Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein says Enzo Maresca is doing a 'great job' - here’s what the stats say

Enzo Maresca has felt the wrath of Chelsea supporters for the first time since joining the club.

After a terrific start to the season, Chelsea‘s form since the end of December has really plummeted.

Since the turn of the year, the Blues have won just two Premier League games and are no longer in the top four having had the chance to go top of the table at one stage.

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Some Chelsea fans would now rather have Frank Lampard in charge, showing how quickly things can change in football. But Chelsea co-owner and director Jonathan Goldstein has defended the Italian, and the stats show he is right to.

• READ MORE: Three ways Enzo Maresca could use Kendry Paez at Chelsea next season, including all-South American midfield

Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images

Chelsea are a dominant and attacking team under Enzo Maresca

Goldstein believes Maresca is doing a “great job” as Chelsea manager and many people would have agreed with him earlier in the season when the Blues were second.

Now, perhaps not so much. But while Chelsea may not be blowing away teams at the minute, they are still a very offensive and dominant side.

For example, according to FBref, Chelsea’s xG is currently 49.2. It is the second highest in the Premier League, only behind Liverpool’s total of 58.7, and shows that they are creating chances and really should have a couple of more goals to their name. They are currently on 47.

In terms of possession, Maresca’s men see a lot of the ball each game. Their average of 58.6% is again only below one other team, Manchester City (61%), as per WhoScored. Of course, some Chelsea fans will feel that it is meaningless possession — backwards and sideways passes — but even a Pep Guardiola side can look like that when the goals are not flowing in.

Where the problem lies for Chelsea is their leaky defence. The 34 goals they have conceded this season means they have a worse defensive record than the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton.

After 25 games in the Premier League under Maresca, Chelsea have won 12 matches, drawn seven and lost six, giving the 45-year-old a win rate of 48%, which does not look good. But the Blues are only one point below fourth, while all of the above shows that the team has the characteristics of a top European side.

Considering all of that, then, you can say that Maresca is doing a great job. This blip that Chelsea are having does not wipe out what spectators saw in the first part of the season.

Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

What Enzo Maresca needs to take this Chelsea team to the next level

Hopefully, hopefully, Chelsea can secure Champions League qualification and win the Conference League this term.

If they can, then the next step after that is for the club to mount a serious title challenge. To do that, experienced arrivals will be needed this summer. This current Chelsea squad lacks that, seasoned footballers with nous and leadership.

It is thought that Todd Boehly has concerns about this Chelsea squad, feeling that it needs more experience.

Give Maresca that, and the potential for it to evolve and get the club to where it once was is certainly possible.

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