“He’s on him” “No one should pity him for the loss” – Mikel Obi blasts Chelsea man for Chelsea 2-1 defeat to Fulham
This season, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge around the new management has been overwhelmingly positive.
In his first season as Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca guided his team to second place in the Premier League, and the Blues team has improved significantly during that period.
The manager has been particularly well-liked among Chelsea supporters. When they defeated Southampton 5-1 a few weeks ago, they yelled his name loudly.
Mikel Obi believes Enzo Maresca made a mistake only making one substitution during Chelsea vs Fulham
However, there was frustration at his side’s performance on Boxing Day against Fulham. They conceded two late on to lose the West London derby.
The Blues took the lead through Cole Palmer, and his interplay with striker Nicolas Jackson was a real positive in what was a fairly lacklustre performance from the hosts.
In an attempt to freshen things up while they were in the lead, Jackson was replaced by Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman hardly touching the ball in his time on the pitch.
Jackson was putting in a very similar performance to the one against Brentford a few weeks ago, with a big chance going begging in that game similar to today.
Maresca stuck with the Senegal international that day, and he repaid the faith with a fine goal that won them the game.
Jackson was pictured raising his eyebrows a couple of times after he was taken off, with him seeming to question the decision to take him off.
Joao Felix frustrated at lack of minutes at Chelsea
Mikel Obi said: “Even when the game was at 1-1 and Chelsea were desperate to find a winner to keep up the battle at the top, however decided not to make another change as they chased the game.
“This meant that Joao Felix, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George were all left on the bench, unable to make an impact or replacing the underwhelming Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.” Mikel added.
Meanwhile, It has been hinted that staff at Chelsea believe Felix could be becoming frustrated with his lack of minutes, and he will point to this game as one of the examples when he could have been utilised.