Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge of Chelsea certainly wasn’t a smooth ride.
In a thrilling encounter at Levi’s Stadium, the Blues found themselves in a 2-2 stalemate with League One’s Wrexham.
While Chelsea did manage to avoid a loss thanks to a late equalizer, it was clear that the journey ahead would be more challenging than some might have anticipated.
Chelsea initially took control with a goal from Christopher Nkunku in the 35th minute.
However, the second half turned the tide as Wrexham’s Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott found the net, putting Chelsea on the brink of defeat.
It was only a last-minute goal from Lesley Ugochukwu that saved Chelsea from what could have been a disheartening loss against the third-tier team owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Maresca’s preferred style of play, which involves playing out from the back, came with its own set of challenges.
Chelsea conceded twice after losing possession in their own half, highlighting a key area for improvement.
While friendlies like this one are perfect for experimenting and learning from mistakes, Maresca will need to tighten up his team’s defensive transitions.
Loss of Control in the Second Half
During a training session earlier in the week, Chelsea’s focus was clearly on transitioning the ball smoothly from defense to attack.
The first half of the friendly showcased this strategy well, with Reece James and Romeo Lavia linking up in midfield and attackers like Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku pushing forward.
However, after making ten substitutions at half-time, including replacing James with Malo Gusto, Chelsea’s control of the game waned noticeably.
Set-Piece Improvement
One positive takeaway from the match was Chelsea’s effectiveness from set-pieces.
With new specialist coach Bernardo Cueva on board, who was brought in from Brentford, Chelsea’s corners looked more promising.
Nkunku’s opening goal came just ten seconds after a corner kick, showcasing the improved set-piece strategy.
Lavia’s Return
Romeo Lavia, who struggled with injuries throughout the previous season, played the entire first half of this match.
He looked composed and confident, hinting at the potential he has to be a significant asset for Chelsea this season.
A Heated Exchange
The game also saw a fiery moment when Levi Colwill clashed with Wrexham’s James McClean just three minutes in.
Colwill’s reaction to McClean’s late challenge was intense, and while the heat of the moment was perhaps understandable given Colwill’s injury-hit season, he might need to manage his temper better to avoid potential red cards in more critical fixtures.
Overall, while Chelsea’s debut under Maresca showed flashes of promise, it also highlighted areas that need attention as they gear up for the season ahead.
TDPel Media
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