Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on October 30, 2024, has sparked intense scrutiny over manager Enzo Maresca’s decisions regarding team selection and tactics. The match, which saw early goals from Alexander Isak and an unfortunate own goal from Axel Disasi, highlighted some key weaknesses in Chelsea’s lineup, particularly in their midfield, and left many questioning the roles of crucial players, including Enzo Fernández.
Enzo Fernández, the £107 million signing from Argentina and World Cup winner, has come under significant criticism following the defeat. As the midfield leader, Fernández’s performance in the match was disappointing, with many observers noting his inability to assert control and provide leadership after Chelsea conceded the opening goal. The team’s composure seemed to evaporate as the match went on, with Fernández failing to stabilize play or inspire a comeback, further adding to the concerns over his form and impact.
Despite his illustrious background, Fernández’s recent performances have been inconsistent, leading to his exclusion from Chelsea’s starting lineup in the Premier League. In his place, Maresca has opted for a midfield pairing of Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo, players chosen for their physical presence and robustness. This shift in approach highlights the difficulty Fernández faces in adapting to Maresca’s tactical system and the intense physical demands of the Premier League.
Maresca’s decision to rotate his squad against Newcastle has also attracted criticism, particularly his choice to leave creative players like Cole Palmer on the bench. Chelsea’s inability to break down Newcastle’s defense and create meaningful attacking chances raised questions about the manager’s decisions. Maresca defended his choices by pointing to the form of João Félix and Christopher Nkunku, suggesting that there was no need to bring Palmer on. However, this reasoning failed to satisfy fans, who believed that Palmer’s creative flair could have provided the spark Chelsea desperately needed to change the game.
Looking ahead, the defeat to Newcastle forces both Fernández and Maresca to reassess their approaches. For Fernández, it is a pivotal moment to reflect on his role and to find ways to regain his form and influence within the team. His ability to adjust to Maresca’s tactical style and regain consistency will be critical for both his future at Chelsea and the team’s overall success.
Maresca, for his part, must balance the need for squad rotation with the need to field a competitive side capable of progressing in all competitions. The manager’s decisions in the coming weeks will play a key role in shaping Chelsea’s season, and how he handles player roles, tactical adjustments, and team morale will be closely watched.
The loss to Newcastle has exposed several issues within Chelsea’s squad, particularly regarding tactical cohesion and individual roles. Addressing these challenges swiftly will be crucial for Maresca and his team as they look to recover and push for success in both domestic and European c
ompetitions.
