Blues Boss Hails “Dirty Win” After Late Defensive Switch Almost Backfires
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confessed he nearly cost his team victory over Tottenham with an ill-timed defensive substitution—only to be saved by his players’ resilience in a tense 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian coach admitted he was caught off guard when 12 minutes of stoppage time were added after two lengthy VAR reviews, having already replaced attackers Cole Palmer and goalscorer Enzo Fernández with defensive reinforcements. The move allowed Spurs to pile on late pressure, but Chelsea held firm to secure a crucial three points.
“My Mistake” – Maresca’s Relief After Close Call
A visibly relieved Maresca acknowledged his misjudgment post-match: “I made the change before I saw the extra time. When I saw 12 minutes, I thought, ‘That was too early.’ Fortunately, we won, and we’re happy.”
His decision to bring on defender Tosin Adarabioyo and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 86th minute—intended to shut up shop—nearly backfired as Tottenham launched wave after wave of attacks. But Chelsea’s rearguard stood firm, with Maresca praising his side’s grit.
“If you want to become a top team, you have to learn to win in a dirty way,” he said. “That’s what we did in the last 10 minutes.”
VAR Drama & Jackson’s Impact
The extended stoppage time came after VAR controversially disallowed goals for both sides, leaving fans and players frustrated. Yet Chelsea’s victory, fueled by Fernández’s second-half header, lifted them back into fourth place—boosting their Champions League hopes.
Maresca also highlighted the return of Nicolas Jackson, whose relentless pressing disrupted Spurs’ defense. “With Nico, we’re a different team,” he said. “His energy changes everything.”
While Chelsea march on, Tottenham’s struggles continue—but for Maresca, this hard-fought win could prove pivotal in their quest for Europe’s elite competition.
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