Chelsea’s 12-match unbeaten run ended against Fulham at Stamford Bridge today as the visitors bounced back from a goal down to seal a 2-1 victory.
The Blues had the upper hand for most of the game but never put their opponents to the sword, allowing them back into the game before they ran off with three points at the death.
Chelsea remain second, four points behind Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Arsenal can also leapfrog the Blues with a win over Ipswich Town tomorrow.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca dropped Noni Madueke for the game. His absence was even more noticeable, considering there were no wide options for him to turn to when he needed to change something.
Maresca revealed that he dropped Madueke as a technical decision and not for any other reason. Earlier this month, the manager had criticised the player for not applying himself in training.
In their last outing against Everton, Madueke came off the bench and delivered a woeful performance, proving ineffective out wide. His languid body language likely did not help his cause.
Maresca was criticised for his decision to substitute Nicolas Jackson for Christopher Nkunku today. The Frenchman lacked the intensity to close down players and cut dangerous passing lanes.
Many people would have preferred Joao Felix to come on as he presses better than Nkunku, but Maresca had other ideas.
Maresca said he did not bring on Felix because he plays in the same position as Cole Palmer.
He acknowledged that they could play together, but they didn’t as it was ‘a matter of balance’.
Chelsea cannot afford to sulk for too long, with crucial games against Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace on the horizon.
They desperately need to get their campaign back on track with maximum points.
