Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was livid with Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson after the forward was sent off in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
The Blues failed to capitalize on Manchester City’s draw at Southampton the previous day, as they suffered a first defeat in seven league games.
As it happened
In a season-defining fixture between both sides, Newcastle United were off the blocks early and took the lead in the second minute, when Sandro Tonali slotted in after Romeo Lavia was dispossessed.
Jackson was then sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman in the 35th minute, after VAR sent referee John Brooks to the pitch-side monitor, deeming the striker’s action as dangerous play.
Despite being a man down, Chelsea were much better in the second half and spurned chances to level the scores as Marc Cucurella and Reece James failed to convert.
The Magpies however grabbed a second late on through Bruno Guimaraes, to seal the important win and boost their chances of finishing in the top-five at the end of the season.
What Maresca said
“If the ref thinks red card, it’s a red card,” Maresca said. “We need to accept that. Sometimes in this stadium, it’s the noise that helps makes decisions, but I don’t think that about that one.
Check this out: Maresca hails Lavia’s showing against Everton
I haven’t spoken to Nico, it’s not the time. But I will speak to him in the next days.”
The 23-year old will miss the Blues last two games of the season due to suspension, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side with no recognized option upfront, with Christopher Nkunku also out injured and Marc Guiu not fully fit.
“His season for us is finished. He is our nine, our striker, so we have to find a solution for the next games. Marc Guiu is our other striker, but he has been injured for three months.
What you have to avoid is these kind of things, but it happened. Nico is now out for the season and hopefully he can learn for the future”, the Italian added.
What next for Chelsea?
Read this: Maresca happy with Chelsea’s progress
The Blues must navigate two tricky ties in the league against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to stand a chance of ending the season in the top five.
Enzo Maresca’s side will also face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on the 28th of May in Poland.
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