Chelsea ease pressure on Enzo Maresca with 3-0 victory against Wolves, responding to criticism over his rotation policy with strong second-half display
CHELSEA delivered a convincing response to critics of Enzo Maresca’s rotation policy with a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.
The win came days after Wayne Rooney questioned Maresca’s team selections following Chelsea’s Champions League draw against Qarabag.
Maresca made eight changes for the Premier League encounter, marking the sixth consecutive match with seven or more alterations.
French defender Malo Gusto broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with his first professional goal for the club.
Joao Pedro doubled Chelsea’s advantage before Pedro Neto completed the scoring against his former club.
The comprehensive victory lifted Chelsea to second place in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Maresca dismissed external criticism, stating “Inside, we are convinced that as a club as a team we are going in the right direction.”
He acknowledged the performance difference between halves, noting “in the second half we scored the goals that we didn’t in the first half.”
Regarding his rotation strategy, the Italian manager added “It’s part of my job, it’s part of the game.”
Bottom-placed Wolves suffered their ninth defeat in 11 league games under academy coaches James Collins and Richard Walker.
The Midlands club are reportedly in talks with Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards after agreeing compensation.
Chelsea showed signs of fatigue in the first half following their late return from Azerbaijan on Thursday morning.
Alejandro Garnacho had several early opportunities denied by Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The Argentine winger eventually provided assists for both Gusto’s opener and Neto’s late tap-in.
Substitute Estevao Willian made an immediate impact by setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s second goal just 67 seconds after coming on.
The victory represents Chelsea’s fourth win in their last five Premier League matches ahead of the international break. – AFP
