Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called for greater consistency from his team following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland. The loss, sealed by a late goal in stoppage time from Sunderland substitute Chemsdine Talbi, brought an end to the Blues' four-match winning streak across all competitions.

Maresca expressed his frustration with the team's inability to maintain a consistent level of performance, particularly after their recent victory against Liverpool. "We were not good enough, and in the Premier League, the consequences can be bad," Maresca stated. He emphasized the importance of avoiding defeat when victory is not possible, highlighting the need for consistency to achieve their goals. "If you want to be there, you need consistency. Winning four in a row and then today's (result), it shows that," he added. Maresca suggested that finding a middle ground between their best and worst performances would be preferable to the current fluctuations.

The Chelsea boss also lamented the defensive lapse that led to Sunderland's winning goal. Maresca described the situation as an "easy situation to defend," expressing his disappointment with the team's failure to handle it effectively.

Adding to Maresca's concerns are injuries affecting key players within the squad. He revealed that several players are struggling to train regularly, including Joao Pedro, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

Despite the defeat, Maresca did not place blame solely on his attacking players, though he alluded to needing better quality in the final ball at times. He noted the need for improvement in the quality of crosses into the box.

The defeat leaves Chelsea in a precarious position, and Maresca will be demanding a response from his players in their upcoming fixtures. The need for consistency is clear if Chelsea are to build on last season's fourth-place finish and compete with the Premier League's top teams.