Maresca admits Chelsea struggling to hold on to leads

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said he could not yet explain why his side continue to surrender leads in the Premier League, admitting it is an issue that must be resolved if they are to secure a top-four finish.

The Blues suffered their third home league defeat from a winning position this season on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge despite leading at half-time.

Ollie Watkins scored twice in the final 30 minutes after Joao Pedro had put Chelsea ahead in the first half, leaving Maresca’s side to rue a series of missed chances.

Chelsea have now dropped 11 points from winning positions at home this season, a total that would have them level with second-placed Manchester City. Instead, they sit fifth in the table.

“It’s a matter of understanding the reason why,” Maresca said ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Bournemouth. “When something keeps happening, it’s not random.

“No matter if we’re winning, drawing or losing, when we concede a goal we lose a little bit of control.”

Similar late collapses have blighted Chelsea’s campaign. Brighton came from behind to win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in September after Trevoh Chalobah was sent off, while Sunderland scored deep into stoppage time the following month to claim a 2-1 victory.

Chelsea were also held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal in November after taking the lead despite being reduced to 10 men.

Maresca said his side had dominated Villa for long periods despite the defeat.

“For one hour we can take many positive things,” the Italian added. “Not many teams create so many chances against Aston Villa. In the first half they were zero in terms of expected goals.”

Chelsea’s inconsistency has tempered talk of a title challenge, with the west London club 13 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, despite eye-catching wins over Barcelona in the Champions League and domestic champions Liverpool.

“We need to understand how to manage better when we concede goals,” Maresca said.