Enzo Maresca is seeking answers for Chelsea’s league-high 11 points dropped from winning positions at home as he prepares for a crucial Bournemouth fixture with a depleted, youthful squad.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that the club’s habit of dropping points from winning positions is “not random” and requires urgent investigation.
The Blues have surrendered a league-high 11 points at home after taking the lead, including Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
This trend has seen Chelsea slip to fifth in the Premier League table, trailing ten points behind third-place Villa and equal to the 13-point gap currently held by leaders Arsenal.
Scrutiny has intensified regarding Maresca’s use of the league’s youngest bench, which averages just 21 years of age.
While Villa utilized experienced internationals like Ollie Watkins to turn the tide, Chelsea’s second-half changes have contributed only three goals and one assist all season.
“No matter if we are winning, drawing or losing, we concede a goal, we lose a little bit of control,” Maresca noted, emphasizing the need for better game management during high-pressure moments.
Ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with Bournemouth, Chelsea face further complications with an mounting injury list.
Marc Cucurella is a doubt with a hamstring issue, while star man Cole Palmer and Reece James require late assessments.
Despite the pressure, Maresca defended his tactical approach and the squad’s potential. “The last game doesn’t reflect a 10-point difference between us and Villa,” he insisted, urging his side to regain their confidence and close the gap on the top four.