Enzo Maresca is being heavily linked with the Chelsea sack but Fabrizio Romano insists the Italian manager is safe for now.

Whilst the availability of players has undoubtedly had a knock-on effect for Maresca, his team have never been defensively resilient. During the strong two-month climb up the table and into second place Chelsea were porous at the back, conceding three away to Tottenham and failing to stop Southampton or Leicester from getting one.

Chelsea are ‘happy’ with the job Enzo Maresca has done at Stamford Bridge despite the club’s worrying slump culminating in their ‘worst performance of the season’ last time out. This time two months ago Chelsea were preparing to visit Goodison Park knowing a victory over struggling Everton would have sent them above Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.