Chelsea’s opening Premier League match against Manchester City ended in a disappointing 2-0 home loss. Enzo Fernandez, who was named captain for the game by new manager Enzo Maresca, failed to make a significant impact on the match. The midfielder’s match stats raised concerns about his performance and justified his selection as captain.
Fernandez completed a total of 45 passes, but a closer look at the data reveals that most of them were played sideways rather than forward. Only one pass into the box was accurate, and the two passes into the six-yard box were both off-target. These numbers highlight Fernandez’s lack of attacking influence and suggest that he needs to improve if he wants to secure his place in the Chelsea team.
In contrast, Manchester City had 11 on-target efforts and scored from two of them, including a lethal finish from Erling Haaland. Chelsea, on the other hand, only managed three shots on target from their 10 goal attempts. This stark contrast in attacking efficiency further emphasizes the need for Fernandez to contribute more to the team’s offensive play.
Despite his underwhelming performance, Maresca defended Fernandez and emphasized his positive influence on the team. The manager acknowledged Fernandez’s mistake in filming himself singing a racist chant but believes in giving him a chance to learn from his error. Maresca’s support for Fernandez suggests that he values the player’s character and believes in his potential to grow.
However, it is clear that Fernandez’s performance on the pitch needs improvement. He made no dribbles, won only two tackles, and delivered just one accurate cross. These numbers indicate a lack of impact in both attacking and defensive aspects of the game. With Chelsea’s midfield lacking creative spark, Fernandez must step up and provide more in terms of chance creation and defensive contributions.
Furthermore, Maresca’s decision to play Nicolas Jackson as the lone striker did not yield positive results. Jackson had only three efforts on target, including a disallowed goal. The lack of support from the midfield and the absence of a consistent attacking threat made it difficult for Jackson to make a significant impact on the game.
In conclusion, Fernandez’s performance as Chelsea captain in their first Premier League match was underwhelming. His match stats highlighted his shortcomings in attack and defense, indicating the need for improvement. Maresca’s support for Fernandez’s character is commendable, but the midfielder must prove himself on the pitch to justify his captaincy. Additionally, Chelsea’s lack of attacking threat and creativity in midfield is a concern that needs to be addressed moving forward.