Earlier this month, the Blues appeared to be the main contenders to challenge Liverpool’s title ambitions following an impressive win over Spurs, but their form has dramatically declined. ..Continue Reading
A frustrating 0-0 draw with Everton was followed by a last-minute home defeat to West London rivals Fulham, and their struggles continued with a surprising loss to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town on Monday.
Liam Delap netted a penalty after a contentious spot-kick decision, and former Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson scored the second at the beginning of the second half.
Suddenly, Maresca finds himself under pressure, and fans were displeased with his lineup against Ipswich.
The Italian opted to play central defender Axel Disasi at right-back, despite having Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Josh Acheampong available on the bench.
On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, fans expressed their anger at the manager for a decision deemed “embarrassing.”
One said: “Enzo Maresca has 3 RB’s on the bench and still chose to start Disasi. Embarrassing.”
A second agreed: “Enzo Maresca why? We’ve got 3 RB you decided to play us Disasi.”
Another commented: “All on Maresca. You cannot play Axel Disasi at right back. He’s inept.”
A fourth added: “If Enzo Maresca is as committed to controlling games as he suggests, then Axel Disasi should not be playing again. This is not the first time he has made a massive mistake and it has led to a goal.”
A final user vented: “Disasi is quite simply a horrific footballer. Signing him was bad enough, but to routinely play him the way Maresca does is baffling.”
Chelsea finish 2024 in fourth place, but Newcastle is closing in, now only three points behind after an impressive 2-0 victory at Manchester United.
Chelsea will be aiming to break their three-game winless streak with a visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday, followed by a home match against Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on January 11.
