Enzo Maresca learns 5 issues as Chelsea overcome FA Cup controversy
Enzo Maresca rang the changes as Chelsea welcomed League Two strugglers Morecambe to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup, here is what the Blues boss would have learned
Chelsea booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with ease after eventually overcoming early frustration against Morecambe.
Enzo Marasca’s heavily changed side made light work of the League Two club in the end as a number of Blues players on the fringes of the first-team made their case for more minutes.
The Blues were left frustrated through most of the first-half after Christopher Nkunku saw his penalty saved by Harry Burgoyne, although VAR would have ordered the spot kick to be retaken with the goalkeeper off his line, the technology was not in operation.
But after a heavily deflected strike from Tosin Adarabioyo found the back of the net with five minutes until half-time Chelsea rang the changes at the break to kick on and take the game away from the visitors in the 5-0 victory. Here, Daily Star Sport takes a look at what Maresca would have learned from the victory.
Reece James comeback
Reece James’ latest comeback in his injury nightmare lasted 45 minutes as he picked up some valuable minutes and most importantly, a concern-free first-half. The 25-year-old made just his fifth appearance of the season, and his first since being forced off with another hamstring issue against Arsenal in November.
James’ importance to Chelsea and ability when fit cannot be understated and everyone connected with the club will be hoping his 45 minute return is a positive sign of things to come.
Christopher Nkunku’s mixed fortunes
Nkunku’s Chelsea career has been incredibly frustrating with the Frenchman seeing the majority of his minutes under Maresca coming in a second-string side in the Europa Conference League and EFL Cup.
Given Nicolas Jackson’s barren spell in front of goal, the £52million signing has found minutes more available in the Premier League, starting the defeat against Ipswich Town. However, his penalty miss, albeit it a controversial one, summed up a frustrating first-half for him.
But Nkunku found himself in the right place at the start of the second half to fire home Chelsea’s second as a rebound fell directly at his feet.
Goalkeeper dilemma
One of the glaring problems seemingly stopping the Blues from being title contenders is their goalkeeping issues. Despite Todd Boehly’s outlay, Chelsea haven’t signed a world-class goalkeeper, instead predominately relying on Robert Sanchez in the league.
However, cup action meant a return to the team for 22-year-old Filip Jorgensen who arrived in the summer for a fee in the region of £20million. But Jorgensen was shaky throughout with the ball at his feet and coming for crosses. Jorgensen started the 2-0 defeat against Ipswich but performances such as this mean he’s likely to remain only as Maresca’s cup option.
Tyrique George excitement
Despite the influx of talent that Boehly’s billion has welcomed, one of their own is really stirring up excitement. Tyrique George was a live wire throughout and linked up well with the plethora of established first-team talent he had around him.
The 18-year-old winger is yet to feature in the Premier League after playing his part in the Blues’ Europa Conference League journey. While he may have to be patient after being named on the bench three times over the festive period, he is certainly one to watch.
Joao Felix statement
Joao Felix’s second spell at Stamford Bridge has been a peculiar one with the £45million signing finding himself an unused substitute in three of the previous four Premier League games, in which Chelsea went winless.
Maresca’s decision not to call upon the gifted forward has been bizarre, to say the least, but the 25-year-old certainly showed the Blues what they’ve been missing in recent weeks as he scored twice, including a beautifully whipped effort for the Blues’ fifth of the game.
