The recent clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Anfield was, in all respects, dramatic. Although the final outcome didn’t favor Chelsea, it was enough for them to take home quite a lot of talking points. Of course, the interesting moment came in the second half with the arrival of Pedro Neto on the field. That did make all the difference, but it also raised question marks on things. Let’s get into the main points of this super thrilling game.
Why Didn’t Neto Start for Chelsea?
Pedro Neto was substituted for Jadon Sancho early in the second half. From the start, he looked a threat. His pace left Liverpool’s backline in a spot of bother, especially regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold. A lot of fans were wondering why Neto wasn’t starting. In terms of pace and sharpness, it was sterling. His arrival could have swung the game their way much sooner.
Neto’s influence was clear, but with the game still in the balance, he could not come up with that all-important equalizer for Chelsea. His game though was one of the positives on an otherwise frustrating day for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca Loses Cool with Nicolas Jackson
Enzo Maresca, who is normally stoic and collected, even when things are not going quite according to plan. So, of course, he was as composed and calm as a cucumber during the post-match press conference, never losing his urge to rant about refereeing decisions even when some of them didn’t work out in Chelsea’s favour. He managed the media. However, that was not so much of a case during the game on the touchline.
The first half was nearly interrupted by a fierce shot from striker Nicolas Jackson, who rattled onto the post from a tight angle. Rather than pass or look to shoot across the box, Jackson opted to shoot for the near post at a particularly difficult angle. Maresca looked clearly frustrated on the sidelines as his visage was crossed with upset at Jackson’s decision.
Maresca appeared to be demanding Jackson to hold the ball for his teammates or shoot in a better shot. The decision-making of the striker was not impressive for his coach. But despite that moment, Jackson would still find an opportunity to score his fifth Premier League goal of the season that would make Maresca happy at the end.
Where Does Enzo Fit In For Chelsea?
A question big on the minds of Chelsea fans this season has been: What is Enzo Fernandez’s best position? Well, if any fan follows this talented footballer’s games with Chelsea, it’s well known that Fernandez hasn’t often carried the form that will prove to the world that he is an ace player against such a big team like Liverpool, though. So, coach Maresca dropped Fernandez to the bench against Liverpool.
Romeo Lavia replaced Fernandez and started with Moises Caicedo in midfield, after having made just one previous start in the Premier League this season, at the opening match. He faced the tasks with a lot of difficulty against Liverpool’s very talented trio – Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch – but coped really well with the task.
Defensively, Lavia was sound. He broke up play constantly and provided a good outlet for Chelsea whenever they found themselves under pressure. Caicedo looks like a good partner to him too and that midfield pairing may soon be Maresca’s go-to in the tougher games away from home.
Enzo Fernandez: The Big Question for Chelsea
Dropping Fernandez for this match raises very many questions. Is he best suited to a deeper midfield role, or does he need to be playing further forward? Maresca went defensive in this match against Liverpool, and that’s why Fernandez started on the bench. But going forward, the Chelsea coach has to find out how to get the best out of the Argentine midfielder.
Since joining the Blues, Enzo has shown a few glimpses of brilliance, but consistency has not been there. The role he will be used in by Maresca – as a deep-lying playmaker or just ahead – will remain strictly dependant on how effective he will be for Chelsea in the future.
Conclusion
Despite a few points miss at Anfield for Chelsea, there was at least some who had enjoyed their evening of watching their team play. Neto played well, Jackson netted a vital goal, and Lavia proved strong in midfield, which gave many Chelsea fans much to be optimistic about.
But Maresca, of course, has the burden to put things back in proportion in his team. Putting Fernandez on the bench was a gutsy call, but it has definitely made him stronger defensively, and going forward, he will have the onus of continuing to take these tough decisions on for Chelsea to regain its winning form.
Such a match against Liverpool showed that Chelsea possesses a full kit to be at the top level. But winning the perfect blend of offense and defense will be key to finding a proper balance. The blues have a strong team. If Maresca can get his best out of them, there is no reason why Chelsea cannot push for a higher place in the Premier League.
A trusted source on WalkOn.comA trusted source on ChelseaNews.com
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