“They’re never happy” – Maresca plays down side-line incident with frustrated sub | OneFootball

This evening’s 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal was a feisty affair, and not just between the two teams.

The ref had a lot to do on the pitch, but there were bad vibes off the pitch too. Journalists in the press box (which is famously stuck right behind the dugouts at Stamford Bridge) noticed that Noni Madueke stormed straight down the tunnel when he was subbed off in the second half

On TV you just saw him go off looking angry, but not the follow up. Maresca was asked to address the incident in his press conference after the game, and as you’d expect he played it down as much as possible.

“The problem is that when you change a player, they’re never happy. We changed him. It’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players. In that moment, we thought in a different way that Pedro with Timber would be more aggressive.”

It’s the kind of things managers always say – “we’re happy to see the players care.” But behind the scenes we’re sure there will be a mild ticking off for the former PSV winger.

Noni Madueke controls a ball against Arsenal. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Madueke’s place under threat after another quiet performance

If Noni is annoyed with anyone, it should be himself. He didn’t do much today, and his overall form isn’t great. His place is surely under threat, especially with Pedro Neto having scored when playing off the right.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Jadon Sancho are ready to play on the left, with Neto on the right, so with or without this strop, and whether or not Maresca is actually annoyed by it or not, Madueke’s place is very threatened just on the basis of his form and the other options available.

Perhaps that’s why he was annoyed and frustrated?