Chelsea Beat Wolves to Silence Doubts About Maresca's Squad Rotation
Chelsea addressed concerns regarding Enzo Maresca's team rotation strategy through a convincing 3-0 triumph over Wolves, marked by Malo Gusto's inaugural professional strike on Saturday.
Ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney suggested that Chelsea's key squad members ought to challenge Maresca's choices following the Italian's seven substitutions in a 2-2 stalemate with Azerbaijani side Qarabag during the Champions League midweek.
After countering Rooney's remark by highlighting the intensified physical toll on athletes nowadays, Maresca implemented eight adjustments at Stamford Bridge.
This marked the sixth straight fixture where Maresca introduced seven or more switches, a decision that yielded results via a robust second-period display propelling Chelsea to second in the Premier League table.
The French full-back Gusto, who joined from Lyon in 2023, gave Chelsea the lead post-break with his debut goal at senior level.
Joao Pedro extended the advantage, while Pedro Neto sealed Chelsea's fourth league success in five outings, narrowing the gap to summit dwellers Arsenal to six points.
Though they will slip from second after Manchester City's Sunday clash with Liverpool, Maresca can take comfort in muting detractors ahead of the international window.
"External chatter is the issue. Internally, the club and group are certain we are progressing correctly and achieving positive outcomes," Maresca remarked.
"Our performance was solid. The main distinction between halves was converting chances in the second that eluded us earlier."
Regarding the rotation debate, he noted: "It forms part of my responsibilities, integral to modern football.
"Ultimately, this industry faces issues without victories, yet triumphs smooth over all."
League basement occupants Wolves, guided by youth coaches James Collins and Richard Walker post-Vitor Pereira's dismissal last weekend, sit eight points adrift of survival after nine losses in 11 domestic matches.
Middlesbrough have allowed boss Rob Edwards to discuss the Wolves vacancy after settling a compensation agreement on Saturday.
Chelsea returned to London around six in the morning on Thursday following their extended journey from Baku, and despite Maresca's alterations, appeared fatigued initially.
Chelsea Find Their Rhythm
Alejandro Garnacho had salvaged a point for Chelsea versus Qarabag, and the Argentine attacker nearly struck first early in west London.
Enzo Fernandez's delivery released Garnacho, yet his effort on target was adeptly parried by Sam Johnstone.
Johnstone aided Wolves once more, diverting Fernandez's effort from distance over the crossbar.
Post-two excellent interventions, Johnstone erred by letting Fernandez's set-piece drift beyond him goalward, prompting Toti Gomes to deftly hook clear from the line.
In spite of Chelsea's control in possession, supporters grew impatient with sluggish build-up and inability to dominate Wolves decisively.
Joao Pedro missed a prime chance to calm nerves right before the break, firing astray from an open spot outside the box.
Fans jeered Chelsea at half-time, but joy erupted in the 51st minute.
Garnacho sparked it with a surging advance and delivery to the near post, allowing Gusto to nod in confidently.
Maresca introduced rising talent Estevao Willian, and the young Brazilian influenced instantly, assisting the second goal after 67 seconds in the 65th minute.
Estevao's energetic foray concluded with an ideal pass for Joao Pedro, who rifled home from close range beyond Johnstone.
Chelsea were now flowing, and Neto confirmed the win in the 73rd minute, the ex-Wolves player slotting past from Garnacho's inviting centre.