“I feel bad, I feel shame” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explains snubbing Blues stars following Newcastle United victory
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has responded to leaving out certain players in his team's 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Sunday (October 27). The Blues manager decided to leave the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and Joao Felix on the bench at the start of this tie.
Even without these stars, the west Londoners managed to come away with a win at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson (18') and Cole Palmer (47'). The only goal that Chelsea conceded during the tie was Alexander Isak's 32nd-minute equalizer.
Speaking after his team's win, Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"Every game I feel bad, I feel shame because I have to leave players out but it's the only way to try to compete.
"No matter how many changes we make, it's important the style is there, the identity is there."
At the moment, there aren't too many things that Maresca is getting wrong with his Blues team. They're currently placed fifth in the league standings, six points behind leaders Manchester City.
It looks fairly difficult for players in attacking positions to sneak into the first XI, with three of the four positions up front already locked down. Jackson seems to be the first-choice striker, while Palmer is an undoubted starter in the number 10 role.
Noni Madueke has established his place on the right flank, and the only place up for grabs could be the wide left space. Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo look favorites to start in the deeper midfield positions.
The returning Reece James started at left-back, while Malo Gusto was placed at right-back. One may argue that these places remain open to contenders.
Troy Deeney lavishes praise on Chelsea attacker for action v Newcastle United
Chelsea's Cole Palmer has been the standout performer for the club since he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2023. He bagged a goal yet again in his team's latest win over Newcastle United.
Prior to finding the net, Palmer produced a stunning pass for Pedro Neto, who put it on a plate for Nicolas Jackson to tap home early on. Speaking about the England international, pundit Troy Deeney said (via Metro):
"He scored a goal (against Newcastle) and although he didn’t get the assist for the team’s first it was an unreal pass for, as they say in America, an assist for the assist."
So far this campaign, Palmer has made nine appearances in the Premier League, bagging seven goals and five assists. He will be expected to start when Chelsea face Manchester United in their next league tie on November 3.