Two winners and three losers from Chelsea’s defeat to Ipswich, including £52m man who could be sold

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Chelsea signed off for 2024 on a real sour note by losing away to Ipswich Town on Monday night.

The Blues were beaten 2-0 by relegation-threatened Ipswich in yesterday’s Premier League fixture.

Chelsea are now three league games without a win, which is the first time that’s happened to them this season since Enzo Maresca took charge as the head coach in the summer.

It means that the team goes into the New Year sitting fourth in the league table. Even though Maresca’s side were tipped as potential title challengers a couple of weeks ago, it’s pretty evident that they’re now in a fight for a top-four finish.

We’ve taken a look at some winners and losers from Chelsea’s disappointing result at Ipswich.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca gives verdict on Chelsea’s defeat to Ipswich and the penalty decision

Winners

Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has started 17 out of the club’s 19 league matches this season, but he dropped down to the bench versus Ipswich.

It says a lot that the 23-year-old frontman was substituted on early in the second half to try inject some life into his struggling team. Even though he’s gone three games without a goal, the side clearly functions so much better with him on the pitch.

Edouard Mendy claims Chelsea’s Jackson has improved a lot during his time at Stamford Bridge. As it stands, there’s no doubt that he’s the clear first-choice striker at the club.

Wesley Fofana: Chelsea have been without central defender Wesley Fofana, 24, since the start of December because of his current hamstring problem.

Fofana’s stock is rising right now every game without even playing because Tosin Adarabioyo is struggling to fill the void he’s left at centre-half.

Losers

Christopher Nkunku: As mentioned above, Jackson didn’t start the Ipswich defeat, which opened the door for 27-year-old star Christopher Nkunku to lead the line for the Blues.

The £52m attacker (BBC Sport) made very little impact at Portman Road before being substituted off in the 65th minute. Chelsea’s Nkunku blew his chance to impress against Ipswich, so it may be a while before he starts again in the league.

In fact, Nkunku is looking to leave Chelsea in January as his representatives actively search for a transfer move.

Axel Disasi: It was definitely a game to forget for Axel Disasi, 26, as he was recalled to the Chelsea starting line-up to play at right-back against Ipswich.

Jason Cundy described Chelsea defender Disasi as “sloppy” after his mistake led to an Ipswich goal. It’s another reminder that he simply doesn’t look comfortable in the team at right-back.

Enzo Maresca: It’s not often that Maresca has come under-fire for criticism during his first six months in charge, but the Ipswich defeat goes down as one of his rare bad days at the office.

The 44-year-old’s decision to make five changes to his starting XI really didn’t pay off.

It’s now just one point picked up from the last three league games, which has resulted in Chelsea dropping to fourth in the table, so all eyes are on Maresca to fix the recent bump.