The primary discussion points from Chelsea’s perspective at Portman Road, following their second defeat in four days, culminating in a disappointing conclusion to 2024.

Enzo Maresca has now suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time as Chelsea head coach (Image: Michael Regan)

Following Nicolas Jackson’s goal in the 80th minute against Brentford around 16 days ago, Chelsea has attempted 48 attempts in the Premier League. During that period, three matches were contested, resulting in a solitary goal scored by the Blues.

Twenty of those shots were recorded in a single encounter against Ipswich Town on Monday evening. The match statistics indicate that the Tractor Boys registered nine shots throughout the course of 100 minutes (including five additional minutes in each half), whilst Chelsea recorded 20 shots.

Chelsea maintained 76% possession. Seventy-six. Nevertheless, you departed from Portman Road on Monday – or switched off your television in indignation – with the impression that Ipswich was entirely deserving of the outcome.

The opportunities presented by the guests were indeed favorable. Chelsea concluded the match with 2.22 expected goals, whereas the hosts recorded 1.55. Enzo Maresca acknowledged the defensive weaknesses displayed in Ipswich but stated that his Chelsea team generated clear-cut opportunities in both half in East Anglia.

“It was an unusual match,” a dissatisfied Maresca remarked to reporters at the conclusion of the game. “In the first half, we generated numerous opportunities, and within the initial five to ten minutes of the second half, we had two clear chances: a header from Joao [Felix] and another shot.”

The starting front five at Ipswich, with Enzo Fernandez frequently occupying one of the No.10 positions, was valued at over £270 million. Meanwhile, six of Ipswich’s starters were previously with them in League One.

Ipswich, however, desired it more than Chelsea. That was evident. The Tractor Boys, without a victory at Portman Road in the Premier League this season prior to the match, aimed to provide their supporters—who generated an exceptional atmosphere that evening—with a positive conclusion to 2024.

Chelsea concludes the calendar year poorly, suffering consecutive defeats to Fulham and Ipswich, which leaves them apprehensive about securing a position in the Premier League’s top four. Only a few days ago, we discussed the Blues as the nearest contenders to challenge the dominant leaders, Liverpool, at the summit of the division.

Such is the nature of football; nonetheless, with Chelsea’s struggling offense and unstable defense, challenges will arise. Maresca stated that he will implement changes to his team following the Fulham match, a sentiment that resonated with many supporters at the time.

Nevertheless, when observing the XI on Monday evening, numerous fans online were left pondering the same question: ‘What is Axel Disasi doing at right-back?’. Ultimately, deploying a central defender out of position—despite his repeated adaptation since his acquisition approximately 18 months ago—is suboptimal, but certain individuals can manage it effectively.

Despite his physical attributes, Disasi does not appear to be the suitable player for this system. Occasionally careless in possession, sluggish in maneuvering, and exhibiting dubious decision-making—Ipswich appeared to exploit him frequently at Portman Road, resulting in their win.

The defeat cannot be attributed primarily to Disasi; yet, the Blues defender delivered a dismal performance on Monday. Held responsible for the second goal, which Maresca deemed decisive, fans were infuriated that the Frenchman was selected to start over the promising academy product Josh Acheampong.

The 18-year-old, who just secured a new long-term contract with the club following months of uncertainty, has excelled in Chelsea’s victories against FC Astana and Shamrock Rovers this month in the UEFA Conference League. Acheampong has not yet been allocated any minutes of Premier League play.

Maresca is recognized as a fervent admirer of the teenager’s abilities, which is evident in his remarks on the right-back during news conferences. Disasi is the individual selected to substitute for Malo Gusto during his periods of relaxation.

Regarding the right-back issue, it was commendable to witness club captain Reece James return to the squad at Portman Road. Prior to the match, it appeared improbable that James would participate until Chelsea held a dominant lead; nonetheless, it is a significant advancement for the captain to be included in the 20 once more.

Maresca will judiciously reintegrate James into play due to his persistent injury issues. During the pre-match conference at Ipswich, the head coach stated: “Reece is prepared, which is why he is with us, but he must be reintegrated into the team gradually.”

There is no urgency to return him to the field. We will take our time and assist him to the best of our ability.

James aspires to join the squad on Saturday afternoon, as Chelsea has nearly four days to prepare for an away London derby against Crystal Palace. One week later, League Two team Morecambe will visit Stamford Bridge for the FA Cup third round.

Chelsea might execute one of the most surprising trades in living memory.

According to reports, Chelsea is willing to approve a trade that would result in the departure of three players.

The Blues had a very busy transfer window and had to work quickly to cut down Enzo Maresca’s roster, which at one point included forty-three players.

The team sold players like Romelu Lukaku and Conor Gallagher, and loaned out players like Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, a recent source claims that Chelsea intends to cut even more players from its roster in January, leaving a number of peripheral players on the team.

The Blues are reportedly looking to add Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez to strengthen their attacking lineup, according to Argentine publication Doble Amarilla.

Despite being linked to moves for Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney during the summer, Chelsea ultimately opted not to bolster their striking lineup.

The Blues are rumored to have been considering a €100 million bid to sign Martinez, who has scored 20 goals in Serie A over the previous three seasons.

However, they are currently looking on a trade involving Mykhailo Mudryk, a winger that Chelsea paid £88 million to acquire in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Carney Chukwuemeka and Benoit Badiashile are reportedly other possible inclusions in any exchange agreement.

Martinez, one of Inter’s most important players, was benched for Wednesday’s 0-0 Champions League tie against Manchester City.

Marcus Thuram and recent addition Medhi Taremi made up the ideal strike tandem according to manager Simone Inzaghi.

Martinez, an Argentine who has failed to score in any of his first three Serie A games this season, was reportedly rested from the starting lineup by Gazzetta dello Sport.

TERMINI CONCORDATI: The attacker rejects Chelsea’s million-dollar deal and agrees to follow his heart and join Ac Milan – VOLA PER FARE I MEDICAL.

Paulo Fonseca has successfully added a new name to his numerous offerings this season, and Silvano Vos is eager to begin his adventure with the Rossoneri officially with his arrival in Milan this evening.

Arriving in town yesterday afternoon, the Dutch gamer has started getting acquainted with the world of Rossoneri this morning.

The medical check-ups for the 19-year-old defensive centre have started today at La Madonnina facility. Once completed, Vos will visit the Ambrosia Centre to obtain the necessary athletic eligibility, and he will conclude his “tour” at Casa Milan by signing a five-year contract that will bind him to the AC Milan team.

According to Milan News, the gifted player will officially join the Aja Rossoneri for 2.5 million euros plus 2.5 million in bonuses.

In the meantime, there are reports that the Italian team is able to capitalise on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but it appears that these reports are the only ones because the player is ready to align with the Blues.

Further reports from Fabrizio Romano have also stated that Victor Osimhen would also join the Saudi club Al Alhi, which made a 63 million dollar bid at the start of the season, thus cutting out the Serie A team from the agreement.

Due to the fact that Victor Osimhen successfully joined Milan, Paulo Fonseca should make some purchases before the expiration date, but it will be interesting to see what happens in the next days as the manager may decide to make more market choices.