Saved by Nkunku: Maresca has to bench £100k-p/w Chelsea star after Saints

Chelsea returned to winning ways last night, ending their run of three straight defeats, beating Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

The victory takes the Blues back up to fourth, taking advantage of Bournemouth’s defeat, sitting two points clear of defending champions Manchester City.

Goals from Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku secured the win for Enzo Maresca’s men, ending their drought in convincing fashion.

The last few weeks have seen the club’s top four ambitions take a hit, but the victory in West London could allow for a mini-revival as the season edges towards its conclusion.

However, despite the huge win, numerous players failed to make a positive impression at the Bridge, putting their position in the starting eleven at risk over the next few matches.

Chelsea’s poor performers against Southampton

Cole Palmer has for so long been the star man for Chelsea, often being the man to get the side out of trouble – as seen by his tally of 20 combined goals and assists in the Premier League this campaign.

However, despite his impressive tallies, he’s been unable to register a single goal contribution in any of the last six league outings, struggling to match his early-season form.

The 22-year-old missed two big chances during the triumph, registering seven shots on goal, but was unable to find the back of the net with any of his efforts – showcasing his wasteful nature in the final third.

Moises Caicedo has been the go-to man at the base of the midfield during Maresca’s reign at the Bridge, but last night was an abnormally quiet showing from the Ecuadorian.

He failed to win any of the two tackles he entered, winning just 40% of his duels before receiving a booking for the ninth time in the league – just one away from a two-game suspension.

Despite the outings of the two aforementioned players, one other Blues talent was unable to impress, leading to criticism over his showings as a result.

The Chelsea player who needs to be benched by Maresca

Winger Jadon Sancho impressed during the first few weeks of his spell as a Chelsea player, registering an assist off the bench against Bournemouth – in what was his debut for the club.

However, over the last couple of weeks, he’s found form hard to come by in attacking areas, falling to register a single goal or assist in any of his last nine outings across all competitions.

Despite his struggles, Maresca opted with the 24-year-old for the clash against the Saints, but was unable to end his run, being withdrawn in the 68th minute as a result of his lack of impact.

The winger created two chances during the win, but was unable to register a single effort on goal, unable to shine against the side occupying the bottom of the table – an indication as to his recent decline in form.

Sancho, who was dubbed “horrendous” by one content creator, also only completed 50% of his attempted dribbles, also failing to find his teammates with any of his crosses.

To make matters worse for the Manchester United loanee, he was replaced by youngster Tyrique George, with the teenager registering an assist for Cucurella’s strike in the closing stages.

As a result of his showing, Sancho was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football London journalist Bobby Vincent, the joint-lowest of any player who started the encounter.

Given his showing, Maresca should consider dropping the £100k-per-week earner, putting faith in the likes of George, with the youngster the future of the football club.

It’s sad to see his lack of form given his start to life at the Bridge, with the Italian needing to take him out of the firing line, making him work for a starting role after his lack of tangible impact.

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