Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea reign is only one month old, but it has been full of all the antics, uncertainty and confusion that fans have come to know over the past two seasons.
After beginning the season with defeat to Manchester City, Maresca’s side thumped Wolves and were pegged back by Crystal Palace (yes we’re counting the game on September 1 here, get over it), with a thoroughly unconvincing Conference League play-off victory over Servette thrown into the mix as well.
There are just as many questions surrounding Chelsea as there are answers, but here are five key takeaways from Maresca’s first month in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Maresca has clearly put his faith in a centre-back pairing of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana. The duo played every minute of Premier League action across August (and the 1-1 draw with Palace on September 1).
There have been teething issues – of course there have, considering these two have barely shared a pitch before this year – but there has definitely been a lot to like.
While the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo are yet to impress, these two youngsters are really cementing themselves as a duo which fans can get behind.
2. But defensive issues still remain
Right, and with the optimism about the defence now out of the way, it’s time to discuss the obvious elephant in the room. Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet this season, and that came in the uncomfortable 2-0 win over Servette in the Conference League.
The defensive fragility which plagued Mauricio Pochettino’s side is alive and kicking under Maresca, whose divisive tactics undoubtedly lead to an abundance of chances for opponents.
Whether the defence isn’t set up right or there’s a woeful lack of cover from midfield, Maresca has to figure out the solution to this problem in September.
3. Cole Palmer is still Cole Palmer
Pochettino’s departure threatened to cause real problems for Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s cold-blooded starboy did not shy away from crediting his former boss for his breakout season, and there were signs early in the Maresca reign that Palmer may not be himself this year.
However, with a goal and four assists to his name in three Premier League games, it’s clear Palmer is still feeling as good as ever.
Maresca learned quickly that playing Palmer on the right wing, as he did in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, was not going to work. He brought Palmer back central, and the fun has not stopped since.
Maresca’s brutal approach to management has not been kind to Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been on the end of a public display of frustration from the new boss. The arrivals of Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho are a clear sign that Maresca does not have time to develop the Ukraine international.
Over on the right side of the pitch, however, Noni Madueke has really stood up and announced himself.
Facing questions about his attitude and his performances from last season, Madueke has silenced his critics with four goals in four games, quickly stepping into the spotlight in the process.
5. Enzo Fernandez‘s best position remains a mystery
Wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Reece James, we have once again seen Enzo Fernandez trialled in a handful of different positions.
The Argentina international has played at both the top and the bottom of Chelsea’s midfield, often switching between the two roles in a single game in search of a positive impact.
It hasn’t been disasterous at all, but fans expect so much more from the £107m midfielder, who may be looking over his shoulder once Romeo Lavia returns to full fitness.
