Glenn Hoddle has questioned Enzo Maresca’s set-up in opposition to Arsenal, suggesting it inhibited Chelsea’s major attacking risk Cole Palmer.
The Blues, trying to find their first Premier League win in opposition to Arsenal since 2021, went behind to Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half strike at Stamford Bridge.
However Maresca’s aspect responded effectively and earned some extent when Pedro Neto rifled residence a long-distance end to stage the sport.
In a cagey London derby, neither aspect had been at their fluent greatest with Palmer, specifically, struggling to influence the sport for the house aspect.
The 22-year-old solely skilled twice within the week after sustaining a knock in opposition to Manchester United final weekend however did not get into the sport after some good touches within the early phases.
Whereas his lack of match health little doubt performed its half, former Chelsea midfielder Hoddle reckons that Maresca’s techniques additionally stiffled Palmer’s means to get on the ball in harmful positions.
Talking on Stadium Atsro after the sport, he mentioned: ‘Due to (Bukayo) Saka’s risk, (Marc) Cucurella stayed on the market [on the left] and did his job – he obtained participant of the match and it was in all probability proper as a result of he stopped Saka taking part in and bursting.
‘So that they didn’t put him in midfield, they put (Malo) Gusto in midfield from the right-back place which stopped Palmer for me.’
Hoddle continued: ‘Gusto performed in that inside left channel and tied him down a bit. For me, there are occasions when you need to let that lad play throughout the arc and play as a ten.
‘He didn’t actually play as a ten, he was in that inside ahead place and Neto was exterior of him till he came visiting to the precise within the second half which I hoped as a result of he’s higher on the precise.
‘However Palmer I felt was tied down and he didn’t play so effectively as we speak.’
Talking at full-time, Maresca insisted it was not a danger to play Palmer given his lack of health however did seem increase doubts over his means to play for England throughout the worldwide break.
‘I don’t suppose we took any dangers,’ the Italian mentioned. ‘For certain, he was a doubt till the tip. His performances have been superb.
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‘Within the first 10 minutes, we contact with him, from (Levi) Colwill to him, three or 4 instances. Then they regulate and (Thomas) Partey was marking him man-to-man so it was troublesome for Cole in that case.
‘However general, very pleased with Cole’s efficiency. He’s painful now however it doesn’t look one thing essential.’
Palmer’s potential abscene for Lee Carsley can be one other blow for the interim England supervisor who noticed Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon all decide up knocks as effectively on Sunday.
The Three Lions journey to face Greece on Thursday earlier than internet hosting the Republic of Eire at Wembley on Sunday.
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