Enzo Maresca picks out Chelsea’s two ‘best players’ in 3-1 defeat vs Leeds United

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea were brought back down to earth on Wednesday when they were defeated 3-1 away from home by Leeds United.

The Blues have a nightmare record at Elland Road, and looked as if they were struggling with the hostile atmosphere the supporters created.

Enzo Maresca tried to rotate where he could after gruelling fixtures against Barcelona and Arsenal, however Chelsea supporters were not happy that Tosin Adarabioyo started the game.

The former Fulham man was at fault for the third goal, not allowing the Blues to properly get back into the game after Pedro Neto had found the net early in the second half.

Enzo Maresca names Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho as Chelsea’s best players vs Leeds

Chelsea showed far more attacking intent after making substitutions, with Neto and Alejandro Garnacho bringing a new challenge to the Leeds defence after their relatively comfortable first half.

Maresca told Football London after the game that he believed they were the two best performers for the Blues in what was a night to forget up North.

He said: “I think tonight’s game there is no one that was at this level or the best level. I think all the teams, all the ones probably, Pedro [Neto], second half, Garna [Alejandro Garnacho], second half, they were our best players.

“After we scored the goal we had two chances with Cole [Palmer] and with Joao [Pedro]. But then the third goal I think killed the game.”

Decision to be made for Enzo Maresca

The manager has been heavily rotating out wide this season, with him having four genuine options to choose from.

Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens got the nod to start, however the Brazilian was given a rude awakening as to some of the challenges Premier League sides will bring the talented youngster.

Neto has been amongst Chelsea’s top performers this season, and it looked as if Chelsea missed his workrate as much as anything else at Elland Road.

The Portugal international can be expected to return to the starting side to face Bournemouth on Saturday, as well as Garnacho, who has found his feet far quicker than Gittens on the left of attack.