Chelsea vs Wrexham: Pre-season opener ends in 2-2 draw

SANTA CLARA: In Chelsea vs Wrexham showdown, the former’s pre-season tour of the United States (US) began with a 2-2 draw against Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, US.

The match featured an early lead for Chelsea, but Wrexham equalised with two goals in the second half, demoa nod to the latter’s resilience and tactical adaptability.

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The game was significant for Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who joined the club on a five-year contract in early June. Although Maresca had limited opportunities to work with his full squad due to ongoing player integrations, including the imminent arrival of Enzo Fernandez, the match provided him with his first real test in implementing his tactical strategies.

Christopher Nkunku scored a goal for Chelsea, setting his team ahead in the first quarter. Nkunku’s goal marked a significant step in his recovery and readiness for the upcoming campaign despite previous injury.

Wrexham turned the game around in the second half with goals from Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott. Bolton’s strike resulted from a well-executed counter-attack, while Marriott took advantage of disorganised defending by Chelsea.

Chelsea managed to equalise late in the game with a goal from Lesley Ugochukwu.

The match shed light Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities and provided an early test for new manager Enzo Maresca. Maresca, who took charge in early June, had limited time with his full squad due to ongoing player integrations, including the forthcoming arrival of Enzo Fernandez. This game was Maresca’s first opportunity to implement his tactical plans in a competitive environment.

The tactical adjustments made by Maresca were evident. Reece James and Malo Gusto, who are expected to play in an inverted full-back system similar to what Maresca employed at Leicester City, each played 45 minutes. James, who had previously featured in midfield on loan at Wigan Athletic, adapted well but was less effective in attack. Gusto, however, struggled with the new role, exposing defensive weaknesses.

Chelsea’s possession-based approach faltered as they struggled to generate meaningful chances beyond set-pieces. The back three formation used by Maresca appeared susceptible to counter-attacks, particularly due to the wide spaces left by the inverted full-backs. The goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s shaky short-passing under pressure also contributed to defensive issues.

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The team faced challenges due to limited preparation time in the US, with only one training session before the match, while Wrexham had played two matches so far.