Enzo Maresca expressed frustration after Chelsea’s struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa but found a positive in Pedro Neto’s performance.
Chelsea took the lead early at Villa Park through Enzo Fernandez, but Marco Asensio’s two second-half goals—assisted by Marcus Rashford—secured the win for Unai Emery’s side.
This marked Chelsea’s third defeat in four Premier League games, leaving them sixth in the table, one point outside the Champions League spots.
Maresca admitted the loss was difficult to accept, especially since he felt Chelsea deserved at least a point. Despite the setback, he praised Neto’s efforts in a striker role, a tactical switch prompted by Nicolas Jackson’s injury and Christopher Nkunku’s struggles up front.
“It’s tough because the performance and reaction were much better than against Brighton,” Maresca said. “We’re in a bad run, but we must stick together. If we win a game, I believe we’ll find our rhythm again.”
Maresca highlighted the team’s increased attacking threat but lamented missed opportunities. “We created many chances today, unlike the last two games,” he added. “Pedro played really well in the striker role, but we didn’t win, and that’s disappointing. In this league, if you’re not clinical, mistakes will cost you.”
Chelsea’s defeat was sealed by a goalkeeping error from Filip Jorgensen, who failed to stop Asensio’s tame shot. Maresca, who recently dropped Robert Sanchez for Jorgensen, acknowledged concerns about the goalkeeping situation but stressed the need for unity.
“Goalkeepers are in a delicate position—when they make mistakes, everyone sees it,” Maresca said. “Filip made an error, but we need to support each other and stay strong.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery praised his team’s resilience and energy in the second half. “We started badly, but we improved and dominated after halftime,” Emery said. “Our impact players were fantastic, and this win is very important for our confidence.”
The victory moves Aston Villa to seventh in the table, just one point behind Chelsea, as both sides continue to chase European qualification.