Enzo, drop him and Madueke, they are just too wasteful” – This is according to John Mikel Obi as declears that Beside Madueke, Enzo Maresca must consider dropping another struggling Chelsea player who recently posted a disappointing 3/10 performance and achieved only a 50% pass accuracy. This inconsistency hinders Chelsea’s gameplay and raises questions about lineup changes needed for future matches.

Chelsea’s Response to Liverpool Defeat: A Hard-Fought Win Over Newcastle and Tough Decisions Ahead

After suffering their first loss since August in a fierce clash with Liverpool, Chelsea managed to bounce back with a gritty 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. This wasn’t a straightforward win, as Newcastle put up a formidable fight. However, standout performances from key players like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto played a pivotal role, allowing Chelsea to secure three crucial points. With this result, Chelsea now sits in fourth place, just a single point behind Arsenal, who are actively chasing the league title.

While much of Chelsea’s squad performed well enough to keep their places in the starting eleven, a few players fell short, raising questions about their roles in upcoming matches. Among them, Noni Madueke stood out, though not for the right reasons.

Examining Noni Madueke’s Performance and Why a Change Could Be Beneficial

To be clear, Noni Madueke has been a promising presence in Chelsea’s lineup this season. In his ten appearances, he has scored five goals, demonstrating his potential and becoming a regular starter under Maresca’s guidance. Yet, against Newcastle, his form took a noticeable dip, impacting Chelsea’s fluidity both offensively and defensively.

In his 67 minutes on the pitch, Madueke managed only a 0.08 expected goals (xG) and a 0.18 expected assists (xA), indicating limited impact in the attacking third. His passing and positioning left much to be desired; he completed just one of two dribble attempts, succeeded in only one out of three crosses, and won merely two of his eight duels. He also lost possession ten times, leaving right-back Malo Gusto exposed on multiple occasions. Lloyd Canfield, a sports journalist, rated Madueke’s performance at 5/10, remarking that Pedro Neto “outshone” him, and further highlighting Madueke’s struggles to contribute effectively.

While Madueke’s talents and future importance to Chelsea are unquestionable, this latest performance suggests he might benefit from a different role in the next game, potentially coming off the bench where he can bring energy and creativity later in the match.

Assessing Robert Sanchez’s Inconsistent Display and the Potential Need for Change

In goal, Robert Sanchez has shown some signs of improvement this season, but his performance against Newcastle raised concerns, as he appeared to be Chelsea’s weakest link. While he avoided any game-defining errors, Sanchez’s discomfort with the ball at his feet was evident. His passing, in particular, placed his teammates under unnecessary pressure, nearly leading to costly turnovers.

Sanchez’s discomfort in possession and inconsistency did not go unnoticed. Canfield rated him a low 3/10, referring to him as a “liability,” while Bobby Vincent from football.london echoed similar sentiments, describing Sanchez’s overall performance as “poor.” The statistics further back this up: Sanchez had a passing accuracy of only 50%, misplacing 19 out of 24 attempted long balls. Additionally, he was dribbled past once and failed in his sole ground duel, leaving Chelsea’s defense in vulnerable situations at times.

Given his performance metrics and ongoing inconsistency, many are suggesting that it might be time for Maresca to give Filip Jørgensen, the young and talented backup keeper, his Premier League debut in their upcoming clash against Manchester United. Jørgensen’s composure and skill with the ball could offer Chelsea a more stable foundation from the back, especially when facing a strong United side.

Chelsea’s victory over Newcastle may have brought them back on track, but the need to address underperforming players like Madueke and Sanchez could be critical as the team aims to maintain momentum in the race for a top position. With Maresca’s tactical acumen, Chelsea fans are hopeful that the manager will make the necessary adjustments to sustain the squad’s recent improvements while ensuring every player con

tributes effectively.

Chelsea’s response to the Liverpool defeat, culminating in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle, showed resilience but highlighted some key areas for improvement as they push to maintain momentum in the Premier League. With Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto leading the charge, Chelsea secured three critical points, positioning themselves just one point behind Arsenal in fourth place. However, the victory revealed potential tactical adjustments needed for Noni Madueke and Robert Sanchez, whose performances raised questions about their roles going forward.

### Noni Madueke’s Underwhelming Outing

While Madueke has shown promise throughout the season, his performance against Newcastle fell short, with minimal impact on both offense and defense. Over his 67 minutes on the pitch, he managed just a 0.08 expected goals (xG) and a 0.18 expected assists (xA). His passing accuracy was low, and he struggled in duels, leaving Chelsea vulnerable on the right flank. Sports journalist Lloyd Canfield rated him at 5/10, citing Neto’s stronger performance as a clear contrast. Considering this, Madueke might benefit from a more strategic role off the bench, where his energy could better serve the team.

### Robert Sanchez’s Struggles with Consistency

In goal, Robert Sanchez’s distribution and possession under pressure were less than ideal, raising concerns about his reliability in Chelsea’s build-up play. With a 50% passing accuracy and significant issues with long balls, he contributed to some precarious situations for Chelsea’s defense. Given his inconsistency, Maresca might consider giving Filip Jørgensen a shot against Manchester United. The young keeper’s control with the ball could help Chelsea maintain stability at the back, especially in high-stakes matches.

### What’s Next for Chelsea

Chelsea’s victory over Newcastle reflects Maresca’s tactical adaptability, but optimizing the lineup by addressing players’ inconsistencies may be key to sustaining their push for a top-four finish. With promising young talents in the squad and a strong overall foundation, Chelsea is well-positioned to remain competitive if Maresca makes the right adjustments.