Paul Merson singles out “bad mistake” Maresca has made and claims he’s already “paid the price” for it | OneFootball

Paul Merson has highlighted a mistake he feels Enzo Maresca has made this season and has urged the Chelsea boss to learn from it.

The Blues have exceeded many people’s expectations so far and currently sit fourth in the league and on track to qualify for the Champions League.

However, Chelsea have hit their first dip in form under Maresca and the gap to Newcastle in fifth is now just three points, and it’s going to be interesting to see how the Blues respond in the face of adversity.

Merson highlights mistake Maresca has made

Heading into the festive fixtures the Blues were on a five game winning streak in the league and there was conversation of the title.

A goalless draw away at Everton was followed up by back to back defeats against Fulham and newly promoted Ipswich meaning the Blues have taken one point and scored once in the last three games, although Maresca admitted he expected a dip in form.

Merson believes Jackson has to start away from home. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Whilst the recent form hasn’t been good perspective is needed and Chelsea have only lost four games in the league this season, so it’s not time to panic just yet.

However, if the Blues are unable to beat Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon further questions would be raised and Merson has highlighted a mistake he feels Maresca needs to learn from.

“I think the one thing that Enzo Maresca needs to learn is that when Chelsea play away from home, he has to start with Nicolas Jackson,” Merson told Sportskeeda  as quoted by The Chelsea Chronicle.

“It was a bad mistake playing Christopher Nkunku at Ipswich. Jackson gives you the energy up front in such games and holds the ball up really well. Maresca got that selection horribly wrong and Chelsea paid the price for it!”

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Nicolas Jackson has impressed this season with nine league goals and Thierry Henry believes he’s on his way to becoming the real deal.

It’s likely that Merson and the majority of Chelsea fans will get their wish with it almost certain Jackson will return to the starting line-up at Selhurst Park.