Maresca: Shot Count Proves We Deserved the Win

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea FC, expressed his disappointment after his team’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League. Despite sharing the points, Maresca strongly felt that Chelsea deserved a victory based on the dominance they showcased, especially in terms of creating scoring opportunities.

The game at Stamford Bridge was a dramatic affair. Chelsea opened the scoring in the first half with Cole Palmer netting a well-executed goal, assisted by Nicolas Jackson. Their lead, however, was short-lived as Bournemouth mounted a strong comeback. Justin Kluivert converted a penalty, and Antoine Semenyo added a second, leaving Chelsea trailing. It was only in stoppage time that Reece James, in his return from injury, stepped up with a remarkable free-kick to salvage a point.

Speaking about the match, Maresca remarked, 'Considering the number of shots and chances we created, we truly deserved more than a draw. In the first half alone, we had opportunities to seal the game with a comfortable margin, but our finishing let us down.'

Maresca highlighted Chelsea's ongoing struggles in converting chances. 'It’s not just about creating opportunities but being clinical in front of goal. This is something we’ve struggled with in recent matches, and it’s costing us valuable points,' he said, referencing their previous game against Crystal Palace, where a similar scenario unfolded.

The manager also addressed a shift in his team’s mentality after conceding. 'When Bournemouth scored their first goal, we became too cautious and retreated instead of maintaining our attacking intent. This psychological aspect is something we need to improve,' Maresca admitted.

In addition to performance concerns, Maresca subtly criticized the officiating, suggesting that Bournemouth was fortunate not to receive stricter disciplinary actions during key moments. However, he urged his players to remain focused and not let external factors affect their game. 'We must control what we can and adapt to situations, regardless of decisions made on the field,' he said.

One silver lining for Chelsea was the impressive return of Reece James. 'Reece’s goal was phenomenal and a testament to his resilience after a tough injury period. His performance is a huge boost for the team and a reminder of the quality he brings,' Maresca commented.

This result extends Chelsea's winless run in the league to five games, increasing the pressure on Maresca and his squad to turn their performances into victories. As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on sharpening their finishing and sustaining tactical discipline to improve their standings in the league.