“We arrived a bit tired,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca highlights ‘fatigue’ as reason for 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town 

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insisted that his players are a 'bit tired', following their dismal 2-0 defeat Ipswich Town in the EPL.

“We arrived a bit tired,” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca highlights ‘fatigue’ as reason for 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town 

Enzo Maresca claimed that Chelsea players are tired, amid the club's recent slump. (via BBC)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca identified fatigue as a reason for the club’s recent slump in the Premier League. The Blues most recently suffered their fourth defeat of the season, surprisingly losing 2-0 to relegation-battling Ipswich Town away from home. 

The Blues were far from their best against Ipswich Town, who registered their first-ever home win this season. Newly promoted Ipswich is now placed 18th on the EPL table, with 15 points. Despite Chelsea dominating the match in terms of possession and shots, Ipswich eased past them with a two goal win. Liam Delap scored a controversial 12th minute penalty, after VAR awarded the same after a foul by Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen. Omari Hutchinson then doubled Ipswich’s lead in the 54th minute.

YouTube video

Despite ruling the Blues out of the EPL title race, manager Enzo Maresca was questioned about the reason for Chelsea’s recent slump, amid their three match win-less run. The Italian highlighted fatigue as a reason for the club’s poor display. Pointing to Chelsea’s busy December schedule, he exclaimed that the club started by winning the first six matches this month, but faltered at the end. Despite the challenges, Maresca expressed confidence in his side to start the second half of the season well. 

FS Video

In December, we played nine games. We started with winning the first five or six games but then we struggled a little bit finishing. We probably arrived at the end of the month feeling a little bit tired in general.

Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s recent form (H/T NY Times)

Chelsea next face Crystal Palace in the Premier League next month, followed by an FA Cup third round fixture against Morecambe FC. They have a total of five matches in January, as they also take on Bournemouth, Wolverhampton and Manchester City in consecutive EPL matches. 

RELATED
“We’re far from competing,” Enzo Maresca reacts to unexpected 2-0 loss against Ipswich Town
Enzo Maresca Chelsea not competing

Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson delivers an epic celebration, after scoring against his former club Chelsea

Omari Hutchinson celebrated in style after scoring a goal for Ipswich Town, during a 2-0 victory over his former club, Chelsea. The 21-year-old, did not hesitate, despite having moved to Ipswich only this season, after spending almost five years in London. 

Omari Hutchinson celebration vs Chelsea
Ipswich Town midfielder Omari Hutchinson celebrated after scoring against his former club, Chelsea. (via X)

He had joined Chelsea back in 2008, while also emerging from Arsenal’s youth academy. However, Hutchinson ended his five-year spell at Stamford Bridge with just two first-team appearances, before heading out on loan last season. He came back to haunt his former club, as he scored a brilliant strike into the bottom corner. He then ran towards the corner flag in celebration, while performing a back-flip and a hand-spring.

Explaining his celebration after the match, the 21-year-old stated that he had done it on his teammates’ request. Nonetheless, Omari has made 19 appearances for Ipswich this season, scoring two goals and providing an assist.