Nicolas Jackson is not the only Chelsea player coming in for criticism following the Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Jackson was sent off in the first half of Chelsea‘s latest loss for an elbow on Sven Botman, which Enzo Maresca was not too happy about.
Maresca was seen ignoring Jackson as the striker headed down the tunnel following his dismissal.
Unsurprisingly, the 23-year-old has been criticised for such reckless play, but some of his teammates are also being slammed for their roles in the defeat.
Pat Nevin questions Enzo Maresca’s use of Moises Caicedo
Caicedo has been playing at right-back recently, inverting into midfield from there.
However, for Pat Nevin, it is not exactly an experiment that is working out, with the former Chelsea winger feeling that the midfielder is struggling out of position.
Commentating on the game for the BBC, Nevin said: “Last week I was surprised that Caicedo didn’t get sent off with the challenges he was putting in. So what do Newcastle do? First minute they put the ball in behind him to Anthony Gordon and that eventually led to the goal.
“When he is back there he just seems rash and out of position. He is Chelsea’s player of the year this season but he is out of position and Anthony Gordon is already giving him a tough time.”
Overall, Caicedo has been consistent this term. It is why Caicedo won Chelsea’s Players’ Player of the Season award.
Maresca has wanted to start Romeo Lavia in Chelsea’s last few Premier League games, though, which means he has had to move Caicedo around to fit the Belgian in.
In the long run, it will not work, which the Chelsea manager probably realised at St James’ Park.
Moises Caicedo ‘exposed’ against Newcastle
European football expert Julien Laurens was another individual who felt that Caicedo struggled at right-back against Newcastle.
Also discussing the game on BBC, Laurens said: “I understand Maresca wanting to play Caicedo in at right back, when we see Chelsea with possession he is coming inside to help in midfield on the same line as Lavia. But without the ball against a team like Newcastle he is too exposed.”
While Caicedo did not have the best match, Chelsea still could have got something from the fixture had Jackson not put them at such a huge disadvantage.
If anyone is to blame for the defeat, it is the Senegal international. That being said, Chelsea’s record at St James’ Park is dreadful. Not many Chelsea supporters would have been feeling too optimistic heading into the game.
With Manchester United and Nottingham Forest up next, it is not an easy end to the season for Maresca’s men.
