Following Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on October 30, 2024, head coach Enzo Maresca has come under increased pressure over his tactical decisions and team selection.
The loss, which saw Alexander Isak score early followed by an own goal from Axel Disasi, exposed significant weaknesses in the Chelsea squad and cast a spotlight on the underwhelming display of key figures, particularly Enzo Fernández.
Enzo Fernández: Struggling to Justify His Price Tag
Enzo Fernández, signed for a hefty £107 million and a World Cup winner with Argentina, has faced a barrage of criticism in the wake of the defeat.
Entrusted with the responsibility of orchestrating the midfield, Fernández’s performance was deemed ineffective, especially in key moments after Chelsea fell behind.
Analysts pointed out that once Newcastle opened the scoring, Chelsea appeared disorganized and lacked leadership in the middle of the park—areas where Fernández was expected to take charge.
Despite his high-profile status, Fernández has shown fluctuating form this season, which has resulted in his absence from recent Premier League starting lineups.
Manager Enzo Maresca has instead opted for Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo as his preferred midfield duo, emphasizing the need for physical presence and intensity in central areas.
This change signals a tough period for Fernández, who must now prove he can meet the demands of both the Premier League’s intensity and Maresca’s tactical expectations.
Controversial Tactical Calls and Squad Rotation
Maresca’s choice to heavily rotate the squad against Newcastle, notably leaving Cole Palmer on the bench, was widely questioned by fans and commentators alike.
Palmer, known for his creative spark and ability to change games, was omitted in favor of Joao Félix and Christopher Nkunku.
Maresca later justified the decision by saying both players were performing well, and he didn’t see the need to bring Palmer into the game.
However, this explanation did not sit well with many supporters, who argued that Chelsea lacked creativity and attacking threat—qualities Palmer could have injected.
His exclusion was viewed by some as a missed opportunity to shift the momentum during the match.
Moving Forward: A Test of Adaptability and Resolve
The defeat has triggered a moment of reckoning for Chelsea.
For Fernández, this is a crucial time to evaluate his performances and rise to the expectations placed upon him.
His ability to integrate into Maresca’s system and rediscover his best form will be essential if he hopes to secure his place in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Maresca must now walk the fine line between giving players rest and ensuring that the team remains competitive, especially in crucial cup fixtures.
His future decisions regarding lineup selections and tactical setups will significantly influence Chelsea’s direction this season.
Ultimately, the Newcastle defeat has laid bare several underlying concerns about Chelsea’s structure, including player utilization and overall tactical unity.
How the team addresses these issues will play a defining role in their ability to recover and push forward in domestic and European competitions.
