"There were no answers to Chelsea's search for consistency here. Instead there was a late, potentially damaging defeat that leaves them staring down the barrel of a February playoff for the last 16, along with further suggestions they lack what it takes to face down a tough away assignment at this level. Enzo Maresca's side looked well set when Joao Pedro scored against the run of play after 25 minutes."
"They may have sensed blood in the water given Maresca characteristically rolled the dice, making five changes from the goalless trudge at Bournemouth. Cole Palmer, freshly back, was kept at home to avoid overexertion; Josh Acheampong was granted a first Champions League start at right-back in a reshuffled defence; and Joao Pedro led the line in the absence of Liam Delap, whose shoulder injury will sideline him for around a month."
"Atalanta duly made the more coherent start. It almost brought a goal within six minutes when Ademola Lookman, still starring here despite seeking to leave in the summer, wriggled inside from the left and forced Robert Sanchez to block an angled effort with his legs. De Ketelaere, following up, could not quite adjust his legs in time to bury the rebound."
Chelsea suffered a late defeat to Atalanta that raises questions about consistency and leaves them needing a February playoff to reach the Champions League last 16. Joao Pedro gave Chelsea an early lead after 25 minutes, but Gianluca Scamacca levelled and Charles De Ketelaere struck seven minutes from time to win it for Atalanta. Managerial context surrounded the hosts, who have mixed domestic form but strong European performances and recently appointed Raffaele Palladino. Enzo Maresca made five changes, rested Cole Palmer, handed Josh Acheampong a Champions League start, and deployed Joao Pedro with Liam Delap injured.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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