Chelsea will face another crucial match against Nottingham Forest next weekend, and they need to find more convincing solutions for their attack, especially without the presence of Nicolas Jackson.
The 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Friday keeps the team in the fight for Champions League qualification, but the performance was inconsistent and complicated.
The goal, scored in the 71st minute, was the result of a combination between full-backs. Reece James, with great skill, sent in a cross that Marc Cucurella converted into a header.
United coach Ruben Amorim would have approved of this play. Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea coach, is also a proponent of offensive full-backs.
Alofoke Deportes
Chelsea showed little quality in other aspects. Cole Palmer assisted Noni Madueke, but his shot went over the crossbar. A deflected shot from Palmer forced Onana to make a save, but Chelsea’s attack was limited.
Manchester United, for its part, continues to accumulate negative records, with its seventeenth defeat in the Premier League this season.
For Mason Mount, it was an unpleasant return to Stamford Bridge, being booed by Chelsea fans.
Manchester United’s focus is on the Europa League final against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Chelsea has its own Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.
The Champions League qualification, a year ahead of schedule, would be a great boost for Enzo Maresca, who is still looking to win over the Chelsea fans.
Jackson’s red card in the match against Newcastle means he couldn’t play in this encounter and will also be unavailable for the last match of the season.
Although he has not yet convinced everyone, his 12 goals in all competitions have been useful, and Maresca highlights his pressing ability as something unique in the team.
With Christopher Nkunku battling for fitness, Maresca opted to field 19-year-old Tyrique George for his first Premier League start. It was a big call, but George struggled to influence the game. He had few touches and was substituted in the 81st minute.
Maresca considered other options, but the greater experience could have facilitated the match. The coach praised George’s performance, who was close to obtaining a penalty, which was later disallowed by VAR.
“It was very good, very good,” said Maresca. “Brave. He was a threat. It’s not easy for him because on the other side there are Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw. He fought against important defenders. But, again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the youth academy and, in general, I think he also had the moment of the penalty, so he worked quite well.”
Enzo Maresca
Both clubs will seek to reinforce their attack in the summer. Both are interested in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The team that offers the Champions League could win the race for his signing.
Maresca admitted that Chelsea is working on how to be effective without Jackson. Although they won against United, the search continues.“I think that’s where the club belongs, in the Champions League,” James said. “Competing in the best competitions. People like to write us off and call us inexperienced. We played against a very experienced United team today. We were there and we won the game. We got what we needed to do.”
Reece James
