Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reflected on his team’s 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town, highlighting the challenge posed by striker Liam Delap. The Blues have now collected just one point from their last three Premier League matches.

Speaking after the loss on Monday, Maresca acknowledged the difficulties his centre-backs faced against Delap, contrasting his playing style with that of Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“I think Liam (Delap) is a bit different to (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin in terms of skills,” Maresca said. “But I think first-half we conceded a penalty and then we conceded one or two more chances in the same way; long ball for Liam, try to defend the ball and shoot.”

The Italian coach noted that Ipswich’s approach remained consistent throughout the match, with Delap proving to be a persistent threat.

“In the second-half, it was copy and paste. Again, we conceded the goal because we unfortunately made a mistake. Then they had some more moments, exactly the same; a longer ball for Liam and he fights against everyone and shoots. This is Liam. Liam and Calvert-Lewin, I think they’re a bit different.”