Garnacho’s Double Assist Raises More Questions than Praise
Chelsea defeated Wolves 3–0 at Stamford Bridge, a win that lifted them temporarily to second place in the Premier League table. The late Saturday game gave the Blues a chance to capitalize on Arsenal’s earlier draw with Sunderland. Should Manchester City and Liverpool fail to separate on Sunday, Chelsea could be the biggest winner this round.
But being second is one thing; fighting for the title is another. Just last season, Chelsea briefly topped the table before collapsing under media hype. Manager Maresca defended his side then, claiming they were still a “young team” not ready for the title chase — a point that earned him mixed reactions.
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Rotation Policy Under the Spotlight Again
Despite back-to-back league wins, Chelsea’s draw in the Champions League reignited criticism of Maresca’s heavy squad rotation. Wayne Rooney questioned whether the Italian was making too many changes, pointing out Chelsea’s total of 85 rotations across competitions — the highest in the Premier League, well above Liverpool’s 69.
Maresca fired back, saying: “Rotation is necessary. I’ve been clear since day one — give the young players chances to make mistakes.” Players like Andrey Santos, Estevão, and Hato are young internationals, and Maresca insists they must grow through experience.
Still, critics wonder why he made seven changes against Qarabag but reverted to nearly the same XI versus Wolves. Was he underestimating the Azerbaijani side?
Two Assists — But Is Garnacho Really Back?
The spotlight, however, was stolen by Alejandro Garnacho, who provided two assists — one for Gusto’s first career goal, another a low cross for Neto’s easy finish. Both were classic winger plays, showing speed and timing.
Yet for some, including long-time critics, Garnacho remains an enigma. His technique is often described as raw, especially for an Argentine, and his personality divisive. Idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo in Messi’s homeland makes him even more controversial.
As one fan joked on 12BET Malaysia Football Forum, “He’s got pace, not grace.”
Speed Isn’t Everything in Football
Garnacho has speed — but it’s the kind of straight-line speed you’d expect from a sprinter, not a footballer. The best wingers combine pace with agility, trickery, and decision-making. Garnacho too often lacks that final touch.
Despite that, he’s somehow climbed from Atletico Madrid’s academy to Manchester United, and now Chelsea. His €40 million transfer was viewed as a rare win-win — United got paid, Chelsea got a “future star.”
After his goal in the Champions League and two assists here, fans are quick to say, “He’s arrived.” But context matters: Wolves are bottom of the table, with just two points from ten games.
Stats Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Supporters often defend Garnacho by shouting “He’s still young!” But he’s now 21, three years past his debut, and has only eight assists in 62 Premier League appearances. Half of those came in the Europa League.
That means one assist every eight matches — hardly elite winger numbers. Yet his fanbase remains convinced that Manchester United ruined him.
The question remains: why didn’t Garnacho play this way at United? The answer might sting — he was too protected. Under Ten Hag, he was treated like a future superstar, given freedom few earned. At Chelsea, surrounded by equally talented players like Estevão and Neto, Garnacho has no choice but to deliver or be benched.
Too Early to Call Him a Star
One good game doesn’t make a season. For now, Garnacho has shown flashes, not consistency. Maresca is right: Chelsea aren’t ready to fight for the title yet. Let’s see if Garnacho still shines when the pressure mounts.
As fans on 12BET Malaysia debate whether he’s a future legend or a one-hit wonder, one thing is certain — this story isn’t over.
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