Coach Enzo Maresca repeatedly mentioned Chelsea's inability to control the game against Fulham. And that was the reason they lost at home to west London for the first time since 1979. The Italian strategist said that just the first 15 minutes of the second half cost his Blues.
There was a moment, when the score was 1-0 in favor of Chelsea, that illustrated exactly what Maresca wanted to say. Cole Palmer received the ball when Chelsea counter-attacked and the Blues rushed forward. However, Palmer was slow to handle the ball and disappointed his teammates.
Maresca wants the players to move forward as a unit to avoid creating space for the opponent to exploit. "Before you attack, you need to pass, pass, pass so you can coordinate with each other," said the Chelsea head coach.
The statistics at the end of the match showed that Fulham's victory over Chelsea was completely deserved. They had 26 touches in the opposition box compared to Chelsea's 20, controlled the ball more than 52% and had 14 shots compared to the home team's 12.
Leicester fans were sometimes tired of Maresca's approach last season, despite him guiding them to promotion as Championship champions. It is clear that it will take time to adjust Maresca's philosophy. However, not everyone at Chelsea understands that.
Perhaps that is why he kept saying Chelsea are not ready to challenge for the title. The result was still impressive, the Blues' first Premier League defeat since losing to Liverpool in October, but Maresca knows the team is still adapting to his style of play.
"A defeat may not mean Chelsea are not ready or cannot compete for the title. However, the reason I say Chelsea are not title contenders is the feeling within the team.
Because we understand our own strength. Chelsea understand why we should aim to win every game. Because that is the best Chelsea can do, as well as look at what we can improve" - the Italian strategist said.
With Arsenal only having to face Ipswich Town in the latest match of round 18, Chelsea are likely to lose second place to their opponents.
