Chelsea may have reclaimed their status as title dark horses after a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but Enzo Maresca’s patience with Liam Delap may be wearing thin after another disappointing display from the English striker.
The Blues moved to within six points of league leaders Arsenal after Malo Gusto struck his first goal for the club, Joao Pedro came up with the second and Pedro Neto put the icing on the cake. The trio all had their shooting boots on, unlike Delap, who was poor in front of goal, and his replacement, Estevao, took little time to set up Pedro.
Delap had a point to prove after a needless sending off against Wolves in the Carabao Cup at the end of last month. He made his first domestic appearance since returning from suspension and was given the chance to impress with a start.
That didn’t happen, though, as the 22-year-old had little to no impact on the game, managing two shots with one on target. Maresca had seen enough by the 63rd minute and opted to bring him off for Estevao, who has surely now convinced his manager he deserves a starting role.
Chelsea 3-0 Wolves – Delap Drops Dull Display
Delap caught the eye at Ipswich Town last season, finding the back of the net 12 times in 37 games, including a goal and assist against Chelsea. He was a man in demand in the summer, and the Blues saw off competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United to bring him to west London.
The English striker got off to the worst possible start after picking up a hamstring injury in a 2-0 win over Fulham in August which kept him out of action until late October. He returned against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, but his competitive debut ended in disaster after he was sent off for two bookable offences.
Maresca was scathing in his assessment of the former Manchester City academy product following his red card but brought him into his starting lineup against Wolves once again tonight. But he put in a kind of performance that may well see him moved to the bench, so his coach can finally give Estevao a start.
The Blues need a prolific goalscorer if they are to challenge for the title, and Delap, handed a 4/10 player rating tonight, has yet to show he can be the man for the job. It’s been a difficult start to his Stamford Bridge career, and supporters want more from their summer signing.
“Wasted £30m” – Chelsea Fans Bemoan ‘Unacceptable’ Delap
Watching Delap take the number nine shirt may have struck fear into Chelsea fans because of the curse that can come with it. Some of the very best frontmen in the world have faltered with the shirt number, including Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres.
It’s too early to start doubting Delap to come good, but he hasn’t started on the best of terms with the club’s fanbase, who put aside their issues with him from last season’s loss to Ipswich when he arrived in the summer. But some are demanding improvement, including one fan who wrote on X:
“Delap…this is absolutely unacceptable btw.”
Another thinks he should be dropped:
“Delap out! What is this performance?”
One supporter isn’t impressed:
“What do you guys see in Delap genuinely bc this is the most limited striker I’ve seen in a while.”
Another thinks he’s better off competing in a Royal Rumble:
“Delap when asked to actually play football is hilarious.Wasted £30m on a WWE superstar. Thanks to these brainless sporting directors again.”
The Englishman has the personality to overcome his struggles and live up to expectations in a youthful Chelsea side who are now second in the Premier League table. Champions League football was his priority when deciding his future in the summer and he will no doubt be desperate to lead the line when the Blues host Barcelona later this month.
