Enzo Maresca Chelsea reality check needed as shock Cole Palmer decision explained

It was clear it was going to be a difficult game for Chelsea from the early stages at St. James' Park on Wednesday night.

Anthony Gordon, back from a groin injury that kept him sidelined from the match at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, knew exactly how to get the crowd going on Tyneside. A challenge on Benoit Badiashile got the fans riled up. Moments later, a similar moment with Marc Cucurella - and Gordon played on that, waving his arms to try and create a hostile atmosphere.

Newcastle grew and grew into the game and they took the lead on 23 minutes through Alexander Isak after some sloppy play from a Blues point of view. Axel Disasi then scored an own goal moments later and it looked as if the Magpies would run away with it.

Chelsea did create but were unable to beat a stubborn Newcastle defensive line in a disappointing night for Enzo Maresca's 'B team'. Here are just some of the talking points from the defeat on Tyneside...

A moment to reflect

It might not be what Chelsea supporters want to hear right now, but everyone needs to take a moment and reflect on what just happened. The Blues' second-choice team were beaten by a good Newcastle side at a notoriously difficult stadium to play in.

Yes, the performance was poor but what Maresca has done so far trumps what we saw on Wednesday. There has been immense progress in the early stages of the season - and that context is required when assessing what happened in Newcastle.

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What every fan wants to see this season is progress and not even the most cynical of supporters can deny there has been some of that under Maresca thus far. A disappointing night, yes, but not the end of the world when all things are considered. Not at all.

Palmer decision baffles many

Cole Palmer travelled to St. James' - something that may have surprised many fans. But the fact that he did travel and then did not come on, with the side two goals down on Tyneside, probably baffled supporters more.

Asked about his decision not to bring his star man on, Maresca explained: "Simply because I think Joao [Felix] and Christo [Nkunku] were doing very good. The reason why [we brought him] was in case we needed Cole but Joao and Christo were doing well so there was no need to change."

However, at 2-0 down, in a game like that where the team needs some inspiration; it seemed like the ideal time to bring on Palmer. The positive thing is he is now rested for Sunday's match but it was a very bold decision from Maresca not to call upon his star man.

Man United game has added importance?

That is the question. Does Sunday's meeting at Manchester United now have added significance? Realistically, it shouldn't given this was the Carabao Cup but as we know with Chelsea, you are never too far away from pressure.

Maresca is not under any pressure at the moment but he has not yet suffered back-to-back defeats as Blues head coach - and he will not want that to start at the weekend. Man Utd, whether it's Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dugout or Ruben Amorim, are surely going to be up for it at Old Trafford.

There is not too long now for Chelsea to prepare for the trip to Manchester but these next days are absolutely crucial for Maresca and his squad. After a disappointing performance in the north east, it does not look as if any of the fringe players have a chance of starting in Manchester.