Chelsea silenced critics of Enzo Maresca’s rotation policy with a 3-0 victory against Wolves, highlighted by Malo Gusto’s first career goal on Saturday.
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney suggested that Chelsea’s senior players should “question” Maresca’s selection choices after the Italian manager made seven changes in a 2-2 draw against Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Maresca defended himself against Rooney’s criticism by stressing the increasing physical demands on players. He then made eight changes at Stamford Bridge, marking the sixth consecutive match with seven or more alterations. This strategy paid off with a strong second-half performance, elevating Chelsea to second place in the Premier League.
French defender Gusto, who joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023, opened the scoring after the interval with his maiden professional goal. Joao Pedro doubled the lead, and Pedro Neto secured Chelsea’s fourth win in their last five league games, closing the gap to six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Although Chelsea will drop out of second place after Manchester City play Liverpool on Sunday, Maresca will be relieved to have silenced his critics ahead of the international break.
What Enzo Maresca Said?
“It’s more noise from outside. Inside, we are convinced that as a club as a team we are going in the right direction and doing good things,” Maresca said.
“We played well. I think the only difference between the first half and second half is that in the second half we scored the goals that we didn’t in the first half.”
Addressing the rotation controversy, he added: “It’s part of my job, it’s part of the game. At the end this is a business that when you don’t win there are problems but when you win everything is good.”
Bottom-of-the-table Wolves, managed by academy coaches James Collins and Richard Walker following Vitor Pereira’s sacking last weekend, are eight points from safety after their ninth defeat in 11 league games. Middlesbrough have granted their manager Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves about the vacant position after agreeing on a compensation deal on Saturday.
Chelsea returned to London at six o’clock on Thursday morning after their long flight from Baku. Despite Maresca’s changes, they appeared jet-lagged in the first half.
Alejandro Garnacho had rescued Chelsea with an equaliser against Qarabag, and the Argentine winger had a chance to open the scoring early in west London. Enzo Fernandez’s pass set Garnacho through, but his low drive was well saved by Sam Johnstone. Johnstone also tipped over Fernandez’s blast from the edge of the area.
After two excellent stops, Johnstone made a mistake when he allowed Fernandez’s corner to loop over him towards the goal, with Toti Gomes making a quick clearance off the line. Despite Chelsea’s dominance, their fans grew frustrated at their slow passing and inability to finish Wolves off.
Joao Pedro missed a golden opportunity to ease Chelsea’s frustration just before half-time, shooting wide from an unmarked position at the edge of the area. Chelsea were booed off at the interval, but their fans were able to cheer in the 51st minute.
Garnacho sparked the breakthrough with a driving run and cross into the six-yard box, where Gusto scored with a header. Maresca then brought on emerging star Estevao Willian, and the Brazilian teenager made an immediate impact by setting up Chelsea’s second goal in the 65th minute. Estevao’s dynamic run ended with a perfectly-weighted cross for Joao Pedro, who fired a fierce strike past Johnstone from 12 yards.
Chelsea found their rhythm, and Neto sealed the victory in the 73rd minute by tapping in Garnacho’s inviting cross.
(With inputs from AFP)
