‘Absolute joke’ – Chelsea fans adamant Enzo Maresca ‘hates’ star after what he did vs Aston Villa

Enzo Maresca has nobody to blame but himself for Chelsea’s capitulation against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

That is according to a whole host of frustrated home supporters, who could only watch as Villa kept their place in the Premier League title race, with a 2-1 win over the Blues on Saturday, 27 December.

Arsenal narrowly beat Brighton to retain top spot, with Man City doing the same against Nottingham Forest, leaving the Blues stranded outside of the Champions League spaces.

Although Ollie Watkins has not been at his best this season, he came on to be the hero, with Unai Emery being hailed for his second-half masterclass. Jadon Sancho was also key to the comeback.

The same could not be said for Maresca, however, after he chose to take off Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca blasted for hooking Cole Palmer vs Aston Villa

The England international appeared just as surprised as the rest of Stamford Bridge, and while Palmer has only just returned from injury, the manager admitted that he could play the full 90 minutes.

One supporter labelled his changes as “weird behaviour,” with another stating that “Maresca hates Palmer,” with the decision being pinned as the reason for the Blues’ defeat.

Maresca has now been accused of “singlehandedly” ruining Palmer, with the player notching just six goals and two assists across all competitions this term, playing as much as possible when not injured.

• @tomcliffordcfc: “These Subs are an absolute joke. According to Maresca, the other day, Palmer can now play 90 minutes… Then takes him off. Yet Neto is still on.”
• @leolindoski: “Maresca hates Palmer.”
• @EfeAkhabue: “Maresca has singlehandedly ruined Palmer. The sooner y’all know this, the better.”

Palmer reacts angrily to strange decision at Stamford Bridge

Watching the player’s reaction on the sidelines, journalist Nizaar Kinsella said Palmer was “not happy” about being hooked, with still 20 minutes left and plenty of chances being created.

With Maresca banned from the touchline, he was forced to argue with Willy Caballero as Estevao entered the field of play, but he offered very little for the Blues.

The same can be said about Liam Delap, who was booked after just two minutes on the pitch, arguing with Stuart Atwell and going into the referee’s notebook as a result.

Maresca will have already had questions to answer after conceding an equaliser, but to throw all three points away, there will be an inquisition into his decisions from the stands.

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