Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Choices Leave Joao Felix on the Sidelines
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca’s decision to leave Joao Felix on the bench during the goalless draw against Everton has sparked debate, with some questioning the exclusion of the talented Portuguese attacker.
The match, which marked Chelsea’s final trip to Goodison Park, saw the Blues struggle to find a creative spark, highlighting Felix’s absence.
Cole Palmer’s Quiet Performance
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s standout playmaker this season, had one of his quieter games. Despite his ability to create magic out of nothing, Everton’s well-organized defense, led by James Tarkowski, kept Palmer in check.
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Maresca attributed Palmer’s struggles to a lack of space, a testament to Sean Dyche’s defensive strategy.
Maresca’s Tactical Adjustments
In response to the team’s inability to break Everton down, Maresca shifted Enzo Fernandez into a more attacking role while moving Malo Gusto into midfield alongside Moises Caicedo. This adjustment, however, failed to unlock Everton’s defense, leaving Chelsea with a frustrating draw.
Joao Felix’s Role Under Maresca
Joao Felix, a £42m signing, has been a standout in European competitions, excelling in the UEFA Conference League with four goals in five appearances.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite his impressive performances, Felix has struggled to secure a consistent role in the Premier League lineup. Jamie Carragher’s preseason critique of Felix’s fit within Chelsea’s squad appears increasingly prescient, as Maresca juggles an array of attacking options.
Palmer’s Impact Despite Struggles
Even on a subdued day, Palmer managed three key passes and created one big chance, underscoring his influence. In 17 Premier League appearances, the 22-year-old has amassed 11 goals and six assists, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most impactful players.
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam recently described Palmer as “the most influential player in the English top flight right now.”
The Road Ahead
Chelsea’s next match against Fulham at Stamford Bridge presents an opportunity for both Palmer and Felix to shine. With Liverpool extending their lead at the top of the table, Maresca will need to find the right balance to keep Chelsea’s title ambitions alive.
Premier League Standings (Top 6)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 37 | 16 | 21 | 39 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 37 | 19 | 18 | 35 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 16 | 18 | 33 |
| 4 | Nottingham Forest | 17 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 19 | 4 | 31 |
| 5 | Bournemouth | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 27 | 21 | 6 | 28 |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 28 |
Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Maresca integrates Felix and Palmer in upcoming matches, as their contributions could prove vital in the title race.
Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Choices Leave Joao Felix on the Sidelines
