Maresca Blames Player for Chelsea Defeat Against Ipswich

Chelsea were given a reality check in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title after being stunned 2-0 by Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Monday.

Liam Delap put the hosts ahead from the spot after 13 minutes when John Brooks awarded a controversial penalty against Filip Jorgensen.

The Blues tried to fight back and hit the woodwork twice, as Cole Palmer struck the post with a free-kick. Joao Felix had a goal chalked off for a narrow offside before the break as Enzo Maresca’s side pressed for a leveller.

An error from Axel Disasi allowed former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson to score against his former team in the second half and the visitors rarely looked like mounting a comeback.

Filip Jorgensen 6

Given a rare start in goal in place of Robert Sanchez, the Dane made a rash decision to come off his line to smother the ball and conceded a penalty. But replays showed he was hard done by as there wasn’t any contact. After that, he pulled off a string of impressive saves to deny Delap and co., but could do little to stop Hutchinson’s second.

Axel Disasi 3

Not sure what any of his previous performances would have done to convince Maresca he warranted a start here, but Disasi’s attempts to defend were lacklustre and lacking any kind of urgency. His colossal error allowed Hutchinson in for the second goal and it was a real surprise to see him stay on after that.

Levi Colwill 4

For the second game in a row, the centre-back missed an easy chance in the box and at 1-0 down, it proved crucial as Ipswich doubled their lead soon after. Not exactly convincing defensively either and lost his cool towards the end. Booked.

Marc Cucurella 5

Only a heatmap can do justice in trying to explain Cucurella’s role these days. He was everywhere, but also nowhere as he struggled to influence that match, bar one wayward effort that should’ve hit the target.

Moises Caicedo 5

The Ecuadorian was as energetic as usual but didn’t get as much of the ball as he would’ve liked. Probably his quietest game of the season. Booked.

Enzo Fernandez 6

Supplied the attackers in front of him with some lovely passes but neglected his defensive duties when Ipswich attacked. Would’ve had a couple of assists were it not for Felix being denied. Booked.

Noni Madueke 5

Had a point to prove after being dropped due to a ‘technical decision’ against Fulham. The winger saw a lot of the ball in the first half and was a threat down the right, seeing a low effort blocked by Walton in the second half. But didn’t quite do enough to solidify his place back in the team.

Cole Palmer 6

Unfortunate to see his free-kick cannon back off the post and he tried to conjure up chances for his team-mates. Also had a goal-bound effort tipped over by Walton. He didn’t hide when they went a goal down and that’s a testament to his character. But in the second half, he faded from prominence.

Joao Felix 5

Thought he had hauled Chelsea back into the game but VAR correctly chalked off his goal. Then had a header blocked on the line in the second half. Tried so hard to impress but just wasn’t his night, and few could blame him for being surprised when he was hooked after 55 minutes.

Christopher Nkunku 5

So close to stabbing home the equaliser from Palmer’s rebound but fed off scraps for the rest of the half. Hooked on 65 minutes and Maresca still can’t find the right potion to get him clicking.

Substitutes

Nicolas Jackson (on 55′) 5

Not used to coming off the bench, the Senegalese was barely noticeable up front and didn’t get a sniff. Missed a sitter, only for his blushes to be spared by the offside flag.

Jadon Sancho (on 65′) 5

Didn’t look too fired up when coming on and his cameo didn’t improve from there. Anonymous.

Pedro Neto (on 78′) 6