Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left frustrated after Liam Delap red card a “stupid” and “embarrassing” red card in their 4-3 Carabao Cup win over Wolves at Molineux. The young striker, making his first appearance since August, was sent off just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute. The Football Insight, will discuss the complete information below, check this out.
Delap earned two yellow cards in quick succession—the first for wrestling Yerson Mosquera to the ground and the second for a reckless aerial challenge on Emmanuel Agbadou. The dismissal, Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine matches, overshadowed what should have been a positive night for the team.
“It was a very stupid red card, completely unnecessary,” Maresca said after the game. “Two yellows in seven minutes is embarrassing. I told him several times to stay calm, but he acted like he was in his own world. We have to avoid this kind of behavior.”
Chelsea’s Win Overshadowed by Discipline Issues
Despite the victory, Enzo Maresca frustration reflected a growing concern over Chelsea’s discipline this season. Repeated red cards have disrupted their rhythm and cost them valuable points in both domestic and European competitions. The Italian coach emphasized that while some dismissals were hard to avoid, incidents like Delap’s were entirely preventable.
Maresca also warned that Delap’s suspension for the upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham could leave the team short of attacking options. “When you make these mistakes, you don’t just hurt yourself—you hurt the team,” he added. “We must be smarter and more mature if we want to compete at the highest level.”
The coach’s comments underline the growing pressure to restore discipline and consistency within a talented but volatile squad.
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Wolves Show Fighting Spirit Despite Defeat
While Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals, Wolves earned praise for their spirited second-half performance. After trailing 3-0 at halftime following goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estevao, Wolves mounted an impressive comeback.
Tolu Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe both found the net to make it 3-2, and even after Jamie Gittens restored Chelsea’s cushion, Wolfe struck again in stoppage time. However, the home side couldn’t find a late equalizer.
The result may have ended in defeat, but Wolves boss Vitor Pereira took positives from his team’s resilience and passion.
Pereira Sees Hope in the Comeback Effort
Under pressure following a disappointing start to the season, Pereira praised his players for refusing to give up despite the early setback. “We showed that we can fight together,” he said. “We just need one win to believe again and move forward.”
The Portuguese coach faced fan criticism after last weekend’s Premier League loss to Burnley but believes the second-half display against Chelsea showed the team’s true potential. “If we play like this—with confidence, energy, and the support of our fans—we can compete with anyone,” he insisted.
Wolves may have fallen short on the night, but their spirited fightback offered a glimpse of the determination needed to turn their season around. Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest Premier League news with just one click at footballcoasters.co.uk.