Chelsea’s Reaction to Liverpool Loss: Gritty Win Over Newcastle and Difficult Choices Ahead
Following their first defeat since August in a tough match against Liverpool, Chelsea rebounded with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. The win was not easy, as Newcastle fought fiercely, but key performances from players like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto were crucial in securing three important points. This result places Chelsea in fourth, just one point behind title contenders Arsenal.
While many players maintained their positions in the starting lineup, some, including Noni Madueke, underperformed, raising concerns about their future roles.
Evaluating Noni Madueke’s Performance and Potential Changes
Noni Madueke has shown promise this season, scoring five goals in ten appearances and becoming a regular starter under Maresca. However, his performance against Newcastle was below par, disrupting Chelsea’s offensive and defensive flow.
In 67 minutes, Madueke posted a mere 0.08 expected goals (xG) and 0.18 expected assists (xA), reflecting a minimal impact in attack. He struggled with passing and positioning, completing just one of two dribbles, one of three crosses, and winning only two of eight duels. He lost possession ten times, leaving right-back Malo Gusto vulnerable.
Sports journalist Lloyd Canfield rated Madueke’s performance a 5/10, noting that Pedro Neto “outshone” him.
Despite Madueke’s undeniable talent and future potential, this performance suggests he might be more effective coming off the bench to inject energy and creativity.
Assessing Robert Sanchez’s Inconsistent Performance and Need for Change
In goal, Robert Sanchez has shown some improvement, but his display against Newcastle raised alarms, making him appear as Chelsea’s weakest link. Although he avoided critical mistakes, his discomfort with the ball was apparent, with poor passing putting teammates under pressure and leading to near turnovers.
Canfield rated Sanchez a low 3/10, calling him a “liability,” while Bobby Vincent from football.london described his performance as “poor.” Statistically, Sanchez had only 50% passing accuracy, misplacing 19 of 24 long balls. He was dribbled past once and lost his only ground duel, placing Chelsea’s defense in jeopardy.
Given his inconsistent performance, there are calls for Maresca to consider giving young backup keeper Filip Jørgensen his Premier League debut in the upcoming match against Manchester United. Jørgensen’s composure and skill could provide a more stable foundation, especially against a strong United team.
While Chelsea’s win over Newcastle was a positive step, addressing the struggles of players like Madueke and Sanchez is vital as the team strives for a top position.
Fans remain hopeful that Maresca will make the necessary adjustments to maintain the squad’s recent improvements and ensure effective contributions from all players.
