Enzo Maresca Criticises Liam Delap Over Foolish Sending Off in Chelsea Victory Against Wolves

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca condemned Liam Delap for a foolish and shameful red card during Wednesdays 4-3 triumph over Wolves in the League Cup fourth round.

Delap received his marching orders after accumulating two bookings within only seven minutes upon entering as a substitute, marking his return since August.

The initial caution came from grappling Yerson Mosquera down, while the second resulted from a rash challenge in the air against Emmanuel Agbadou.

This marked Chelseas sixth dismissal in nine matches this term, leaving Maresca incensed with the forward, who now faces a suspension for Saturdays crucial London clash with Tottenham, shortly after recovering from a prolonged hamstring problem.

"Today we saw a truly foolish red card, entirely avoidable, it stemmed from a needless foul," Maresca remarked.

"I fully back and comprehend dismissals similar to those versus Brighton and Manchester United, which prove challenging, yet the one against Nottingham and todays could have been prevented, and must be in future.

"A sending off like this is disgraceful. It is shameful, two cautions in seven minutes. I believe both could have been sidestepped.

"Following the first yellow, I instructed him repeatedly, about four or five times, to stay composed, but as a player on the field, he might be too focused on his own play, failing to tune into his surroundings."

Delaps ejection somewhat marred Chelseas thrilling advancement to the quarter finals, where they face League One side Cardiff away.

Strikes by Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estevao put Chelsea three goals up at the interval against the Premier Leagues last placed team.

Tolu Arokodare and David Wolfe pulled goals back before Jamie Gittens netted in the 90th minute to secure the win for Chelsea.

Wolfe added another soon after as Wolves pressed forward, though Chelsea managed to cling on even after Delaps red card.