Chelsea Reeling After Boxing Day Defeat: Obi Calls for Rotation and Questions Maresca’s Tactics

Chelsea fans were left disappointed after their Boxing Day clash at Stamford Bridge, witnessing a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Fulham.1 The Blues, despite taking the lead through a solo effort from Cole Palmer, conceded two late goals to lose their grip on the match.2

The first half saw some positive signs for Chelsea with exciting attacking play culminating in Palmer’s record-breaking goal. However, their inability to convert additional chances proved costly. A disallowed goal for Levi Colwill further hampered their efforts, while Fulham capitalized on Chelsea’s shortcomings.

Harry Wilson’s close-range header equalized for the visitors, and substitute Rodrigo Muniz’s last-minute winner secured a historic victory for Fulham, their first at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

Several Chelsea players came under scrutiny after the match, with Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo receiving particularly harsh criticism. Chelsea legend Mikel Obi believes these defenders, alongside others, could benefit from a period of rest.

Analysing the performances, Obi highlighted specific concerns:

• Defensive lapses: Gusto was criticized for failing to close down Fulham’s attacks effectively, leading to Wilson’s equalizer. Colwill, despite his assist and defensive contributions, was faulted for poor positioning, especially on Fulham’s late goals. Adarabioyo struggled against Fulham’s pacey attackers and was caught out for the equalizing goal.
• Goalkeeping concerns: Obi questioned goalkeeper Robert Sanchez despite some important saves. He shared the belief that Sanchez partially contributed to the second goal.

While individual errors played a role, Obi also directed his criticism towards manager Enzo Maresca’s decisions.

• Palmer’s positioning: The decision to play Palmer on the left wing was questioned by Obi.
• Lack of substitutions: Despite Chelsea’s evident struggles in the second half, Maresca made only one substitution, replacing Nicolas Jackson with Christopher Nkunku late in the match. Obi argued for earlier substitutions to counter Fulham’s growing momentum.
• Midfield issues: Chelsea’s reliance on a single defensive midfielder was seen as a weakness.
• Distribution problems: Obi pointed out flaws in Chelsea’s long ball distribution, particularly from Sanchez.

These issues, according to Obi, need to be addressed if Chelsea aspires to challenge for the top spots in the league.

The Blues face a crucial match against Ipswich Town next Monday, aiming to break their two-game winless streak.³ How Maresca responds to the recent defeat and incorporates Obi’s observations will be a key factor in determining Chelsea’s path forward.