Chelsea’s FA Cup exit to Brighton on Saturday has raised fresh concerns over the team’s lack of progress under manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues were defeated 2-1 by the Seagulls, leaving them with only the Conference League as their remaining route to silverware this season. Once considered potential Premier League title contenders earlier in the campaign, Chelsea’s form has deteriorated since a goalless draw with Everton in December. The team has now managed just three wins in their last ten matches across all competitions.

One of the most concerning aspects of Chelsea’s recent performances is their inability to find consistency away from home. The defeat to Brighton marked their third consecutive loss in away fixtures, with the Blues failing to win on the road for nearly two months. As Chelsea prepares for another visit to Brighton on Friday for a crucial Premier League clash, the pressure on Maresca and his squad is growing.

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley was particularly critical of the team’s lack of urgency during their FA Cup exit. Speaking to ESPN, Burley suggested that Chelsea had regressed into the “pedestrian passing game” that characterized previous managers like Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Tuchel. Despite having 57 percent of possession against Brighton—more than their opponents—Chelsea failed to create meaningful chances. Burley noted that Chelsea’s possession amounted to very little, with the team unable to break down Brighton’s defense and failing to register more than one shot on target.

The Blues fielded a strong lineup, with Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho all starting, alongside Christopher Nkunku leading the attack. However, the team struggled to find any rhythm in the final third, with Nkunku’s performance particularly underwhelming. The French striker’s £52 million move to Chelsea has been widely questioned, and Burley was quick to label it a “total waste of money.” Despite his price tag and reputation, Nkunku failed to make any meaningful impact in the FA Cup defeat, leaving many to wonder about the effectiveness of the transfer business under Maresca’s guidance.

Burley also pointed to Palmer’s recent decline in form as another worrying sign. The young forward had been making headlines earlier in the season for his contributions but has since stopped influencing games as much as he did when he first arrived. Chelsea’s attacking woes were further highlighted by their inability to score more than once despite dominating possession. Burley expressed frustration over the lack of cutting edge in their attacking play, pointing out that Chelsea’s forwards were often anonymous and lacked the creativity needed to break down Brighton.

In addition to their attacking shortcomings, Burley criticized Chelsea’s defensive fragility, noting that they appeared vulnerable at the back. This issue compounds Chelsea’s broader problems, with the team looking increasingly disjointed and lacking cohesion. With only the Conference League to focus on, Maresca faces mounting pressure to turn things around quickly before the end of the season.

Overall, Chelsea’s recent performances suggest a worrying regression under Maresca, with the club’s possession-heavy approach failing to yield results. The team’s inability to take their chances and their defensive vulnerabilities will need to be addressed if they are to salvage anything from the remainder of the season.