Blues Crumble in Maresca's Nightmare Debut: Fernandez, Jackson, and Sanchez Flop Against Man City
In what was supposed to be a fresh start under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea found themselves in familiar territory—on the wrong end of a Premier League defeat. The Blues were outclassed by Manchester City in a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether this season will be any different from the last.
A Slow Start for Maresca
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Manchester City had come to Stamford Bridge with a plan. Pep Guardiola’s side, known for their high press and fluid attacking play, immediately put Chelsea under pressure. Enzo Maresca, in his Premier League debut as Chelsea’s manager, seemed to have no answers as his team struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances.
The first half was dominated by City, with Erling Haaland breaking the deadlock in typical fashion. The Norwegian striker, who has made a habit of scoring against Chelsea, found space between Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella to slot the ball past Robert Sanchez. For Chelsea, it was a case of déjà vu—another game, another goal conceded due to defensive lapses.
Chelsea's Defensive Woes Continue
The defensive frailties that plagued Chelsea last season were on full display once again. Wesley Fofana, making his first Premier League appearance in over a year, looked rusty and out of sync with his defensive partner, Levi Colwill. The duo struggled to contain City’s dynamic front line, with Haaland, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden running rings around them.
Robert Sanchez, Chelsea’s new goalkeeper, had a mixed afternoon. While he made some important saves to keep the scoreline respectable, his distribution and decision-making left much to be desired. A misplaced pass that nearly led to a goal for Kevin De Bruyne was just one of several shaky moments for the Spanish shot-stopper. According to Sky Sports, Sanchez will need to improve significantly if he is to establish himself as Chelsea’s number one.
Midfield Misfires: Fernandez Fails to Impress
In midfield, much was expected of Enzo Fernandez, who was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of senior players. However, the Argentine struggled to impose himself on the game. City’s midfield trio of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic—who was facing his former club—dominated the center of the park, leaving Fernandez chasing shadows for much of the first half.
Romeo Lavia, on the other hand, showed glimpses of his potential. The young midfielder completed every pass he attempted in the first half, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance. However, he was substituted in the second half for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose impact on the game was minimal. As pointed out by The Guardian, Chelsea’s midfield lacked the creativity and drive needed to break down a well-organized City side.
Attack Lacks Bite
Chelsea’s attack, much like their defense, left much to be desired. Nicolas Jackson, who thought he had equalized in the first half only to see his effort ruled out for offside, struggled to find his rhythm. The Senegalese forward had a golden opportunity to level the score after the break, but his shot was straight at Ederson, allowing the City goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
Christopher Nkunku, deployed on the left wing, was largely anonymous. The Frenchman found it difficult to get involved in the game, and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Pedro Neto just before the hour mark. Neto, one of Chelsea’s new signings, brought some much-needed energy to the attack, but it was too little, too late.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s most creative player on the day, tried to spark something going forward but was often isolated and forced to take on City’s defense single-handedly. As reported by The Athletic, Palmer’s efforts were commendable, but he lacked the support needed to turn the game in Chelsea’s favor.
Tactical Missteps and Missed Opportunities
Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach will undoubtedly come under scrutiny after this performance. The decision to drop Raheem Sterling and hand the captaincy to Fernandez was a bold move, but it didn’t pay off. Chelsea’s formation, a 4-2-3-1, failed to provide the defensive solidity or attacking impetus needed to trouble a side like Manchester City.
Maresca’s substitutions, including the introduction of Marc Guiu and Renato Veiga, had little impact on the game. Guiu, in particular, struggled to make any meaningful contribution as Chelsea desperately searched for an equalizer. According to BBC Sport, Maresca’s inexperience at the highest level was evident, and he will need to learn quickly if Chelsea are to compete with the league’s top teams.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
As the dust settles on another disappointing day at Stamford Bridge, the questions for Chelsea are mounting. Can Maresca turn things around and instill the discipline and tactical awareness needed to challenge for a top-four spot? Will Chelsea’s new signings gel in time to make a difference this season?
One thing is clear: Chelsea cannot afford many more performances like this if they hope to compete with the Premier League’s elite. The next few games will be crucial in determining whether this was just a blip on the radar or a sign of deeper issues within the squad.
For more watch the premier League Game live on Fantic Sports
