As Chelsea crashed to a disappointing 2-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on May 11, a number of Blues stars were called into question.
While most of the negativity was directed towards Nicolas Jackson, as his sending off tilted the game in Newcastle’s favour, one Chelsea star posted on Instagram to take responsibility for the defeat… and it was not Jackson.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia took to social media with a picture and a simple caption, “On Me”.
Lavia was dispossessed in the build up to Chelsea’s first goal, and lost the ball in a dangerous area, and the hosts broke away to take a 1-0 lead.
Chelsea fans have responded positively to Lavia’s honesty over the incident bur the clear fall guy on Tyneside was Jackson – following moment of madness.
The Senegal international was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Sven Botman on 36 minutes and he could now miss the remainder of the EPL season depending on his ban length.
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A formal update on how long the former Villarreal attacker will be suspended for is expected in the coming days but it could be a major blow for Maresca with the 23-year-old netting 12 goals across all competitions this season.
Chelsea’s entire league campaign now comes down to their last two games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, as their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League hinge on them.
Forest are in the running for a UCL spot themselves, and that tie could effectively be a top five playoff, depending on the incoming results.
Jackson will be available for Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis as Maresca aims for a debut season trophy in the final on May 28 in Wroclaw before heading off to the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
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