Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed disappointment following a surprising 3-1 defeat to Leeds United on Wednesday, which hindered their ambitions in the Premier League.
This loss followed closely on the heels of a commendable 1-1 draw against league leaders Arsenal, achieved despite playing with ten men. Chelsea has since fallen to fourth place, now trailing Arsenal by nine points.
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“It was a very disappointing night,” Maresca remarked in the post-match press conference. “Leeds earned their victory; they outperformed us in every area.”
Leeds secured a 2-0 lead at halftime, thanks to goals from Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka. Although Pedro Neto pulled one back in the 50th minute, a defensive error by Tosin Adarabioyo allowed Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score, extending the lead to 3-1.
“There is nothing positive we can take from this match,” Maresca continued. “Our only option is to analyze our mistakes and reset, as we have another game in just 48 hours.”
“I truly hope this was just a bad night for us; Leeds were superior in every aspect, with and without the ball, and in second chances.”
Maresca also mentioned he substituted Estêvão at halftime to avoid a potential red card after the young Brazilian received a yellow for a retaliatory kick at Gabriel Gudmundsson.
“I think Estêvão’s experience tonight was a bit of a ‘welcome to Leeds’ moment,” Maresca said. “At 18, it can be challenging to manage emotions, so it was wise to substitute him for his own sake.”
On a brighter note for Chelsea, playmaker Cole Palmer made his return as a second-half substitute, marking his first appearance in over two months after recovering from a groin injury.
Information from The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.