Sancho is a very good player but he has something he has to fix. I think this is the same issue the manager of his former team had with him. I will try to work with him because this draw with Nottingham Forest clearly shows the issues we have to fix” – Enzo Maresca now faces the challenging task of resolving the complicated Jadon Sancho situation following Chelsea’s draw against Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea’s winning streak came to an unexpected end with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, which also revealed emerging concerns about Jadon Sancho’s performance. The match, initially anticipated as another win for Chelsea, highlighted tactical issues, particularly related to Sancho’s role. Manager Enzo Maresca faced several key decisions as Forest proved to be a tougher challenge than expected.

Chelsea had entered the game with confidence after five consecutive victories across all competitions, making them clear favorites. However, the draw felt like a missed opportunity, exposing areas Maresca will need to address going forward. Maresca was visibly active on the touchline, giving frequent instructions to his players, especially Sancho. Despite his technical abilities, Sancho struggled against Forest’s defense, with his lack of pace standing out. Ola Aina repeatedly neutralized his advances, disrupting Chelsea’s attacking rhythm.

Sancho’s role as a winger, critical to Chelsea’s tactical setup, became a point of frustration for Maresca. Instead of driving forward into space, Sancho often opted to cut back and recycle possession, which hindered Chelsea’s ability to break down Forest’s defense. His reluctance to take risks in attacking situations raised questions, as he had been signed to enhance Chelsea’s creativity.

While Sancho’s attacking contribution was underwhelming, his defensive work was a positive takeaway. He helped contain Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, showing strong work rate and defensive commitment. However, the main concern remains Sancho’s lack of cutting edge in the final third. To truly thrive under Maresca’s system, he needs to take advantage of the moments when he beats defenders, either by delivering key crosses or taking decisive shots.

Although the draw may feel like a setback for Chelsea, it represents progress compared to last season when they lost the same fixture. Maresca will undoubtedly look to learn from this match, particularly regarding how to maximize Sancho’s impact moving forward. The upcoming international break provides Sancho an opportunity to regroup and refocus before the season resumes.

Ultimately, the match highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement for Chelsea. While Sancho’s integration into the team remains a work in progress, Maresca’s guidance offers hope that the talented winger’s full potential can be unlocked.