Maresca: Chelsea's 4-1 Win Masked Struggles

Mas Arief

You need 2 min read

·

Post on Oct 25, 2024

43 visitor like this post

Share

Maresca: Chelsea's 4-1 Win Masked Struggles

Chelsea's 4-1 victory over Luton Town on Friday night might have painted a picture of a team on the rise, but a closer look reveals the victory was far from a convincing statement. While the scoreline suggests a dominant performance, the underlying issues remain, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with a lot to ponder.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half saw Chelsea control possession and create numerous chances. Luton, making their return to the Premier League after a long absence, was largely contained and visibly intimidated by the Blues' attacking prowess. Goals from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea in a comfortable lead, and it seemed like the floodgates might open.

However, the second half witnessed a dramatic shift. Luton, sensing their opportunity, came out with renewed vigor and began pressing higher. Chelsea's midfield, which had been dominant earlier, suddenly looked vulnerable, and Luton found themselves creating scoring opportunities. A deflected shot from Mads Andersen pulled a goal back, and for a brief moment, it felt like the tide had turned.

Maresca's Impact and Chelsea's Concerns

Enter Enzo Fernández. The Argentine maestro, who had been underwhelming in the first half, came alive in the second. His creative passing and intelligent movement unlocked the Luton defense, allowing Raheem Sterling to bag his second goal and put the game beyond doubt.

While Fernández's resurgence provided a much-needed boost, the overall performance raised more questions than answers for Chelsea. Despite the win, the team's ability to dominate consistently remained in question. Their defense, despite a clean sheet, was shaky at times and appeared susceptible to Luton's counter-attacks.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road Ahead

Chelsea's triumph over Luton, while satisfying, highlighted the areas that need immediate attention. The team's midfield needs consistency, their defense needs more solidity, and their overall attacking threat requires further refinement. While the squad possesses individual talent, Pochettino must find a way to blend them into a cohesive unit capable of consistently performing at a high level.

The victory against Luton might have provided a temporary boost in morale, but the challenges facing Chelsea are far from over. Their journey towards a championship-contending team is far from complete, and the real test will lie in overcoming the shortcomings that were evident against Luton. The coming weeks will be crucial for Pochettino to implement his vision and for Chelsea to show they have what it takes to become a true Premier League force.