They should rest for some games.” Mikel Obi names three players who should be given some games off; outlines five mistakes Enzo Maresca made that cost Chelsea three points vs Fulham.
Chelsea fans awoke to a surprising and disappointing result at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, as their beloved team suffered an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Fulham. This loss not only marked a significant upset but also handed Fulham a long-awaited victory in the West London Derby, their first on Chelsea’s home ground since 1979.
The match began on a promising note for Chelsea when Cole Palmer scored a spectacular solo goal, breaking the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year for the club with 26. The Blues dominated the first half, showcasing some impressive football under the guidance of Enzo Maresca. However, despite their creativity and control, they failed to capitalize further on their advantage.
Early in the second half, Levi Colwill thought he had doubled Chelsea’s lead, but his goal was disallowed for offside. This disallowed goal gave Fulham renewed hope, and they seized their opportunity. Harry Wilson leveled the game with a close-range header, and substitute Rodrigo Muniz delivered a shocking stoppage-time winner, leaving the home crowd stunned and Chelsea empty-handed.
Throughout the game, Chelsea’s performance was riddled with errors. Three players, in particular, were heavily criticized for their lackluster displays: Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo, each receiving a player rating of 4 according to The Express.
Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi weighed in on the situation, suggesting fatigue might be affecting key players. He pointed out specific shortcomings:
Malo Gusto: While not entirely out of position, his failure to close down attacks from the left flank allowed Fulham to exploit the space. His lack of aggression was evident in Wilson’s equalizer.
Levi Colwill: Despite assisting Palmer’s goal and showing defensive solidity at times, Colwill’s positioning during critical moments, particularly for Muniz’s winner, raised questions.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Facing his former team, he struggled to handle Fulham’s pacey attackers and was caught unaware during Wilson’s goal.
Mikel Obi also addressed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, acknowledging his initial saves but criticizing his role in Fulham’s second goal. He suggested giving Sanchez a rest and experimenting with Jorgensen, emphasizing the need for fresh legs in upcoming games.
Fans have also criticized manager Enzo Maresca for his tactical decisions. Many questioned his choice to play Cole Palmer on the left-hand side and his reluctance to make timely substitutions. With momentum shifting in Fulham’s favor, Maresca only introduced Christopher Nkunku late in the game, leaving struggling players like Jadon Sancho on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Sancho, who has been a creative force in recent matches, failed to make an impact in this game.
Additionally, Obi pointed out tactical issues, such as relying on a single defensive midfielder and the ineffectiveness of Sanchez’s long passes. He emphasized the need for strategic adjustments, including considering a new goalkeeper, to secure better results.
Chelsea will aim to bounce back when they face Ipswich Town on Monday. After two consecutive winless games, the Blues will need to address their shortcomings and regain their form against the newly promoted side.
