Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hit with killer setback as top five twist emerges

Enzo Maresca will be noticeably absent from the touchline for Chelsea's upcoming match against Everton at Stamford Bridge, having received a one-match ban following his caution during the euphoric aftermath of Pedro Neto's sensational late winner against Fulham on Sunday.

The moment turned tumultuous when referee Anthony Taylor booked Maresca as the Chelsea coach and his team celebrated on the pitch post-Neto's goal, which sealed a thrilling comeback at Craven Cottage. Tyrique George had equalised with his first Premier League goal 10 minutes before Neto secured the victory in the 93rd minute.

The victory was particularly sweet for Maresca, who faced half-time boos and jeers after Chelsea found themselves behind due to an early goal from Fulham's Alex Iwobi. Despite the rollercoaster of emotions and his natural delight, Maresca made a swift exit down the tunnel, missing out on the post-match festivities.

Reflecting on his hasty departure, Maresca shared: "I was very happy, first of all because it's a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans."

Maresca recently opened up about why he received the third yellow card of the season during a post-match interview: "So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately and then when we scored the second one I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card. But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it's important and I said already many times, the players need to feel the support."

Chelsea won a hard-fought 2-1 victory against an injury-depleted Leicester City, however, after the match, the conversation shifted to Maresca. This marks the second time the Italian coach was booked by referee Taylor for outward celebration.

The first match happened a while back on the 17th of September in Chelsea's match against Bournemouth.

Chelsea's fans have increasingly viewed referee Taylor as a nemesis. Taylor handed Maresca a yellow card when Neto appeared to save his skin and caused Maresca's outward showing of emotion, which again angered fans in the Putney End.

On the other hand, Maresca was and still is not very popular among fans, especially after his comments criticizing the Stamford Bridge atmosphere for Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town last week. His football style also doesn't resonate with the fanbase.

The massive victory brought some hope for Chelsea to qualify for the Champions League this season. Even though fans have mixed feelings about Maresca, a big win like this keeps the door slightly ajar for him, even though there's still an impending ban hanging over.

"Personally, the goal from Pedro doesn't change my view from the season," he elaborated post-match. "I said three or four days ago, and I will repeat, Chelsea in the last two years has never been in a Champions League spot and this season we spent the whole season there. So today's win doesn't change my view.

"It's already a good season and can become very good if we finish in a Champions League spot, no doubt. But for sure today was an important win because first of all it's a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there and probably was the most difficult win and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game. And I think after we conceded the goal is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult and second half we were much better."

A Chelsea defeat could have spelled disaster for their ambition to secure a top-five berth, particularly following victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa on Saturday. Yet, with the pandemonium in southwest London, Chelsea now eye the possibility of ascending to third place when they tackle Everton, should other results swing their way, in what has become the latest twist in the race for the top 5 positions.

Chelsea's next challenge is a Saturday early kick-off at Stamford Bridge against Everton, where victory is crucial.

Maresca's season finale is fraught with danger as Liverpool and Manchester United are yet to visit SW6, followed by journeys to Newcastle and Forest.