As is par for the course when you’re the manager at Chelsea, there is already serious pressure on the shoulders of Mauricio Pochettino in the hotseat.
Blues supporters went into Christmas Day with their side in 10th position, having recently see them beaten again by Wolves on Christmas Eve.
The 2-1 defeat brought visible frustration on the face of the manager, who once again saw his side waste so many chances in front of goal in the first half.
The worst offenders on the day were Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson, with the former inexcusably not helping the Blues go 1-0 up in the first half when three players were baring down on the goalkeeper.
Only when the boss looked to change his entire attack did they come with any real danger, with Christopher Nkunku notably scoring his first competitive goal for the club.
One player who was also introduced off the bench was Noni Madueke, with his presence on the pitch being rarer than he would have liked this season.
Madueke can save Pochettino’s job
Whether it be down to injuries or being out of favour with Pochettino, the England U21 international has hardly been seen on the pitch this season.
This has led to reports that he could be on the move when the transfer window opens again in a few days’ time.
However, he can be the player who ignites a spark into the attack of Chelsea, and ultimately saves Pochettino’s job in West London.
He will surely be given his chance next time out tomorrow when the Blues welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge.
Sterling and Cole Palmer will be suspended for the Premier League game after picking up five yellow cards, and the opportunity will be there for the 21-year-old to show why he should already have been playing a lot more this season.
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