier League. Goodison Park is one of the hardest stadiums to score, and win for that matter, especially when there is torrential rain and aggressive winds causing freezing temperatures makes it even more difficult. In all honesty, at the time of the result and the current standing in the table of the team, a draw s not a bad result for Chelsea.
The issue lies with Maresca. This started a recent trend of opponents figuring out the Italian's strategies, keeping at least nine outfielders back and forcing the Blues to beat their low block. Maresca displayed unique and interesting tactics that ultimately lead to the Blues demise.
Despite his recent good form, striker Nicolas Jackson missed two significant chances in the first half against Everton. He saw a shot saved by England Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on a crossed pass from Cole Palmer, the first big chance from either side. Although the ball from Palmer was a bit behind Jackson, it was still a goal that is finished by the best, and ones you need in games like these and make a serious title charge.
Another chance for Jackson came minutes later, as a deflecting ball from a corner came to Jackson with no defender marking him, ultimately to head the ball of the post and have it cleared. Another clear chance missed by the Senegalese attacker. A diving stop by Tosin Adarabioyo in the 75th minute denied Iliman Ndiaye of a golden opportunity. Tosin's stop added to clutch Chelsea defending efforts lead by Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a rare statement made for Sanchez in a Chelsea shirt.