Chelsea signing slammed for 'disappearing up blind alleys' after 'strange move'

One of Chelsea's summer additions has had a terrible start to life at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca starting to be questioned for the signing.

Maresca prioritised bolstering his attack in the summer, though Cole Palmer's injury which could rule him out of the World Cup, may begin to have a detrimental impact.

Chelsea's 2-1 win over Liverpool means the Blues currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, already five points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Following the international break, Chelsea will return to action at struggling Nottingham Forest, who are on a nine-match winless streak in all competitions.

Chelsea questioned for Jamie Gittens transfer

Jamie Gittens joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund, but the 21-year-old has yet to registering either a goal or assist at the club in seven appearances.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has been critical of the transfer, as per the Metro [14 October].

 "Who knows how Chelsea feel when it comes to these comings and goings," Smith asked.

"Jamie Gittens hasn’t been an upgrade though, he’s just been disappearing up blind alleys, and we’ve not seen the best form from him yet.

"That was a strange move. It felt unusual at the time, and it looks even more out of place now. But that’s Chelsea at the moment, isn’t it?"

As Gittens signed for the club, Chelsea allowed Noni Madueke to join Arsenal, and the latter's fine start to life at the Gunners has added greater scrutiny on Maresca's signings.

Gittens stars in England victory on international duty

The international break may have come at a good time for the Gittens, with the winger able to get starts with England's under-21 squad.

Gittens started against both Moldova and Andorra, netting a goal and registering an assist in the fixtures.

Maresca will hope the renewed confidence may help Gittens when he returns to the club with a space in the starting XI still up for grabs.