Enzo Maresca’s mistake nearly cost Chelsea win against Tottenham

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted to a tactical oversight that nearly hindered his team’s narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.

Enzo Maresca later after the game has confessed that he nearly cost Chelsea with a crucial error in a narrow derby win against rivals Tottenham.

Maresca’s side secured all three points at Stamford Bridge by courtesy of a second-half header from Enzo Fernandez, but the closing moments were anything but straightforward for the Blues.

Enzo Fernandez nearly cost Chelsea a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday (Image credit: Getty Images)

While Chelsea clung to a vital lead, Maresca withdrew forward Cole Palmer and goal-scorer Fernandez, bringing on Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to steady the ship in defence and midfield, respectively.

Little did he know that 12 minutes of stoppage time had been signalled after making the changes – largely due to extensive VAR reviews that had disallowed goals for both sides during the second half.

Maresca, in his admission, reportedly indicated:

“We created chances enough in the first half, and then, to be honest, it has been my mistake because I did the change before I saw the extra time,” Maresca told reporters.

“When I saw 12 minutes, I saw that probably was too early to make that kind of change. But fortunately, we won the game, and we are happy.”

“Despite his admission of a tactical error, Maresca was quick to heap praise on his players for their resilience and determination during the frantic finale.

“If you want to become a team, I think you need also to learn and to play in the way we played in the last 10 minutes: win a game in a dirty way,” the Italian said.

Chelsea’s next fixture comes with a short trip across London to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on April 6.