Maresca Slams Key Player After Chelsea’s Flat, Disappointing 0–0 Draw vs. Crystal Palace
Chelsea’s Premier League opener on August 17, 2025 ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw. Despite 70 percent plus possession and 19 attempts, only three hit the target. New signings Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens were ineffective. Estêvão injected some life off the bench, but forwards lacked cutting edge.
Manager Enzo Maresca dubbed it a “tough game”. He emphasized expectations of difficulty, citing Crystal Palace’s quality—winners of the FA Cup and Community Shield. He noted Chelsea created chances and didn’t concede but can improve in attack and defense.
Yet public and fan reaction skewed negative. One recurring target: Enzo Fernández. Social media slaughtered his outing. One user quipped:
> “Legit plays like a 75 year old Kroos.”
Another:
“Enzo Fernandez is unbelievably bad please get him off my screen.”
That hit, emphasised by nine lost possessions and one key pass.
Match reports confirm broader underperformance. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Gittens were quiet. But there were standout performers: teenage centre-back Josh Acheampong impressed in place of injured Levi Colwill. Estêvão showed promise late into the game.
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Why it matters now
Star under fire: Enzo Fernández’s mismatch of expectation versus execution could trigger tactical tweaks—or even transfer discussions.
Attack in limbo: Maresca’s offense looked pre-season flat. Creativity and decisiveness in the final third must improve.
Youth pipeline: Acheampong and Estêvão provided glimpses of depth. Their roles may expand if forwards don’t rise.
Transfer urgency: Maresca has previously voiced concerns over not replacing Colwill adequately. This match reinforces that need.
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Zero-fluff summary: Chelsea were dominant in possession. They lacked offensive bite. Maresca pointed to expected difficulty but admitted need for improvement. Enzo Fernández bore heavy fan criticism. Youth offered hope. But overall—this performance was unacceptable. Build better. Figure out who can deliver. Reinforcements appear necessary.