Enzo Maresca admitted Chelsea mustn’t take into consideration difficult for the Premier League title after lowly Ipswich beat the Blues 2-0 at Portman Street on Monday. Maresca’s facet have been rocked by Liam Delap’s early penalty and a second-half aim from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson. Chelsea’s second successive defeat after their Boxing Day loss in opposition to Fulham left them with out a win of their final three matches. The west Londoners had emerged as shock title contenders after an eight-match profitable run in all competitions.
However Maresca had insisted all through that spell that Chelsea’s inexperienced squad wouldn’t have what it takes to win the title in his first season after arriving from Leicester.
And the Italian’s prediction appears spot on after a shock end in Suffolk that leaves Chelsea in fourth place, 10 factors behind leaders Liverpool, who’ve a recreation in hand.
“We focus recreation by recreation. We aren’t centered on title race or these issues,” Maresca stated.
“It was an odd recreation. We had many probabilities however we may do many issues higher, defend higher in some moments.
“Now we have completed the primary a part of the season, nobody anticipated us to be the place we’re. It is a lengthy race.”
Third-bottom Ipswich climb inside one level of security after profitable for the second time of their final 4 matches.
Kieran McKenna’s facet have renewed perception they will keep away from relegation again to the Championship because of their first top-flight house win in 22 years.
“Particular evening for the membership. First house win within the Premier League at Portman Street for 22 years and to do it in opposition to Chelsea was implausible,” McKenna stated.
“Everybody concerned with Ipswich can get pleasure from a glass of sparkly stuff tomorrow evening and take into consideration a few of the moments we have had during the last couple of years.”
– Delap domination –
Ipswich took the battle to Chelsea proper from the beginning as Delap bullied the guests’ defence in pugnacious style.
Delap raced onto Leif Davis’ inch-perfect move within the twelfth minute and went to floor after the faintest of kicks by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Referee John Brooks awarded the spot-kick and Delap drilled into the underside nook for his seventh aim of the season.
Cole Palmer nearly levelled instantly when his free-kick from 22 yards smacked in opposition to the put up.
Palmer’s excellent left-footed cross was transformed by Joao Felix halfway by the primary half however the Portugal striker’s highly effective end was disallowed for offside after a prolonged VAR verify.
Simply earlier than half-time, Palmer’s excellent 20-yard roller appeared destined for the highest nook after Felix’s lay-off, just for Christian Walton to brilliantly parry onto the crossbar.
Felix’s header was cleared off the road by Wes Burns early within the second half earlier than Walton thwarted Noni Madueke’s low effort.
Chelsea’s profligacy got here again to hang-out them as Ipswich doubled their lead within the 53rd minute.
Axel Disasi carelessly handed straight to Delap on the midway line and he ran at Levi Colwill earlier than passing again to Hutchinson.
Intelligently working a yard of area, Hutchinson drilled into the underside nook.
It was a particular aim for Hutchinson in opposition to a membership that launched him twice from their youth crew.
Chelsea have been unable to muster a response as Ipswich inflicted a painful defeat with repercussions at each ends of the desk.
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