The big debate about the Chelsea team for today was what to do with Josh Acheampong.
The young defender keeps impressing when given a chance, and after starting in midweek we weren’t sure if Enzo Maresca would be brave enough to keep the teenager in the team.
Maresca undoes his good work by taking off best defender
As it turned out, Maresca took the bold decision and it paid off. Acheampong was excellent once again, with his only fault being a slow reaction to the set piece when Sunderland scored. He more than made up for that later in the game however, when his superb slide tackle saved Chelsea after they had allowed Granit Xhaka in on goal.
He had a 96% pass completion rate, had made 2 blocks, 3 clearances, 2 aerial clearances and 2 recoveries. He won both of his ground duels. A solid showing all around, and his ability to carry the ball forward was only going to become more useful as the game went on.
Yet after 76 minutes, Maresca took the defender off for Tosin Adarabioyo. He didn’t appear to be injured, we simply can’t explain that decision.
Tosin caught under a high ball once again
Numerous people predicted what would happen next, and it played out just as expected.
Tosin has his qualities, but defending transitions isn’t one of them. He’s been caught out several times in very similar positions, and most fans in the crowd at Stamford Bridge and watching on TV at home had the same sinking feeling when that punted long ball went up and Tosin was there to chase it.
Acheampong is much quicker and more decisive – he would have got to the ball before Brobbey and this situation would never have developed. Maresca really undid all his good work in starting Acheampong by then taking him off at that point.
I truly can’t stand this loser Mareska !!!! Just sack him please!!!!!!
Marasca is confused
Maresca is pants. Tosin is a poor defender. So is Fofana. Chelsea should get rid
Hire Cesc Fabregas, he seems to have more tactical understanding the game than Maresca and his team
True this manager isn’t the right one to manage this team . Look at those promoted teams, how’s their manager look after their team . They are compact solid in defence and counter scores goals and win games . But maresca don’t know what is he doing , his not good to lead this team , yes they beat big team by means of luck . I don’t know why the boards see in him . Jao Pedro physically not strong enough to hold up the ball and his not a striker . Maresca to me is questionable of leading this team , I hope my fav team doesn’t fail to qualify in UCL . And I don’t see this team win the EPL with this kind of manager . It better to bring in rosenir of Strasbourg to try and manage this team . Maresca don’t trust youngsters , he should have kept Anselmino and Sarr and play them instead . Acheampong playing well and been substituted all the time . He should have kept Acheampong to play him alongside caceido and Enzo in 3 man midfield at least to protect the back four . This team won’t work with caceido and Enzo because team they play knows how dangerous the attack coming from Chelsea so they play counter attack and they know Chelsea FC defence is weak and maresca don’t know to play this team well . Defence will win you Trophy and become champions . Offence can come with good work and luck . Chelsea FC board wake up . Bring back the two youngsters that you loan up and play them . And please 3 man midfield centrally . Caceido Enzo Santos/ Lavia . Stop playing midfield insertion. You have to play back 3 CBs for adjustments . Maresca you waste the 3 points against Sunderland because you don’t have a clue how dismantle park the bus system .