Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend has drawn sharp criticism from former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, who labelled Enzo Maresca’s team selection as “pathetic” and accused the manager of putting the club’s Champions League hopes in serious jeopardy.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson was scathing in his assessment of Maresca’s decision to rest key players ahead of a midweek UEFA Europa Conference League fixture.

“I couldn’t believe the team Enzo Maresca put out at Brentford. When that team came out, I was flabbergasted. It was pathetic,” Merson said.

Maresca opted to rotate his squad, leaving out vital attacking threats like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson from the starting XI. The Italian appeared to prioritise Chelsea’s European campaign over the Premier League clash with Brentford, a decision Merson believes could have long-term consequences.

Merson went on: “Chelsea have won the Champions League. This is the Europa Conference League – and he’s resting players for it?”

“Getting into the Champions League has to be the be all and end all. They have to be in it. If they come sixth in the Premier League and win the Europa Conference League, it would be a shocker. A shocker.

“This is Legia Warsaw, no disrespect to them but they won’t beat Chelsea over two legs. You have to beat Brentford.”

In Merson’s view, the Brentford game was a must-win if Chelsea wanted to solidify their top-four credentials. And given the upcoming fixture against Ipswich, the ex-England international believes that a win at the Gtech Community Stadium would have put Chelsea firmly in control of their Champions League destiny.

“If they had won that game, then beat Ipswich at the weekend, they would have Champions League football in their hands with six games to go.”

Merson also highlighted how the match turned after Maresca brought on some of his rested stars.

“And then look at what happened when those subs like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson came on. They dominated Brentford.

“But now, they are right up against it. Chelsea might have to finish ahead of Manchester City to qualify for the Champions League, in an era when every team that finished ahead of City won the Premier League.”