EBL

Lots of talk about Acheampong starting and injuries and a lack of depth but Maresca signed Tosin. He also brought João Félix in who is not an ideal option because he doesn't lead the press to play centrally and can't hold the width as a winger. Talent is clear but a misfit.

However, it is abundantly clear that there were likely other factors involved in these deals that were out of Maresca's control.. Chelsea were a mess in the market before his arrival because they had no set style which meant their approach was to sign players with no clear idea.

Last season, I talked very highly of Ange. This season, I am talking very highly of Maresca, and Chelsea have been even more impressive tactically. Yet I always included a caveat when discussing Ange's potential - we need more evidence. We got that in the summer and he failed.

This isn't to say he can't turn it around or make up for his errors at Spurs, because of course he can, but the same questions will be asked of Maresca.. Will he identify the necessary solutions in the transfer market to help this Chelsea team go from 'potential' to winners?

It's the next step. Chelsea need more physicality and reliability. Maresca keeps talking about guys like Madueke being unreliable - no doubting his quality or tactical fit but there is never a second of doubt that the elites will be relentless with their day-to-day intensity.

Aside from that, the midfield needs more physicality. When Lavia and Caicedo play together it is well balanced, but when Enzo comes in and Palmer is in there too it can be soft, especially with Sancho and Madueke on the sides. Just not enough defensively-minded warriors..

Even in the last 4 defeats Chelsea had control (aside from Fulham). That control was created thanks to Maresca's tactics and the team's collective technical quality. But other Premier League teams are really, really good and have the quality to punish you in any moment.

It is in these moments where the likes of Saliba, van Dijk, Maguire, Rúben Dias and the top defenders in the league win their 1v1 duels. We can talk tactics and control all we like but these guys (and other defenders + goalkeepers) have to step up at least once per game.

There may not even be any direct or blatant individual errors, but these types of elite-level defenders stop situations that other defenders don't stop. Chelsea keep throwing points away in moments. This comes back to their lack of mental and physical steel - not tough enough..

What is really, really encouraging, though, is that Maresca has consistently referred to Chelsea's lack of physicality, their ill-discipline at times, and the need for new additions. That along with his tactics and leadership suggests that he will become a truly elite manager.

It is difficult to be concrete with that prediction because recruitment will ultimately decide the outcome of Maresca's tenure at the club, but I have no doubting his tactical qualities and things like this. Chelsea are almost always given the best chance to win thanks to him.