Chelsea have a rare free midweek coming up, which could help them steady the ship and focus on strengthening their top-four credentials

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has hit back at criticism over his substitutions in recent matches following their draw to Crystal Palace.

Chelsea have slipped to fourth in the Premier League after dropping two points against Crystal Palace and Enzo Maresca is determined to help his side rediscover their previous form

But it is Chelsea’s lack of control during matches that is providing a test for him now. The 2-0 defeat at Ipswich Town means Chelsea have lost successive games for the first time under Maresca. They have failed to score in successive away games too and ended 2024 picking up just one point from their final three league matches.

The latter was the part Enzo Maresca rued the most. A second goal would’ve created the margin of error that seems to be absolutely necessary for us to win a game these days. We don’t do clean sheets and certainly not 1-0s (just one such win all season).

Enzo Maresca feels Chelsea need to improve their intensity in training after failing to convert all but one chance in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta salvaged a point for the hosts in the 82nd minute at Selhurst Park on Saturday,