"A matter of balance" - Enzo Maresca explains decision to sub in Christopher Nkunku instead of one other Chelsea star in Fulham loss
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to play Christopher Nkunku instead of Joao Felix in the defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day. The Blues lost their first league game since October and only their third this season, bowing to a 2-1 defeat against their west London rivals.
Injuries appear to have left Chelsea looking stretched in recent games, with the likes of Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana out. Mykhailo Mudryk's alleged failed drug test also adds to their problems and Noni Madueke was not in the squad for the game.
Maresca made only one change in the game against the Cottagers, replacing striker Nicolas Jackson with France international Christopher Nkunku. The coach was questioned about his choice to go with Nkunku over Felix, and he explained his decision as having been influenced by balance.
“We decided Christo for Nico. For Joao, he plays more or less the same position as Cole. They played together already but it’s also a matter of balance, that’s why,” Maresca said (via CFCPys on X).
Chelsea looked flat and uninspired for the most part of their game against Fulham, who posed a threat throughout. Nkunku was largely ineffectual after coming on for the Blues in the 73rd minute of the encounter.
The 27-year-old touched the ball eight times, completing three passes as his side came under increased pressure. He also managed to miss one big chance in his time on the pitch. Portuguese forward Joao Felix was an unused sub for a second league game in succession despite the side's struggles in attack.
Fulham claim rare win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Fulham joined Liverpool and Manchester City among the teams to have defeated Chelsea this season. They came from behind to pick up all three points at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. The Cottagers picked up a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979 to stun their neighbors.
Cole Palmer showed his brilliance to open the scoring in the 16th minute, side-footing home from outside the box for his 12th goal of the season. Marc Cucurella was denied from point-blank range, and Levi Colwill had a goal correctly ruled out for offside at the start of the second half.
Fulham grew into the game and found a leveler in the 82nd minute as substitute Harry Wilson headed home from close range. They stole all three points in the fifth of six added minutes when substitute Rodrigo Muniz fired home following a quick counter.
