This game angered Blues fans due to the lack of adjustments made by Maresca. 70 minutes of stagnant and repelling football were played with still no changes made from Enzo. The first change made was Christopher Nkunku on for Nicolas Jackson, a sub that was made too late and offered not much change to the game. Nkunku's low work rate and unwillingness to press only caused more problems for the west Londoners.
Winger Pedro Neto came on for Noni Madueke shortly after, even though Jadon Sancho was struggling to consistently win battles on the other wing. A change for Sancho would have been the logical choice, but instead Maresca opted for Madueke. The lack of offensive production ensued.
After the tough fixture against Everton, Chelsea faced crosstown rivals Fulham at the Bridge. After an early sign of brilliance from Cole Palmer putting Chelsea up 1-0 in the 15th minute, the stagnant offense continued. A late equalizer from Harry Wilson plus a stoppage time winner from Rodrigo Muniz saw Chelsea go from three points to none in the blink of an eye.
Many question Maresca's decision making, including dropping Noni Madueke due to a "technical decision" and the controversial use of Pedro Neto in his place. While Neto thrives on his willingness to run and endless effort, Maresca completely mismanaged the right-sided partnership.
Fullback Malo Gusto displayed in the 10 position, something that is common in Maresca's system. Because of this, Gusto was often very forward while the team had possession, leaving Neto on an island on the outside and forcing him to back track and man mark counterattacking Fulham wingback and captain Antonee Robinson. The result of this was a lack of offensive threat coming from the right side, due to Neto being behind the play with Chelsea's defensive back line, and Gusto arriving late to defend counter attacks, while also struggling to benefit in his position.
Since the start of the season, Maresca has utilized Gusto in the inverted 10 role, meanwhile this does not fit his best qualities whatsoever. The full back thrived last year his advancing forward on the right flank and whipping balls in, similarly seen by fans in the best of Reece James. His crossing ability is arguably his best quality as a player, and he can occasionally show signs of brilliance in limited technical situations. That position has been completed abandoned by Maresca, proving so by a large dip in quality of Gusto's performances so far this year.